Information Provision System

Abstract

To provide an information providing system for allowing a passenger to easily confirm information that is desired to be confirmed by the passenger.SOLUTION: An information providing system 100 for providing information to a passenger of a vehicle 1 by outputting at least voice guidance, comprises an EUC 10 for controlling the voice guidance to be output. The ECU 10 sets a priority for each of a plurality of words included in the voice guidance, and sets the word order of the plurality of words included in the voice guidance according to the priority of the word.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing system. [Background technology]

[0002] As a technology relating to an information providing system, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an automated voice response system that links voice information by an automated voice with a support application on a terminal that is visual information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-28346 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described system, when a passenger is performing another task, such as driving, the passenger may not be able to fully utilize the visual information and may not be able to easily confirm the information that the passenger desires to confirm.

[0005] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention aims to provide an information providing system that allows an occupant to easily check information that the occupant is desired to check. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information provision system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information provision system that provides information to vehicle occupants by outputting at least voice guidance, and is equipped with a control unit that controls the voice guidance to be output.The control unit assigns a priority to each of multiple words included in the voice guidance, and sets the word order of the multiple words included in the voice guidance according to the priority of the words.

[0007] In this information provision system, the order of words included in the voice guidance is set according to priority. As a result, when providing information to vehicle occupants by voice, it is possible to provide information that the occupants want to confirm as much as possible in a format that is easy for the occupants to confirm. In other words, it becomes possible for the occupants to easily confirm information that the occupants want to confirm.

[0008] In the information provision system according to an aspect of the present invention, the control unit may stop output of the voice guidance when an output stop operation is performed by the occupant. In this case, for example, the voice guidance that is being output can be stopped by the output stop operation by the occupant.

[0009] In an information provision system according to an aspect of the present invention, the control unit may perform at least one of the following, depending on the priority of a word: changing the volume of the word in the voice guidance; changing the reading time of the word in the voice guidance; generating a silent period immediately after the word in the voice guidance; and changing the number of times a notification including the word is output after outputting the voice guidance. In this case, the word included in the voice guidance is output in a different manner depending on the priority, making it easier for the occupant to confirm information that the occupant is desired to confirm. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information provision system that allows an occupant to easily check information that the occupant is desired to check. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a voice guidance output process. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a voice guidance output process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an information provision system 100 according to this embodiment. The information provision system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that provides information to an occupant of a vehicle 1 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as an "occupant") by outputting at least audio guidance. The vehicle 1 is not particularly limited and may be various types of vehicles. The information provision system 100 is mounted on the vehicle 1. The occupant is a user who rides in the vehicle 1, and includes the driver of the vehicle 1.

[0014] The vehicle 1 has a driving assistance device that performs vehicle speed adjustment assistance for the vehicle 1. The vehicle speed adjustment assistance is driving assistance that automatically adjusts the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1 according to the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 and the driving conditions of the vehicle 1. The vehicle speed adjustment assistance is, for example, ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control). For example, ACC performs constant speed control to drive the vehicle 1 at a predetermined set speed when there is no preceding vehicle ahead of the vehicle 1. For example, ACC performs tracking control to adjust the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1 so that the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle becomes a predetermined set distance when there is a preceding vehicle ahead of the vehicle 1. The vehicle speed adjustment assistance may be CACC (Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control) that uses vehicle-to-vehicle communication to adjust the vehicle speed with the preceding vehicle. The vehicle speed adjustment assistance is not limited to ACC and may be CC (Cruise Control: constant speed control) or the like. The vehicle 1 may be equipped with a vehicle control device that can switch between automatic driving and manual driving.

[0015] The information included in the voice guidance is information that is desired to be confirmed by the occupants, and includes information related to driving assistance for vehicle 1. Information related to driving assistance for vehicle 1 includes, for example, information that immediately affects the behavior of vehicle 1. Information related to driving assistance for vehicle 1 includes, for example, at least one of information related to the set speed of vehicle 1 and information related to the set inter-vehicle distance between vehicle 1 and another vehicle. The information included in the voice guidance may also include information related to the surrounding environment and driving conditions. The surrounding environment may include the position of an object (e.g., an object to be decelerated) relative to vehicle 1, the relative speed of an obstacle relative to vehicle 1, and the moving direction of the obstacle relative to vehicle 1. The driving conditions may include the current speed, acceleration (deceleration), and yaw rate of vehicle 1. The information included in the voice guidance may also include other information.

[0016] The information provision system 100 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 10 (controller) that controls the entire system. The ECU 10 is an electronic control unit that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication circuit, and the like. The ECU 10, for example, loads programs stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes the programs loaded into the RAM with the CPU, thereby realizing various functions. The ECU 10 may be composed of multiple electronic units. Furthermore, some of the functions of the ECU 10 described below may be executed by a server that can communicate with the vehicle. The functional configuration and processing of the ECU 10 will be described in detail later.

[0017] An HMI (Human Machine Interface) 2 is connected to the ECU 10. The HMI 2 is an interface for inputting and outputting information between the vehicle 1 and the occupant. The HMI 2 has an input unit 3 and an output unit 4. The input unit 3 is a device through which the occupant makes various inputs. The input unit 3 has, for example, a microphone 3a and an ACC switch 3b. The microphone 3a has a voice input function. The ACC switch 3b has a function that can operate to execute (ON state) and stop (OFF state) the ACC function. The ACC switch 3b may be a button or a touch panel. The input unit 3 may further have other switches, etc. that the occupant can operate to input.

[0018] The output unit 4 has a speaker 4a and a display 4b. The speaker 4a has an audio output function. The display 4b is provided, for example, on an instrument panel of the vehicle and displays a screen in response to a signal from the ECU 10. The display 4b may be a multi-information display (MID) or a head-up display (HUD). The speaker 4a may output audio corresponding to the display on the display 4b. For example, when the occupant operates the microphone 3a to request an output, the ECU 10 outputs audio guidance via the speaker 4a. For example, when the occupant operates the ACC switch 3b to switch it on or off, the ECU 10 outputs information indicating that the ACC has been switched on or off via the speaker 4a and the display 4b, respectively.

[0019] Next, a functional configuration of the ECU 10 will be described. The ECU 10 controls the voice guidance to be output. The ECU 10 has an information determination unit 11, a priority setting unit 12, a word order setting unit 13, an output mode setting unit 14, and an output control unit 15.

[0020] The information determination unit 11 determines information to be provided to the occupant. The information determination unit 11 determines information to be provided to the occupant, for example, in response to an input by the occupant to the input unit 3. The information determination unit 11 may determine information to be provided to the occupant based on information set in the ECU 10. The information determination unit 11 determines multiple words to be included in the voice guidance based on the determined information. Words are language elements that express information to be provided to the occupant. Words are, for example, single words or phrases. Words include words or phrases that express information related to the driving assistance of the vehicle 1 described above. Words include, for example, words or phrases that express at least one of information related to the set speed of the vehicle 1 and information related to the set inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle 1 and another vehicle. Words may include words or phrases that express information related to the surrounding environment and driving conditions. Words may be morphemes and sentences. The number of words determined by the information determination unit 11 may be one. Voice guidance is voice information that is composed of one or multiple words and expresses information to be provided to the occupant.

[0021] The priority setting unit 12 sets a priority for each of a plurality of words included in the voice guidance determined by the information determination unit 11. The priority is the degree to which confirmation by the occupant is desired. The words that are desired to be confirmed by the occupant may be, for example, words that the occupant should properly understand, or words that the occupant should not miss. The priority may be expressed, for example, by an index that can express magnitude, such as multiple levels or numerical values. A word with a higher priority may indicate a word that is more desired to be confirmed by the occupant.

[0022] The priority setting unit 12, for example, sets a high priority to words including information indicating the current state of the vehicle 1 or information to be newly set for the vehicle 1. For example, the priority setting unit 12 sets a higher priority to words including information related to driving assistance for the vehicle 1 than to words not including information related to driving assistance for the vehicle 1. For example, the priority setting unit 12 sets a priority higher than a threshold to words including information related to driving assistance for the vehicle 1. Words including information related to driving assistance for the vehicle 1 include, for example, a set speed and a set following distance. The priority setting unit 12 may set a priority for each of multiple words included in the voice guidance determined by the information determination unit 11 based on a database stored in advance, for example.

[0023] The word order setting unit 13 sets the word order of multiple words included in the voice guidance according to the priority of the words. For example, the word order setting unit 13 sets the word order of the multiple words so that words with higher priority are positioned before words with lower priority. For example, the word order setting unit 13 sets the word order of the multiple words so that words with higher priority than a threshold are positioned before words with priority equal to or lower than the threshold. For example, the word order setting unit 13 sets the word order of the multiple words so that words with higher priority than a threshold are positioned at the beginning of the voice guidance. The word order setting unit 13 generates voice guidance according to the set word order of the multiple words.

[0024] The output mode setting unit 14 changes the output mode of a word according to the priority. For example, the output mode setting unit 14 sets the output mode of a word whose priority is higher than a predetermined threshold to be different from that of other words whose priority is equal to or lower than the threshold. According to the priority of a word, the control unit executes at least one of changing the volume of the word in the voice guidance, changing the reading time of the word in the voice guidance, generating a silent period immediately after the word in the voice guidance, and changing the number of times a notification including the word is output after outputting the voice guidance.

[0025] The volume of a word refers to the volume of the word output from the speaker 4a. The reading time of a word refers to the time it takes from the start to the end of outputting the word from the speaker 4a. The silent period immediately after a word is the momentary gap between the output of the word and the reading of the next word, and refers to the period during which no sound or voice is output from the speaker 4a. The number of times a notification is output refers to the number of times a notification containing a word is repeatedly output in addition to the output of voice guidance.

[0026] For example, the output mode setting unit 14 executes at least one of the following settings for a word with a priority higher than a threshold, compared to a word with a priority lower than a threshold: increasing the volume of the word, reading the word more slowly, lengthening the silent period between the word and the next word, or increasing the number of times a notification including the word is output. For example, if the word includes a setting value such as a set speed or a set following distance, the output mode setting unit 14 may change the output mode only for the part of the setting value. For example, the output mode setting unit 14 may set the volume to be slightly increased or the voice to be spoken slightly more slowly for only the part of the setting value. For example, the output mode setting unit 14 may set the voice to leave a momentary pause after speaking the part of the setting value. For example, the output mode setting unit 14 may set the voice to re-issue voice guidance such as "Set speed to 80 km / h" during acceleration or deceleration after changing the set speed. The output mode setting unit 14 may be set, for example, to notify again voice guidance such as "Set speed to 80 km / h" during acceleration / deceleration after changing the set speed, and may repeat the above voice guidance during the acceleration / deceleration.

[0027] The output control unit 15 controls the output unit 4 of the HMI 2 to output the voice guidance in accordance with the word order of the words set in the word order setting unit 13. The output control unit 15 controls the output unit 4 of the HMI 2 to output the voice guidance in accordance with the output style of the words set in the output style setting unit 14.

[0028] The output control unit 15 outputs the audio guidance using sound output or voice output from the speaker 4a. The output control unit 15 may output the content of the audio guidance to the occupant by displaying an image on the display 4b of the HMI 2. The image display may be an icon display or a text display. In this case, the output control unit 15 outputs using both the speaker 4a and the display 4b.

[0029] The output control unit 15 stops the output of the voice guidance when an output stop operation is performed by the occupant. The output control unit 15 determines whether an output stop operation has been performed by the occupant's input to the input unit 3 of the HMI 2 when outputting the voice guidance or while the voice guidance is being output. The output stop operation by the occupant may be voice input via the microphone 3a, button input, or touch panel input. When the output control unit 15 determines that an output stop operation has been performed, it stops the output of the voice guidance. When the output control unit 15 determines that an output stop operation has not been performed, it continues the output of the voice guidance.

[0030] The processing in the ECU 10 of the vehicle according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing for outputting voice guidance. The processing for outputting voice guidance is performed, for example, when an occupant instructs the microphone 3a to change the set speed and set following distance of the vehicle 1, and the information provision system 100 outputs voice guidance including words related to the set speed and set following distance.

[0031] 2, in S10, the ECU 10 receives input of information from an occupant. The ECU 10 acquires information related to the control of the vehicle 1 that is input by the occupant via the input unit 3 of the HMI 2. The ECU 10 acquires, for example, information related to the set speed and the set inter-vehicle distance from the occupant via the microphone 3a.

[0032] Next, in S11, the ECU 10 performs calculations related to the operation of the vehicle 1. For example, the ECU 10 acquires information about the vehicle 1 related to the information input in S10. For example, the ECU 10 acquires information about the set speed and set inter-vehicle distance currently set in the vehicle 1.

[0033] Next, in S12, the ECU 10 determines information to be provided to the occupant. The information determination unit 11 determines the information to be provided to the occupant and determines a plurality of words to be included in the voice guidance based on the determined information. For example, the information determination unit 11 determines information related to the set speed and the set inter-vehicle distance as the information to be provided to the occupant.

[0034] Next, in S13, the ECU 10 determines the voice guidance. The priority setting unit 12 assigns a priority to each of the multiple words included in the voice guidance determined by the information determination unit 11. For example, the priority setting unit 12 assigns a high priority to words including information about a set speed and words including information about a set following distance. The word order setting unit 13 sets the word order of the multiple words included in the voice guidance according to the priorities of the words. For example, the word order setting unit 13 sets the word order of the multiple words included in the voice guidance so that words having a priority higher than a threshold are positioned before words having a priority equal to or lower than the threshold. The output mode setting unit 14 changes the output mode of the words included in the voice guidance according to the words having a priority higher than a predetermined threshold. For example, the output mode setting unit 14 sets the volume of the words including information about a set speed and words including information about a set following distance to be increased.

[0035] Next, in S14, the ECU 10 determines whether or not an output stop operation has been performed by the occupant. For example, when there is a voice input from the occupant via the microphone 3a, the output control unit 15 determines that the occupant has performed the output stop operation. If it is determined that the occupant has performed the output stop operation (S14: YES), the ECU 10 proceeds to S15. If it is not determined that the occupant has performed the output stop operation (S14: NO), the ECU 10 proceeds to S16.

[0036] Next, in S15, the ECU 10 stops outputting the voice guidance. The output control unit 15 stops outputting the voice guidance generated by the word order setting unit 13 and the output mode setting unit 14. After that, the ECU 10 ends the voice guidance output process.

[0037] Next, in S16, the ECU 10 determines whether the output of the voice guidance has been completed. The output control unit 15 determines that the output of the voice guidance has been completed, for example, when the output of all the voice guidance generated by the word order setting unit 13 and the output mode setting unit 14 has been completed. If the ECU 10 determines that the output of the voice guidance has been completed (S16: YES), the ECU 10 then ends the voice guidance output process. If the ECU 10 does not determine that the output of the voice guidance has been completed (S16: NO), the ECU 10 proceeds to S17.

[0038] Next, in S17, the ECU 10 outputs voice guidance. The output control unit 15 controls the output unit 4 of the HMI 2 to output the voice guidance in accordance with the word order of the words set in the word order setting unit 13. The output control unit 15 controls the voice guidance to be output from the speaker 4a at a high volume, using the output mode set in the output mode setting unit 14, with words including information about the set speed and words including information about the set following distance. Thereafter, the ECU 10 returns to S14, and the execution of the voice guidance output process is repeated. That is, the voice guidance output process is executed until the occupant performs an output stop operation or until the output of the generated voice guidance is completed.

[0039] Next, an example of how the word order setting unit 13 sets the word order of words in the voice guidance will be described. For example, as information to be provided when changing the set speed, the information determination unit 11 determines information indicating that radar cruise control is to be set to 80 km / h. Radar cruise control is an example of an ACC function. In this case, the priority setting unit 12 sets the priority of the word "80 km / h," which is related to the set speed, higher than the priority of other words. The word order setting unit 13 sets the word order of the word related to the set speed to the beginning and generates voice guidance such as "Radar cruise control will be set at 80 km / h." The output control unit 15 outputs the voice guidance. Note that the words before and after the word related to the set speed are appropriately modified so that the meaning of the voice guidance is conveyed smoothly. Furthermore, when starting to use the ACC function after changing the set speed, the word order setting unit 13 generates voice guidance in which the above-mentioned word "set" is replaced with the word "start."

[0040] Next, for example, as information to be provided when changing the set following distance, the information determination unit 11 determines information to set radar cruise control to a following distance of 100 m. In this case, the priority setting unit 12 sets the priority of the word "following distance 100 m," which is related to the set following distance, higher than the priority of other words. The word order setting unit 13 sets the word order of the word related to the set following distance to the beginning and generates voice guidance such as "Radar cruise control will be set at a following distance of 100 m." The output control unit 15 outputs the voice guidance. Note that the words before and after the word related to the set following distance are appropriately modified so that the meaning of the voice guidance is conveyed smoothly. Furthermore, when starting to use the ACC function after changing the set following distance, the word order setting unit 13 generates voice guidance in which the word "set" in the above voice guidance is replaced with the word "start."

[0041] Next, for example, as information to be provided when both the set speed and the set following distance are changed, the information determination unit 11 determines information to set the radar cruise control to a speed of 80 km / h and a following distance of 100 m. In this case, the priority setting unit 12 sets the priority of the set speed of "80 km / h" and the priority of the set following distance of "100 m" higher than the priorities of the other words. For example, the priority setting unit 12 sets a difference between the priority of the set speed and the priority of the set following distance. For example, the priority setting unit 12 sets the priority of the set speed higher than the priority of the set following distance.

[0042] The word order setting unit 13 sets the word order of the words related to the set speed and the words related to the set following distance to the beginning, and generates a voice guidance such as "Radar cruise control will be set at 80 km / h and 100 m following distance." The output control unit 15 outputs the voice guidance. Note that the priority setting unit 12 may, for example, prioritize the set following distance higher than the set speed. In this case, the word order setting unit 13 generates a voice guidance in which the word order of the words related to the set speed and the set following distance is reversed in the above voice guidance. Furthermore, when starting to use the ACC function after changing both the set speed and the set following distance, the word order setting unit 13 generates a voice guidance in which the word "set" is replaced with the word "start."

[0043] As described above, according to the information provision system 100, which provides information to an occupant of a vehicle 1 by outputting at least voice guidance, the information provision system 100 includes an ECU 10 that controls the output voice guidance. The ECU 10 assigns a priority to each of multiple words included in the voice guidance and sets the word order of the multiple words included in the voice guidance according to the priority of the words. In this information provision system 100, the word order of the words included in the voice guidance is set according to the priority. As a result, in this voice guidance, words with higher priority are provided to the occupant of the vehicle 1 at an appropriate time, compared to, for example, voice guidance in which the word order of the words is set regardless of priority. When providing information to a vehicle occupant by voice, it is possible to provide information that the occupant is desired to confirm in a form that is easy for the occupant to confirm. In other words, it becomes possible for the occupant to easily confirm information that the occupant is desired to confirm.

[0044] In the information provision system 100, the ECU 10 stops the output of the voice guidance when an output stop operation is performed by the occupant. In this case, the output stop operation by the occupant can, for example, terminate (stop) the voice guidance that is currently being output. For example, it is possible to output high-priority words preferentially until the output stop operation is performed by the occupant, and to stop output of the remaining part of the voice guidance that includes low-priority words when the occupant performs the output stop operation.

[0045] In the information provision system 100, the ECU 10 performs at least one of the following depending on the priority of a word: changing the volume of the word in the voice guidance; changing the reading time of the word in the voice guidance; generating a silent period immediately after the word in the voice guidance; and changing the number of times a notification including the word is output after outputting the voice guidance. In this case, the words included in the voice guidance are output in different modes depending on the priority, making it easier for the occupant to confirm information that the occupant is desired to confirm.

[0046] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The present invention can be implemented in various forms including the above-described embodiment and various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the vehicle 1 is not limited to the above-described form. The vehicle 1 may be, for example, an autonomous driving vehicle. Autonomous driving is a vehicle control that automatically drives the vehicle 1 without the need for a driver to perform driving operations.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the ECU 10 does not need to change the manner of outputting a word according to the priority of the word. Specifically, the control unit does not need to perform at least one of the following according to the priority of the word: changing the volume of the word in the voice guidance, changing the reading time of the word in the voice guidance, generating a silent period immediately after the word in the voice guidance, and changing the number of times a notification including the word is output after outputting the voice guidance. The ECU 10 may simply set a priority for each word in at least the priority setting unit 12 and set the word order of the words according to the priority in the word order setting unit 13.

[0049] In the above embodiment, in the information provision system 100, the ECU 10 may not stop outputting the voice guidance in response to an output stop operation by the occupant. In this case, the ECU 10 may continue outputting the voice guidance regardless of whether or not the occupant inputs anything to the input unit 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a voice guidance output process. The voice guidance output process is performed, for example, when execution of the ACC function is permitted, and is started when the occupant turns the ACC switch 3b to the on state. In this flowchart, the output control unit 15 continues outputting the voice guidance regardless of whether or not the occupant inputs anything to the input unit 3.

[0050] 3, in S20, the ECU 10 performs calculations for the operation of the vehicle 1. For example, the ECU 10 starts up each component of the vehicle 1 required to execute the ACC function, acquires information, etc. For example, the ECU 10 acquires information related to the currently set speed and set inter-vehicle distance.

[0051] Next, in S21, the ECU 10 determines information to be provided to the occupant. The information determination unit 11 performs the same processing as in S12 described above. Next, in S22, the ECU 10 determines voice guidance. The priority setting unit 12, the word order setting unit 13, and the output mode setting unit 14 perform the same processing as in S13 described above. Next, in S23, the ECU 10 outputs voice guidance. The output control unit 15 performs the same processing as in S17 described above. Thereafter, the ECU 10 ends the voice guidance output processing. In this way, the output control unit 15 can continue to output voice guidance regardless of whether or not there is input from the occupant.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the information determination unit 11 may determine confirmation information, which confirms whether or not there is any problem with the content of words included in the first voice guidance, as information to be provided to the occupant following the first voice guidance. For example, when the occupant inputs to the input unit 3 to execute setting of information related to driving assistance for the vehicle 1, including a set speed or a set following distance, or when the information determination unit 11 determines to include words related to driving assistance for the vehicle 1, such as a set speed or a set following distance, in the first voice guidance, the information determination unit 11 determines the above confirmation information. For example, when the priority of a word in the first voice guidance is set by the priority setting unit 12 to be higher than a threshold, the information determination unit 11 determines to subsequently provide confirmation information confirming whether or not there is any problem with the content of the word.

[0053] Based on the confirmation information, the information decision unit 11 causes the second voice guidance output following the first voice guidance to include words confirming whether or not there is a problem with the content of the first voice guidance. For example, the information decision unit 11 causes the second voice guidance to include words prompting the occupant to make a predetermined input as an approval operation. For example, the information decision unit 11 causes the second voice guidance to include words prompting the occupant to speak predetermined content (words) through the microphone 3a. When the occupant confirms that there is no problem with the content of the first voice guidance output by the output control unit 15 and wants the ECU 10 to process the content, the occupant inputs predetermined content in accordance with the second voice guidance as an approval operation through the microphone 3a. When the occupant inputs the predetermined content (approval operation), the ECU 10 sets information related to driving assistance for the vehicle 1 using the content included in the first voice guidance.

[0054] For example, if the occupant inputs "Set radar cruise control to 100 km / h" via the microphone 3a of the input unit 3, the ECU 10 recognizes this as an input to change the set speed of the radar cruise control. The information determination unit 11 determines information to set the set speed to 100 km / h. In this case, the priority setting unit 12 sets the priority of the word "100 km / h," which is related to the set speed, higher than the priority of other words and thresholds. The word order setting unit 13 sets the word order of the word related to the set speed to the beginning and generates the first voice guidance: "Set radar cruise control at 100 km / h."

[0055] In this case, the priority setting unit 12 sets the priority of the word "100 km / h" higher than the threshold, and the information determination unit 11 determines to subsequently provide confirmation information for confirming whether or not there is a problem with the content of the word. The information determination unit 11 includes words in the second voice guidance that prompt the occupant to confirm that 100 km / h is a problem and to utter predetermined content. The output control unit 15 outputs the second voice guidance, for example, "If it is OK, please say 100 km," following the first guidance. Note that the priority setting unit 12 may set priorities for the words included in the second voice guidance, and the word order setting unit 13 and the output mode setting unit 14 may change the word order and output mode of the words according to the priorities.

[0056] For example, when the ECU 10 receives an input of "100 km" as an occupant's approval operation via the microphone 3a of the input unit 3, the ECU 10 changes the set speed of the radar cruise control to 100 km / h. The ECU 10 may receive the occupant's approval operation via another component of the input unit 3 other than the microphone 3a. This makes it possible to prevent the ECU 10 from providing driving assistance for the vehicle 1 based on an erroneous recognition of the occupant's input.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the output mode setting unit 14 changes the output mode of a word to be included in the voice guidance according to the word, which is variable, such as a level or a numerical value. The word is, for example, a setting value that can be adjusted, such as up / down, large / small, or increase / decrease, and includes at least one of a set speed and a set following distance. The output mode setting unit 14 communicates the content of the word to the occupant, for example, by a method other than voice. When the occupant is performing another task, such as driving the vehicle 1, using their vision, the output mode setting unit 14 communicates the content of the word by a method that does not interfere with the performance of the other task. For example, the output mode setting unit 14 may be set to add a sound or voice different from that used when other words are output when the word is output. The sound to be added may be an engine sound, a buzzer sound, a melody, or the like.

[0058] The output mode setting unit 14 may be configured to control the operation of the seat on which the occupant sits only when the word is output, for example. When the vehicle 1 accelerates or when the inter-vehicle distance decreases, the output mode setting unit 14 sets the seat to move by a predetermined distance in a direction that pushes at least a portion of the seat toward the front of the vehicle 1. When the vehicle 1 decelerates or when the inter-vehicle distance increases, the output mode setting unit 14 sets the seat to move by a predetermined distance in a direction that pulls at least a portion of the seat toward the rear of the vehicle 1. The output mode setting unit 14 may be configured to present an animation in the peripheral vision of the occupant. In this case, the output control unit 15 may display the animation using a configuration such as a HUD, illumination, or AR glasses.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the information determination unit 11 may change the words to be included in the voice guidance to be output depending on the occupant's familiarity with the information provision system 100. The familiarity is the degree to which the occupant is familiar with the information provision system 100. The familiarity may be expressed, for example, by an index that can express a magnitude such as a plurality of levels or a numerical value. A higher familiarity may indicate that the occupant is more familiar with the information provision system 100. The familiarity is calculated based on at least one index of the occupant's usage status of the information provision system 100, an index of the timing of the occupant's approval operation (approval response) in response to the voice guidance, and an index of the occupant's voice recognition performance by the ECU 10. The familiarity is, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the usage status index of the information provision system 100, the index of the timing of the approval operation, and the voice recognition performance index. The familiarity is, for example, stored for each occupant.

[0060] The usage status index of the information providing system 100 is calculated each time the information providing system 100 is used. The usage status index is calculated based on the number of times the information providing system 100 is used and the time elapsed since the last time the information providing system 100 was used. The usage status index is an index that increases as the number of times the information providing system 100 is used and the time elapsed since the last time it was used increases.

[0061] The index of the timing of the approval operation is set to 1 if the approval operation is performed earlier than a predetermined threshold. The index of the timing of the approval operation is set to 0 if the approval operation is performed at a timing equal to or later than a predetermined threshold. The speech recognition performance index is set to 1 if a predetermined standard is met, and is set to 0 if the standard is not met.

[0062] For example, the higher the level of familiarity, the fewer the number of words the information determination unit 11 includes in the output voice guidance. An example of voice guidance output from the ECU 10 when setting a set speed is shown below. When the level of familiarity is low, voice guidance such as "Radar cruise control will be set at 80 km / h. Please select Yes if you agree" is output. As the level of familiarity increases, shorter voice guidance such as "Set to 80 km / h. Please select Yes," "Set to 80 km / h, do you agree?", or "Do you want to set to 80 km / h?" is output. In this way, appropriate voice guidance can be output according to the occupant's level of familiarity with the information provision system 100. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1...vehicle, 2...HMI, 10...ECU (control unit), 100...information provision system

Claims

1. An information provision system that provides information to occupants of a vehicle, including a driver of the vehicle, by outputting at least audio guidance, comprising: a control unit for controlling the output of the voice guidance; The control unit a priority indicating a degree to which confirmation by the occupant is desired for each of a plurality of words included in the voice guidance; setting a word order of the plurality of words included in the voice guidance according to the priority of the words; the plurality of words include words or phrases that represent at least one of information about a set speed of the vehicle and information about a set inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and another vehicle; changing words to be included in the voice guidance to be output in accordance with a level of familiarity of the occupant with the information provision system; The proficiency level is stored for each occupant and is a value obtained by multiplying an index of the occupant's usage of the information provision system, an index of the timing of the occupant's approval operation in response to the voice guidance, and an index of the occupant's voice recognition performance by the control unit. Information provision system.

2. The information providing system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit stops output of the voice guidance when an output stop operation is performed by the occupant.

3. The information provision system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit performs at least one of the following depending on the priority of the word: changing the volume of the word in the voice guidance; changing the reading time of the word in the voice guidance; generating a silent period immediately after the word in the voice guidance; and changing the number of times a notification including the word is output after the voice guidance is output.

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