Vehicle control device, control method, and program

Abstract

To enable communication according to characteristics of information used by a vehicle.SOLUTION: A control device for a vehicle includes: a vehicle control section which, at least partly on the basis that a user of the vehicle has authority to use a specific vehicle control function, executes the vehicle control function; a first reception section which receives information indicating whether the user has the use authority from a first server by using a first communication module; and a second reception section which receives information used in the vehicle control function from a second server by using a second communication module different from the first communication module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a business model that enables a specific function of a vehicle to be executed only when a user has the right to use it. Patent Document 1 describes enabling the use of a function in a plurality of vehicles based on user license data. Patent Document 2 describes a vehicle acquiring data from a plurality of servers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A vehicle can use information provided by various servers. Depending on the characteristics of the information provided by the server, the communication characteristics required between the vehicle and the server can be different. Some aspects of the present invention aim to provide a technique for enabling communication according to the characteristics of the information used by the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to some embodiments, a vehicle control device includes vehicle control means for executing the vehicle control function based at least in part on the fact that a user of the vehicle has the right to use a specific vehicle control function, and information indicating whether the user has the right to use and the expiration date of the usage righta first receiving means for receiving from a first server using a first communication module; and a second receiving means for receiving information used in the vehicle control function from a second server using a second communication module different from the first communication module. first transmission means for transmitting the identification information of the vehicle, the information indicating the state of the vehicle, and the account information of the user to the first server using the first communication module A control device is provided that includes these components.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to some embodiments, communication can be performed according to the characteristics of the information used by the vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are essential for the invention. Two or more of the plurality of features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Also, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control device CNT according to an embodiment of the present invention and a schematic diagram of a vehicle V as an application example thereof. In FIG. 1, the outline of the vehicle V is shown in a plan view and a side view. The vehicle V of the present embodiment is, as an example, a four-wheel sedan passenger car and can be, for example, a parallel hybrid vehicle. The vehicle V is not limited to a four-wheel passenger car and may be a saddle-riding type vehicle (motorcycle, three-wheeled vehicle) or a large vehicle such as a truck or a bus.

[0010] The control device CNT includes a controller 1 which is an electronic circuit that executes control of the vehicle V including driving assistance of the vehicle V. The controller 1 includes a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units). The ECUs are provided, for example, for each function of the control device CNT. Each ECU includes a processor represented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and an interface with an external device. Programs executed by the processor and data used by the processor for processing are stored in the storage device. The interface includes an input / output interface and a communication interface. Each ECU may include a plurality of processors, a plurality of storage devices, and a plurality of interfaces. The program stored in the storage device may be stored in the storage device by being installed in the control device CNT using a storage medium such as a CD-ROM. In addition to or instead of this, the program stored in the storage device may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication.

[0011] The controller 1 controls the driving (acceleration) of the vehicle V by controlling a power unit (power plant) 2. The power unit 2 is a traveling drive unit that outputs a driving force for rotating the driving wheels of the vehicle V and can include an internal combustion engine, a motor, and an automatic transmission. The motor can be used as a drive source for accelerating the vehicle V and can also be used as a generator during deceleration (regenerative braking).

[0012] In the case of this embodiment, the controller 1 controls the output of the internal combustion engine or the motor and switches the gear position of the automatic transmission in response to the driving operation of the driver detected by the operation detection sensor 2a provided on the accelerator pedal AP and the operation detection sensor 2b provided on the brake pedal BP, or the vehicle speed of the vehicle V detected by the rotational speed sensor 2c. The automatic transmission is provided with a rotational speed sensor 2c that detects the rotational speed of the output shaft of the automatic transmission as a sensor for detecting the running state of the vehicle V. The vehicle speed of the vehicle V can be calculated from the detection result of the rotational speed sensor 2c.

[0013] The controller 1 controls the braking (deceleration) of the vehicle V by controlling the hydraulic device 3. The braking operation of the driver on the brake pedal BP is converted into hydraulic pressure in the brake master cylinder BM and transmitted to the hydraulic device 3. The hydraulic device 3 is an actuator capable of controlling the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic oil supplied to the brake devices 3a (for example, disk brake devices) provided on the four wheels based on the hydraulic pressure transmitted from the brake master cylinder BM.

[0014] The controller 1 can control the braking of the vehicle V by performing drive control of solenoid valves and the like provided in the hydraulic device 3. Further, the controller 1 can also configure an electric servo brake system by controlling the distribution of the braking force by the brake device 3a and the braking force by the regenerative braking of the motor provided in the power unit 2. The controller 1 may turn on the brake lamp 3b during braking.

[0015] The controller 1 controls the steering of the vehicle V by controlling the electric power steering device 4. The electric power steering device 4 includes a mechanism for steering the front wheels in response to a driving operation (steering operation) of the driver with respect to the steering wheel ST. The electric power steering device 4 includes a drive unit 4a that exerts a driving force (sometimes referred to as steering assist torque) for assisting the steering operation or automatically steering the front wheels of the vehicle V. The drive unit 4a includes a motor as a drive source. Further, the electric power steering device 4 includes a steering angle sensor 4b that detects the steering angle, a torque sensor 4c that detects the steering torque borne by the driver (referred to as steering load torque and distinguished from the steering assist torque), and the like.

[0016] The controller 1 controls the electric parking brake device 3c provided on the rear wheels of the vehicle V. The electric parking brake device 3c includes a mechanism for locking the rear wheels. The controller 1 can control the locking and unlocking of the rear wheels by the electric parking brake device 3c.

[0017] The controller 1 controls the information output device 5 that notifies information inside the vehicle. The information output device 5 includes, for example, a display device 5a that notifies the driver of information by an image and / or an audio output device 5b that notifies the driver of information by sound. The display device 5a includes, for example, a display device provided on the instrument panel and a display device provided on the steering wheel ST. Further, the display device 5a may include a head-up display. The information output device 5 may notify the passengers of information by vibration or light.

[0018] The controller 1 receives an instruction input from a passenger (for example, the driver) via the input device 6. The input device 6 is arranged at a position operable by the driver and includes, for example, a group of switches 6a by which the driver gives an instruction to the vehicle V and / or a turn signal lever 6b that activates the turn signal (winker).

[0019] The controller 1 recognizes and determines the current position and route (posture) of the vehicle V. In the case of this embodiment, the vehicle V is provided with a gyro sensor 7a, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor 7b, and a communication device 7c. The gyro sensor 7a detects the rotational movement (yaw rate) of the vehicle V. The GNSS sensor 7b detects the current position of the vehicle V. Further, the communication device 7c performs wireless communication with a server that provides map information and traffic information, and acquires these information. In the case of this embodiment, the controller 1 determines the route of the vehicle V based on the detection results of the gyro sensor 7a and the GNSS sensor 7b, and sequentially acquires map information regarding the route from the server via the communication device 7c and stores it in a database 7d (storage device). The vehicle V may be provided with other sensors for detecting the state of the vehicle V, such as an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle V.

[0020] The controller 1 executes driving support for the vehicle V based on the detection results of various detection units provided in the vehicle V. The vehicle V is provided with surrounding detection units 8a to 8b that are external sensors (surrounding situation) for detecting the outside of the vehicle V, and in-vehicle detection units 9a to 9b that are in-vehicle sensors for detecting the situation inside the vehicle (the state of the occupant (especially the driver)). The controller 1 can grasp the surrounding situation of the vehicle V based on the detection results of the surrounding detection units 8a to 8b and execute driving support according to the surrounding situation. Further, the controller 1 can determine whether the driver is performing a predetermined operation obligation imposed on the driver when executing driving support based on the detection results of the in-vehicle detection units 9a to 9b.

[0021] The surrounding detection unit 8a is an imaging device that captures an image of the front of the vehicle V (hereinafter, may be referred to as the front camera 8a), and is attached, for example, to the inside of the windshield at the front of the roof of the vehicle V. The controller 1 can extract the contour of the target and the lane dividing lines (white lines, etc.) on the road by analyzing the image captured by the front camera 8a.

[0022] The surrounding detection unit 8b is a millimeter-wave radar (hereinafter sometimes referred to as radar 8b), which uses radio waves to detect targets around the vehicle V and detects (measures) the distance to the target and the direction (azimuth) of the target with respect to the vehicle V. In the example shown in FIG. 1, five radars 8b are provided, one at the center of the front part of the vehicle V, one at each of the left and right front corners, and one at each of the left and right rear corners.

[0023] The surrounding detection unit provided in the vehicle V is not limited to the above configuration, and the number of cameras and the number of radars may be changed, or a lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) for detecting targets around the vehicle V may be provided.

[0024] The in-vehicle detection unit 9a is an imaging device that captures images inside the vehicle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as in-vehicle camera 9a), and is attached, for example, to the inner side of the vehicle interior at the front part of the roof of the vehicle V. In the case of this embodiment, the in-vehicle camera 9a is a driver monitoring camera that captures images of the driver (for example, the driver's eyes and face). The controller 1 can determine the driver's line of sight and the direction of the face by analyzing the image (driver's face image) captured by the in-vehicle camera 9a.

[0025] The in-vehicle detection unit 9b is a grip sensor that detects the driver's grip on the steering wheel ST (hereinafter sometimes referred to as grip sensor 9b), and is provided, for example, on at least a part of the steering wheel ST. As the in-vehicle detection unit, a torque sensor 4c that detects the driver's steering torque may be used.

[0026] As driving support for the driver of the vehicle V, for example, acceleration / deceleration support, lane keeping support, and lane change support are included. The acceleration / deceleration support is a driving support (ACC: Adaptive Cruise Control) that automatically controls the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle V within a predetermined vehicle speed by the controller 1 automatically controlling the power unit 2 and the hydraulic device 3 based on the detection result of the surrounding detection unit 8 and the map information. In ACC, when there is a preceding vehicle, it is also possible to accelerate and decelerate the vehicle V so as to maintain the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle. By ACC, the driver's operation burden of the acceleration / deceleration operation (operation on the accelerator pedal AP and the brake pedal BP) is reduced.

[0027] The lane keeping support is a driving support (LKAS: Lane Keeping Assist System) that maintains the vehicle V inside the lane by the controller 1 automatically controlling the electric power steering device 4 based on the detection result of the surrounding detection unit 8 and the map information. By LKAS, the driver's operation burden of the steering operation (operation on the steering wheel ST) during straight driving of the vehicle V is reduced.

[0028] The lane change support is a driving support (ALC: Auto Lane Changing, ALCA: Active Lane Change Assist) that automatically changes the traveling lane of the vehicle V to an adjacent lane by the controller 1 automatically controlling the power unit 2, the hydraulic device 3, and the electric power steering device 4 based on the detection result of the surrounding detection unit 8 and the map information. ALC is a lane change support based on a system request, and ALCA is a lane change support based on a passenger request. Examples of the system request include when a navigation system that guides the route of the vehicle V to the destination requests a lane change of the vehicle V, or when overtaking a preceding vehicle regardless of the presence or absence of route guidance. When making a passenger request, the driver instructs a lane change by operating an input device (for example, the turn signal lever 6b). By ALC or ACLA, the driver's operation burden of the acceleration / deceleration operation and the steering operation of the vehicle V during lane change is reduced.

[0029] As another example of driving support control, for example, by controlling the hydraulic device 3, a collision mitigation brake, an ABS function, traction control, and / or attitude control of the vehicle V that assist in avoiding a collision with an object (e.g., a pedestrian, another vehicle, or an obstacle) on the road may be included.

[0030] In some embodiments, the controller 1 selectively executes one of three modes 1 to 3 with different driving support contents. The mode may also be called a state. Hereinafter, the case where ACC, LKAS, ALC, or ACLA is provided as driving support will be described. However, the driving support contents of each of the modes 1 to 3 are not limited to ACC, LKAS, ALC, or ACLA, and may include other driving support contents. Also, only one of ALC and ACLA may be provided.

[0031] Mode 1 is a manual driving mode in which none of ACC, LKAS, ALC, and ACLA is executed, and is a mode based on the driver's manual driving operation. It is the mode first set when the vehicle V is started.

[0032] Modes 2 and 3 are modes set on the condition that the occupant gives a driving support instruction in Mode 1. Mode 2 is a normal support mode in which ACC and LKAS can be executed. In Mode 2, ALC and ACLA are not executed.

[0033] Mode 3 is an extended support mode in which all of ACC, LKAS, ALC, and ACLA are executable. The extended support mode may also be referred to as the AHD (Advanced Highway Driving) mode. Mode 3 is a mode on the premise that the controller 1 has acquired high-precision map information including information on the road (travel route) on which the vehicle V is traveling. The high-precision map information is map information having higher-precision information about the road than the map information (which may sometimes be called normal map information) used for route guidance to the destination. Specifically, the high-precision map information may have at least the position information within the lane. This can be used to control the position of the vehicle V in the vehicle width direction. The high-precision map information may further include information on the detailed shape of the road, such as the presence or absence and curvature of curves, the increase or decrease of lanes, and the gradient. The high-precision map information is prepared, for example, for each region or road section, and there may be regions or road sections where the high-precision map information is not deployed.

[0034] In Mode 3, lane change support (ALC and ACLA) is performed by using this high-precision map information. By utilizing the position information within the lane included in the high-precision map information and the current position of the vehicle V detected by the GNSS sensor 7b, while recognizing other surrounding vehicles from the external detection results of the detection units 8a to 8b, highly reliable and smooth lane change support can be performed. The lane change support may also be performed without using the high-precision map information.

[0035] Both Mode 2 and Mode 3 are modes in which ACC and LKAS are executable, but in Mode 3, ACC and LKAS using high-precision map information are executable. The controller 1 can anticipate the road information ahead of the vehicle V from the high-precision map information and perform acceleration / deceleration and left / right position control of the vehicle V, and can provide the occupant with more reliable and smooth ACC and LKAS.

[0036] Vehicle control functions such as the driving assistance functions according to the above-described Mode 2 and Mode 3 may be made executable by a provider of the vehicle control function (for example, the manufacturer of the vehicle V) adding the right to use the vehicle control function to the user of the vehicle V. The user of the vehicle V may be called a passenger of the vehicle V when riding in the vehicle V. Also, the user of the vehicle V may be called a driver of the vehicle V when driving the vehicle V. In the following description, the user of the vehicle V is simply referred to as the user. The right to use the vehicle control function may be granted, for example, when the user concludes a contract with the provider of the vehicle control function after starting to use the vehicle V. With reference to FIG. 2, a configuration example of a function providing system 200 for providing a vehicle control function that requires the right to use will be described.

[0037] The function providing system 200 may include, for example, the vehicle V, a user management server 201, a map distribution server 202, and a user device 203. In the example of FIG. 2, only one vehicle V is shown, but the function providing system 200 may include a plurality of vehicles. Similarly, the function providing system 200 may include a plurality of user devices 203. The vehicle V, the user management server 201, the map distribution server 202, and the user device 203 may be communicable through a network 204. The network 204 may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a cellular network, or any combination thereof. The communication between the vehicle V and the network 204 is typically wireless communication.

[0038] The user management server 201 manages user information. For example, the user management server 201 may grant the right to use the vehicle control function to the user in response to a request from the user. The request to grant the right to use may be made by the user using the user device 203. The user device 203 is a device used by the user and may be, for example, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like. The request to grant the right to use may be made by the user using the vehicle V.

[0039] The request for granting the usage authority may include the user's account information and the identification information of the vehicle (e.g., vehicle V) for which the vehicle control function is to be executable. The user's account information is information for the user management server 201 to uniquely identify the user. The identification information of the vehicle may be a vehicle identification number (VIN). The request for granting the usage authority may include a designation of the type of vehicle control function for which the usage authority is to be granted. The vehicle control function for which the usage authority is to be granted may be the entire AHD described above, a part of the functions therein (e.g., ALC or ALCA), another driving assistance function, or a function other than the driving assistance function.

[0040] In response to a request from a user, the user management server 201 grants the user the right to use a vehicle control function specified by the user for a vehicle (e.g., vehicle V) specified by the user. The granting of the right to use may be for a fee or free of charge. The user management server 201 may set an expiration date for the right to use. When the expiration date has passed, the right to use is cancelled. The user may be able to extend the expiration date by updating the right to use before it expires. The user management server 201 may store, for each user to be managed, the user's account information, the vehicle identification information, the vehicle control functions that the user has the right to use, and the expiration date of the right to use (if set), in association with each other.

[0041] Vehicle V (specifically, its controller 1, and the same applies hereinafter) may inquire the server as to whether the user has the right to use a specific vehicle control function. This inquiry may include the user's account information and the identification information of vehicle V. In response to receiving an inquiry including the user's account information and the identification information of vehicle V, user management server 201 refers to the user information it manages and determines whether the user has the usage rights associated with this information. When the user has the usage rights, user management server 201 transmits information indicating the vehicle control functions for which the user has the usage rights to vehicle V. When an expiration date is set for this usage right, user management server 201 also transmits this expiration date to vehicle V. When the user does not have the usage rights, user management server 201 may transmit information indicating that the user does not have any vehicle control functions for which the user has the usage rights to vehicle V. In this way, vehicle V obtains from user management server 201 information indicating whether the user has the right to use a specific vehicle control function and, if set, the expiration date. Vehicle V may store this information and use it for subsequent processing.

[0042] Vehicle V may transmit information indicating the state of vehicle V to user management server 201. The information indicating the state of vehicle V may include, for example, information regarding a failure occurring in vehicle V. User management server 201 may use the information indicating the state of vehicle V to notify user device 203. For example, when user management server 201 receives information from vehicle V indicating that a failure has occurred in vehicle V, it may notify user device 203 of this fact.

[0043] Map distribution server 202 is an example of a server that provides information used by vehicle V to execute a specific vehicle control function. Map distribution server 202 may provide map information (for example, high-precision map information as described above) as such information. Map distribution server 202 may provide map information to vehicle V based at least on the fact that the user has the right to use the map information.

[0044] For example, in order for the vehicle V to obtain map information from the map distribution server 202, the user may transmit information indicating that the user has the right to use the map information to the map distribution server 202. This information may be a token provided by the user management server 201. When the map distribution server 202 determines that the user has the right to use the map information, the map distribution server 202 may transmit the map information to the vehicle V.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, an example of a method for the controller 1 of the vehicle V to start executing a specific vehicle control function will be described. Each step of the method in FIG. 3 may be performed by a processor of the controller 1 executing a program stored in the memory of the controller 1. Alternatively, some or all of the steps of the method in FIG. 3 may be performed by a dedicated integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0046] The method in FIG. 3 may be started in response to the vehicle V's power supply (e.g., ignition power supply) being turned on. Further, the method in FIG. 3 may be started in response to the user logging in to the vehicle V using their account information. For example, the user may input their account information into the input device 6. The controller 1 may determine whether the account information input by the user matches the account information registered in the vehicle V. When these account information match, the controller 1 may execute subsequent processing using the matched account information. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the execution of the vehicle control function when a person other than the user having the right to use the vehicle V uses the vehicle V.

[0047] In S301, the controller 1 determines whether it has received an instruction from the user to execute a specific vehicle control function. If the controller 1 determines that it has received an instruction from the user to execute a specific vehicle control function ( "YES" in S301), the process transitions to S302. Otherwise ( "NO" in S301), S301 is repeated. In this way, the controller 1 waits for an instruction to execute a specific vehicle control function. The specific vehicle control function may be, for example, a driving assistance function of the vehicle V, and may be, for example, ACC, LKAS, ALC, ACLA, as described above, or a combination thereof.

[0048] In S302, the controller 1 determines whether the user has the right to use the instructed vehicle control function. If the controller 1 determines that the user has the right to use the instructed vehicle control function ( "YES" in S302), the process transitions to S303. Otherwise ( "NO" in S302), the process transitions to S307. If it is determined that the user does not have the right to use the instructed vehicle control function, in S307, the controller 1 notifies the user that the instructed vehicle control function cannot be executed. Further, the controller 1 may notify the user that the user does not have the right. In this case, the controller 1 may guide the user on a method for obtaining the right (for example, a method for applying for a usage contract).

[0049] Before the execution of S301, the controller 1 may obtain information indicating whether the user has the right to use a specific vehicle control function from the user management server 201 and store it in the memory of the controller 1. For example, in response to the ignition power of the vehicle V being turned on, the controller 1 may send an inquiry to the user management server 201 regarding whether the user has the right to use a specific vehicle control function. If the expiration date of the right to use has passed, the controller 1 may determine that the user does not have the right to use. The program for realizing a specific vehicle control function may be stored in the vehicle V in advance (for example, at the time of manufacturing the vehicle V), or may be downloaded to the vehicle V after the right to use this function is granted to the user.

[0050] In S303, the controller 1 determines whether the user has agreed to the controller 1's use of personal information. If it is determined that the user has agreed to the use of personal information ( "YES" in S303), the process proceeds to S304; otherwise ( "NO" in S303), the process proceeds to S307. If it cannot be confirmed that the user has agreed to the use of personal information, the controller 1 notifies the user in S307 that the instructed vehicle control function cannot be executed. Further, the controller 1 may notify the user that it cannot be confirmed that the user has agreed to the use of personal information. In this case, the controller 1 may guide the user on how to agree to the use of personal information (for example, present a screen for the user to agree to the use of personal information).

[0051] The consent regarding the use of personal information may be given to the vehicle V, and the controller 1 may store the fact of the consent in the memory and use it for subsequent processing. Instead of or in addition to this, the consent regarding the use of personal information may be given to the user management server 201 through the user device 203. The controller 1 may obtain information indicating that the user has agreed to the use of personal information from the user management server 201 and store it in the memory for subsequent processing.

[0052] Depending on the content of the vehicle control function, personal information of the user may be used. For example, when using highly accurate map information as described above, the current position of vehicle V is provided to the map distribution server 202. Since the current position of vehicle V coincides with the current position of the user, it may correspond to personal information. Also, an image of the user captured by the in-vehicle camera 9a may also correspond to personal information. In order to use such personal information, depending on the country, consent of the user may be required by law. If the instructed vehicle control function does not use personal information, S303 may be omitted. When vehicle V is used in a country that does not have a law requiring consent of the user to use personal information, S303 may be omitted.

[0053] In S304, the controller 1 determines whether it is pre-set by the user to enable the execution of the instructed vehicle control function. When the controller 1 determines that it is pre-set by the user to enable the execution of the instructed vehicle control function ( "YES" in S304), the process transitions to S305, and in other cases ( "NO" in S304), it transitions to S307. When it is determined that it is not pre-set by the user to enable the execution of the instructed vehicle control function, the controller 1 notifies the user in S307 that the instructed vehicle control function cannot be executed. Further, the controller 1 may notify the user that the setting to enable the execution of the instructed vehicle control function is not set. In this case, the controller 1 may guide the user on how to set to enable the execution of the instructed vehicle control function (for example, present a screen for setting to enable the execution of the instructed vehicle control function to the user).

[0054] Information indicating whether it is set to enable the execution of the indicated vehicle control function may be stored in the memory of Controller 1, and the processor of Controller 1 may refer to this information. In S301, the user may inadvertently give an instruction to execute a specific vehicle control function (for example, accidentally touch the button for giving the instruction). Therefore, Controller 1 may regard it as a prerequisite for executing this function that it is pre-set by the user to enable the execution of a specific vehicle control function. If such a prerequisite is not necessary, S304 may be omitted.

[0055] In S305, Controller 1 determines whether the indicated vehicle control function is in an executable state. When it is determined that the indicated vehicle control function is in an executable state (\"YES\" in S305), the process transitions to S306, and in other cases (\"NO\" in S305), it transitions to S307. When it is determined that the indicated vehicle control function is not in an executable state, in S307, Controller 1 notifies the user that the indicated vehicle control function cannot be executed. Further, Controller 1 may notify the user that the indicated vehicle control function is not in an executable state.

[0056] For example, when the indicated vehicle control function requires high-precision map information and the high-precision map information is not in a usable state, Controller 1 may determine that this function is not in an executable state. When the indicated vehicle control function is executable only in a specific driving environment (for example, a highway) and the vehicle V is not in such a driving environment, Controller 1 may determine that this function is not in an executable state. When the indicated vehicle control function requires an initial check of a sensor (for example, a radar) and such an initial check has not been completed, Controller 1 may determine that this function is not in an executable state.

[0057] In S306, the controller 1 executes the instructed vehicle control function. After that, the controller 1 controls the vehicle V according to the vehicle control function. When the vehicle control function is terminated according to the user's instruction or the change in the driving environment, the controller 1 may execute the method of FIG. 3 again and wait for an instruction to execute a specific vehicle control function. The instructed vehicle control function may use the map information provided by the map distribution server 202. The controller 1 may receive map information from the map distribution server 202 during the execution of the vehicle control function.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, a configuration example of the steering wheel ST will be described. The steering wheel ST is attached to an instrument panel 400 disposed in front of the passenger compartment of the vehicle V. The instrument panel 400 includes a meter display unit 401. The controller 1 displays various instruments, messages, icons, etc. for notifying the driver of the information and state of the vehicle V on the meter display unit 401. In the example of FIG. 4, the meter display unit 401 is located behind the steering wheel ST as seen from the driver.

[0059] The steering wheel ST includes a rim 402, a hub 403, and spokes 404. The rim 402 has, for example, a circular shape. The hub 403 is located inside the rim 402. The hub 403 is connected to a shaft extending from the instrument panel 400. The hub 403 may store an airbag. The spokes 404 connect the rim 402 and the hub 403. In the example of FIG. 4, the steering wheel ST includes three spokes 404. The three spokes 404 are located on the right side of the hub 403, the left side of the hub 403, and the lower side of the hub 403 as seen from the driver. The steering wheel ST may have a structure other than the structure shown in FIG. 4.

[0060] An indicator 405 is provided on the steering wheel ST. The indicator 405 is arranged at a position visible to the driver. In the example of FIG. 4, the indicator 405 is included in the spoke 404. Alternatively, the indicator 405 may be included in other parts of the steering wheel ST, such as the rim 402 or the hub 403. In the example of FIG. 4, the indicator 405 is composed of two separate parts, one located on the right spoke 404 and the other located on the left spoke 404. Alternatively, the indicator 405 may be composed of only one part or may be composed of three or more parts. The indicator 405 is an example of a notification unit that notifies the driver. Instead of the indicator 405, other notification units, such as a dot matrix type display, may be used.

[0061] The controller 1 may control the notification using the indicator 405. For example, the controller 1 may operate the indicator 405 in a state selected from a turned-off state, a lit state, and a blinking state. The controller 1 may notify the user that a specific vehicle control function can be executed using the indicator 405. For example, the controller 1 may turn off the indicator 405 when a driving support function (e.g., ALC) using high-precision map information cannot be executed, and may turn on the indicator 405 when a driving support function (e.g., ALC) using high-precision map information can be executed.

[0062] In the above example, the vehicle V has a steering wheel ST, and the indicator 405 is included in the steering wheel ST. The steering wheel ST is an example of an operation input unit of the vehicle V, and other operation input units may be used. For example, a joystick may be mounted on the vehicle V as an operation input unit. In this case, the indicator 405 may be included in the joystick.

[0063] On the steering wheel ST (in the example of FIG. 4, the right spoke 404), a hard button 406 is provided. The hard button 406 may be, for example, a capacitance type button, a stroke type button, or a button having other structures. The hard button 406 is an example of an operation unit that is permanently presented to the user. Being permanently presented may mean being presented to the user even when the power of the vehicle V is off. The appearance of the hard button 406 may be unchanged.

[0064] The controller 1 may obtain an instruction regarding a specific vehicle control function from the user using the hard button 406. For example, this instruction may be an instruction to execute a specific vehicle control function. As described above, the specific vehicle control function may be a driving assistance function, a driving assistance function using high-precision map information, or ALC or ALCA. The type of vehicle control function instructed by the hard button 406 may be uniquely associated with the hard button 406. When the controller 1 has a plurality of vehicle control functions, the steering wheel ST may include a hard button for each vehicle control function.

[0065] In S301 of FIG. 3, the controller 1 may determine that it has obtained an instruction from the user to execute a specific vehicle control function in response to the hard button 406 being operated. In S306, the controller 1 executes this vehicle control function based at least in part on the hard button 406 being operated while the vehicle control function instructed by the user is executable. In this way, the user can give an instruction to execute a specific vehicle control function by simply operating the hard button 406 without performing a step-by-step operation.

[0066] When the user does not have the right to use the vehicle control function associated with the hard button 406, the controller 1 notifies the user that it cannot give an instruction to execute the vehicle control function in S307 in response to the operation of the hard button 406. Thus, the user can easily recognize that the vehicle control function cannot be executed. Further, when the user has the right to use and has not consented to the use of personal information by the controller 1, the controller 1 may notify the user in S307 that consent regarding the use of personal information is required for the execution of the vehicle control function in response to the operation of the hard button 406. Thus, the user can easily recognize that consent regarding the use of personal information is required for the execution of the vehicle control function.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 5, a display example of the meter display unit 401 will be described. The controller 1 may control the display using the meter display unit 401. The controller 1 may display the vehicle speed of the vehicle V in the speed area 501 of the meter display unit 401. The controller 1 may display the tachometer 502 and the speedometer 503 on the meter display unit 401. The controller 1 may display a message for the driver in the message area 504. The controller 1 may display other content not shown in FIG. 5.

[0068] The meter display unit 401 may include an icon 505 associated with ACC in mode 2, an icon 506 associated with KLAS in mode 2, and an icon 507 associated with ALC or ALCA in mode 3.

[0069] The controller 1 may display the icon 505 in a specific color (e.g., white) to indicate that ACC can be executed, may display the icon 505 in another color (e.g., green) to indicate that ACC is being executed, and may not display the icon 505 to indicate that ACC cannot be executed. The controller 1 may display the icon 506 in a specific color (e.g., white) to indicate that LKAS can be executed, may display the icon 506 in another color (e.g., green) to indicate that LKAS is being executed, and may not display the icon 506 to indicate that LKAS cannot be executed. The controller 1 may display the icon 507 in a specific color (e.g., white) to indicate that ALC or ALCA can be executed, may display the icon 507 in another color (e.g., green) to indicate that ALC or ALCA is being executed, and may not display the icon 507 to indicate that ALC or ALCA cannot be executed.

[0070] Thus, any of the icons 505 to 507 can be information indicating that a specific vehicle control function can be executed. In particular, the icon 507 can be information indicating that a vehicle control function (e.g., ALC or ALCA) can be executed using the map information received from the map distribution server 202.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 6, an example of a screen 600 for setting to enable the execution of a specific vehicle control function will be described. The screen 600 is displayed on the display device 5a. The display device 5a may be configured by, for example, a touch screen. The screen 600 may include soft buttons 601 to 604. The soft buttons 601 to 604 are an example of an operation unit temporarily presented to the user. Being temporarily presented may mean not being presented to the user in a specific case (e.g., when the power of the vehicle V is off or when a screen other than the screen 600 is displayed on the display device 5a). The controller 1 may be able to change the appearance of the soft buttons 601 to 604.

[0072] The soft buttons 601 and 602 may be operation units for obtaining instructions regarding AHD from the user. In response to the soft button 601 being pressed by the user, the controller 1 determines that it has been set by the user to enable the execution of all vehicle control functions used in AHD, and stores information indicating this in the memory. To indicate that this setting has taken effect, the controller 1 may turn on the soft button 601 and turn off the soft button 602. In response to the soft button 602 being pressed by the user, the controller 1 determines that it has been set by the user to disable the execution of all vehicle control functions used in AHD, and stores information indicating this in the memory. To indicate that this setting has taken effect, the controller 1 may turn off the soft button 601 and turn on the soft button 602.

[0073] When the user does not have the authority to use AHD, the controller 1 may display the soft buttons 601 and 602 in a way that indicates that the AHD settings cannot be made. For example, when the user does not have the authority to use AHD, the controller 1 may gray out both the soft buttons 601 and 602. Thereby, the user can recognize that they do not have the authority to use AHD from the appearance of the soft buttons 601 and 602 without operating them.

[0074] The soft buttons 603 and 604 may be operation units for obtaining instructions regarding ALC from the user. Since the operations of the soft buttons 603 and 604 may be the same as those of the soft buttons 601 and 602, duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0075] The screen 600 may include a field 605 for indicating the status of the usage right of a specific vehicle control function. When the user does not have the usage right of a specific vehicle control function, the controller 1 may display a message indicating that in the field 605. When the user has the usage right of a specific vehicle control function, the controller 1 may display a message indicating that in the field 605. Also, when an expiration date is set for the usage right of a specific vehicle control function, the controller 1 may display this expiration date in the field 605.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 7, a functional configuration example of the controller 1 for communicating with the user management server 201 and the map distribution server 202 will be specifically described. The controller 1 may include a display control unit 701, a communication control unit 702, a map processing unit 703, an input acquisition unit 704, and a function execution unit 705. The controller 1 may not include some of the functional units shown in FIG. 7, or may include functional units not shown in FIG. 7. Each functional unit shown in FIG. 7 (display control unit 701, communication control unit 702, map processing unit 703, input acquisition unit 704, and function execution unit 705) may be realized by a separate ECU. Alternatively, two or more functional units shown in FIG. 7 may be integrated into one ECU, or one functional unit may be realized by a plurality of ECUs.

[0077] The communication device 7c may include two separate communication modules 711 and 712. Both communication modules 711 and 712 may support cellular communication. For example, both communication modules 711 and 712 may include an antenna and a signal processing circuit. Communication module 711 may be used for communication with the user management server 201. Communication module 712 may be used for communication with the map distribution server 202. In this way, by using separate communication modules for communication with the user management server 201 and communication with the map distribution server 202, it becomes possible to execute communication settings and communication contracts according to the characteristics of the data to be communicated. For example, the map information received from the map distribution server 202 may have a large data volume. Therefore, a flat-rate fee plan may be suitable for communication by communication module 711. On the other hand, a usage-based fee plan may be suitable for communication with the user management server 201, which has a relatively small data volume.

[0078] The display control unit 701 may control the display on the display device 5a. The display device 5a may include a meter display unit 401, an indicator 405, a display for displaying the screen 600, etc. as described above. The display control unit 701 may perform the notification in S307 of FIG. 3, the display of the screen 600, etc.

[0079] The communication control unit 702 communicates with the user management server 201 using the communication module 711. As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the communication control unit 702 may transmit, to the user management server 201, the identification information of the vehicle V, the user's account information, and the information indicating the state of the vehicle V using the communication module 711. The communication control unit 702 may receive, from the user management server 201, information indicating whether the user has the right to use a specific vehicle control function and the expiration date of the usage right if set, using the communication module 711.

[0080] The map processing unit 703 performs processing related to high-precision map information. As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the map processing unit 703 may use the communication module 712 to transmit information indicating that the user has the right to use information (for example, high-precision map information) used in a specific vehicle control function to the map distribution server 202. The map processing unit 703 may use the communication module 712 to receive information (for example, high-precision map information) used in a specific vehicle control function from the map distribution server 202. The map processing unit 703 may request the map distribution server 202 for map information in a range corresponding to the current geographical position of the vehicle V measured by the GNSS sensor 7b, which is an example of a positioning sensor.

[0081] The map processing unit 703 may determine whether the user has the right to use a specific vehicle control function (S302 in FIG. 3). The map processing unit 703 may use the time acquired by the GNSS sensor 7b to determine whether the expiration date of the right to use a specific vehicle control function has passed. The GNSS sensor 7b can acquire the accurate time from the artificial satellite used for positioning. By using this time to determine the expiration, this determination can be performed accurately. For example, the map processing unit 703 may acquire the expiration date received from the user management server 201 from the communication control unit 702. The map processing unit 703 may notify the function execution unit 705 of the determination result as to whether the expiration date of the right to use a specific vehicle control function has passed.

[0082] The input acquisition unit 704 may detect an operation by the user on the input device 6. The input device 6 may include the hard button 406 as described above, a touch panel for detecting contact with the screen 600, and the like. The input acquisition unit 704 may perform detection of the operation in S301 in FIG. 3, detection of an operation on the screen 600, and the like.

[0083] The function execution unit 705 may execute a vehicle control function. The function execution unit 705 may execute a specific vehicle control function at least partially based on the user having the usage right for this function. The function execution unit 705 may execute a vehicle control function based on the situation around the vehicle V acquired from the surrounding detection unit 8a or the like. The function execution unit 705 may execute the operations of S303 to S306 in FIG. 3.

[0084] <Summary of Embodiment> <Item 1> A control device (1) for a vehicle (V), Vehicle control means (705) for executing the vehicle control function at least partially based on the user of the vehicle having the usage right for a specific vehicle control function; First receiving means (702) for receiving, using a first communication module (711), information indicating whether the user has the usage right from a first server (201); Second receiving means (703) for receiving, using a second communication module (712) different from the first communication module, information used in the vehicle control function from a second server (202), a control device. According to this item, communication according to the characteristics of information used by the vehicle becomes possible. <Item 2> The control device further includes first transmitting means (702) for transmitting, using the first communication module, the identification information of the vehicle, information indicating the state of the vehicle, and account information of the user to the first server, The first receiving means further receives, using the first communication module, the expiration date of the usage right from the first server, the control device according to Item 1. According to this item, the communication characteristics required for the communication module are embodied. <Item 3> The control device according to Item 1, further comprising second transmitting means (703) for transmitting, using the second communication module, information indicating that the user has the right to use the information used in the vehicle control function to the second server. According to this item, the communication characteristics required for the communication module are materialized. <Item 4> The information indicating the state of the vehicle is the control device described in Item 2 that is used by the first server to notify the user's user device (203). According to this item, the user can grasp the state of the vehicle using the user device. <Item 5> The information used in the vehicle control function includes map information, The control device further includes a first determination means (703) for determining whether the expiration date has passed using the time acquired by the positioning sensor (7b) of the vehicle, the control device described in Item 2. According to this item, it is possible to accurately determine the expiration of the expiration date. <Item 6> The control device described in Item 1 further includes a display control means (701) for displaying, on the display device (401) of the vehicle, information indicating that the vehicle control function can be executed using the information received from the second server. According to this item, it becomes easier for the user to grasp that the vehicle control function can be executed. <Item 7> The control device further includes a second determination means (1) for determining whether the account information input by the user matches the account information registered in the vehicle, The first transmission means transmits the account information input by the user to the first server as the user's account information when it is determined that the account information input by the user matches the account information registered in the vehicle, the control device described in Item 2. According to this item, the vehicle control function can be provided only to users with usage rights. <Item 8> The control device further includes first notification control means (701) for notifying the user that consent regarding the use of the personal information is required for execution of the vehicle control function when the user has the use authority but has not consented to the use of the personal information by the control device, the control device according to item 1. According to this item, it becomes easier for the user to grasp that consent regarding the use of personal information is required. <Item 9> The control device further includes second notification control means (701) for notifying the user that the vehicle control function can be executed, using a notification unit (405) provided in a steering wheel (ST) of the vehicle, The vehicle control means executes the vehicle control function based at least in part on an instruction from the user in a state where the vehicle control function can be executed, the control device according to item 1. According to this item, it becomes easier for the user to grasp that the vehicle control function can be executed. <Item 10> The first server grants the use authority to the user in response to a request from the user, the control device according to item 1. According to this item, the user can acquire the use authority at his or her own will. <Item 11> A program for causing a computer to function as the control device according to any one of items 1 to 10. According to this item, a program for realizing the control device of the above items is provided. <Item 12> A control method (1) for a vehicle (V), A vehicle control step (S306) of executing the vehicle control function based at least in part on the fact that a user of the vehicle has the use authority for a specific vehicle control function, A first reception step (S302) of receiving, from a first server (201), information indicating whether or not the user has the use authority, using a first communication module, A control method comprising: a second receiving step (S306) of receiving information used in the vehicle control function from a second server (202) using a second communication module (712) different from the first communication module. According to this item, communication can be performed according to the characteristics of information used by the vehicle.

[0085] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0086] V vehicle, 1 controller, 201 user management server, 202 map distribution server

Claims

1. A control device for a vehicle, comprising: vehicle control means for executing the vehicle control function based at least in part on the user of the vehicle having the right to use a specific vehicle control function; first receiving means for receiving, from a first server using a first communication module, information indicating whether the user has the right to use and the expiration date of the right to use; second receiving means for receiving, from a second server using a second communication module different from the first communication module, information used in the vehicle control function; a control device comprising first transmitting means for transmitting the identification information of the vehicle, information indicating the state of the vehicle, and the account information of the user to the first server using the first communication module.

2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising second transmitting means for transmitting, to the second server using the second communication module, information indicating that the user has the right to use the information used in the vehicle control function.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating the state of the vehicle is used by the first server to notify the user device of the user.

4. The information used in the vehicle control function includes map information, The control device according to claim 1, further comprising first determination means for determining whether the expiration date has passed using the time acquired by the positioning sensor of the vehicle.

5. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for displaying, on a display device of the vehicle, information indicating that the vehicle control function can be executed using the information received from the second server.

6. The control device further comprises second determination means for determining whether the account information input by the user matches the account information registered in the vehicle, The first transmitting means transmits the account information input by the user to the first server as the account information of the user when it is determined that the account information input by the user matches the account information registered in the vehicle. The control device according to claim 1.

7. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising first notification control means for notifying the user that consent regarding the use of the personal information is required for the execution of the vehicle control function when the user has the usage right and has not consented to the use of the personal information by the control device.

8. The control device further comprises second notification control means for notifying the user that the vehicle control function can be executed, using a notification unit provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle control means according to claim 1 executes the vehicle control function at least partially based on an instruction from the user in a state where the vehicle control function can be executed.

9. The first server according to claim 1 grants the usage right to the user in response to a request from the user.

10. A program for causing a computer to function as the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method for controlling a vehicle, comprising: a vehicle control step of executing the vehicle control function at least partially based on the fact that the user of the vehicle has the usage right for a specific vehicle control function; a first reception step of receiving, from a first server using a first communication module, information indicating whether the user has the usage right and the expiration date of the usage right; a second reception step of receiving, from a second server using a second communication module different from the first communication module, information used in the vehicle control function; and a first transmission step of transmitting, using the first communication module, the identification information of the vehicle, information indicating the state of the vehicle, and the account information of the user to the first server.

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