Driving assistance function proposal system and method for proposing driving assistance function proposal system

Abstract

To prevent a driver from feeling annoyed by an unnecessary suggestion of a driving support function.SOLUTION: A driving support function suggestion system performs: acquiring an operation history of a driving support function including position information from a plurality of probe vehicles; and suggesting the use of the driving support function corresponding to a suggestion point to a driver of a suggestion object vehicle when it is determined that the suggestion object vehicle is to arrive at the suggestion point which is set based on the operation history. When a preliminary use frequency or preliminary use times of the driving support function of the suggestion object vehicle at the suggestion point is equal to or more than a suggestion unnecessity threshold, the use of the driving support function is not suggested to the driver.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a driving assistance function proposal system and a proposal method for the driving assistance function proposal system. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2019-74803 is a known technical document related to a driving assistance function suggestion system. This publication discloses a server device that acquires vehicle information as big data from multiple vehicles and stores recommended driving conditions that recommend the use of vehicle functions possessed by the vehicles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-74803 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional server device described above, when a vehicle's driving situation becomes a recommended driving situation determined based on big data acquired from multiple vehicles, vehicle functions corresponding to the recommended driving situation are proposed to the driver of the vehicle. Therefore, the proposed vehicle functions may not match the preferences of the driver of the vehicle, and the driver may feel annoyed by the unnecessary proposals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a driving assistance function proposal system that acquires operation history of driving assistance functions, including location information, from a plurality of probe vehicles, and when it is determined that a proposed vehicle will reach a proposed point set based on the operation history, proposes to the driver of the proposed vehicle the use of a driving assistance function corresponding to the proposed point, and when the prior use frequency or the number of prior uses of the driving assistance function of the proposed vehicle at the proposed point is equal to or greater than a proposal unnecessary threshold, proposes to the driver the use of the driving assistance function. If the turn signal of the target vehicle that is determined to reach the proposed point is on, the system does not suggest to the driver that the driver use the driving assistance function. .

[0006] According to one aspect of the driving assistance function proposal system of the present invention, it is considered that the driver of the vehicle to which the proposal is made does not understand the usefulness of the driving assistance function at the proposed location before implementing the driving assistance function, and therefore it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by unnecessary suggestions.

[0008] In the above-described driving assistance function suggestion system, if the vehicle speed of the proposal target vehicle determined to reach the proposal point is equal to or greater than the vehicle speed threshold, the system does not need to suggest to the driver that the driving assistance function be used. According to this driving assistance function suggestion system, if the vehicle being suggested to is traveling at a high speed, the driver may be in a hurry to reach their destination. Therefore, by not suggesting the use of driving assistance functions, the system can prevent the suggestion from being an annoyance to the driver.

[0009] In the above-mentioned driving assistance function proposal system, even if the vehicle speed of the proposed vehicle determined to reach the proposed location is equal to or greater than the vehicle speed threshold, the use of the driving assistance function may be suggested to the driver if the post-proposal assistance start frequency, which is the frequency at which the driver starts using the driving assistance function after a proposal at the proposed location, is equal to or greater than the proposal-dependent threshold. According to this driving assistance function suggestion system, even if the driver is in a hurry to reach their destination, it is likely that the driver will rely on suggestions for driving assistance functions, and therefore the driver is unlikely to find suggestions for using driving assistance functions bothersome. Therefore, by making suggestions, it is possible to promote the use of driving assistance functions.

[0010] In the above-mentioned driving assistance function proposal system, if there is an uninstalled function, which is a driving assistance function that is not installed in the proposed vehicle but can be purchased by download from a server for the proposed vehicle, when it is determined that the proposed vehicle is located at a proposal location associated with the uninstalled function, the driver may be suggested to purchase the uninstalled function. This driving assistance function proposal system can propose to the driver the purchase of a function that is not yet installed at a proposal point where the driver can concretely imagine the benefits of purchasing the driving assistance function.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is a proposal method for a driving assistance function proposal system that acquires operation history of driving assistance functions including position information from a plurality of probe vehicles, and when it is determined that a proposal target vehicle will reach a proposal point set based on the operation history, proposes to a driver of the proposal target vehicle the use of a driving assistance function corresponding to the proposal point, and when the use frequency of the driving assistance function of the proposal target vehicle at the proposal point is equal to or greater than a vehicle use determination threshold, proposes to the driver the use of the driving assistance function. If the turn signal of the target vehicle that is determined to reach the proposed point is on, the system does not suggest to the driver that the driver use the driving assistance function. .

[0012] According to the proposal method of the driving assistance function proposal system relating to another aspect of the present invention, it is assumed that the driver does not understand the usefulness of the driving assistance function at the proposed location before executing the driving assistance function, and therefore it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by unnecessary suggestions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by the suggestion of unnecessary driving assistance functions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a server of the driving assistance function suggestion system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a server. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a proposed vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a proposal to a driver to use a driving assistance function. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a proposed point setting process of the driving assistance function proposal system. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a driving assistance function proposal process of the driving assistance function proposal system. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an addition determination process that can be added to the driving assistance function proposal process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a server 10 of a driving assistance function proposal system 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the driving assistance function proposal system 100 includes a server 10 communicably connected to a probe vehicle 2 and a proposal target vehicle 3. The driving assistance function proposal system 100 is a system that uses information (big data) collected from the probe vehicle 2 to propose use of a driving assistance function to the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3.

[0017] In the driving assist function proposal system 100, a plurality of probe vehicles 2 (probe vehicles 2A to 2Z) and a proposal target vehicle 3 are communicably connected to a server 10 via a network N. The network N is a wireless communication network such as the Internet.

[0018] Driving assistance functions are functions that assist a driver in driving operations. Examples of driving assistance functions include functions related to ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). Driving assistance functions may include at least one of adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane keeping assist (LKA), automatic overtaking function, automatic merging function, collision mitigation braking (e.g., pre-crash safety), rear and side warning function (e.g., blind spot monitor), night vision function (e.g., night view), traffic sign recognition function (e.g., road sign assist), driver emergency stopping support, driver emergency response function, automatic headlight adjustment support (e.g., adaptive front lighting), parking support (e.g., intelligent parking assist), lane change support, deceleration and steering support for obstacles (e.g., proactive driving assist), leading vehicle departure notification function (e.g., leading vehicle departure alarm), crossing vehicle notification function (e.g., front cross traffic alert), deceleration support function, headlamp light distribution control, parking support, blind spot support, pedal misapplication prevention, wrong-way driving prevention, etc. The deceleration assistance function is executed at locations where deceleration is required, such as intersections, roundabouts, and points where emergency deceleration is frequent. The headlamp light distribution control includes at least one of automatic on / off switching of the headlamps, automatic switching between high beam and low beam, and spot light distribution. The driving assistance function may include a package (for example, Advanced Drive) that combines multiple functions.

[0019] The probe vehicle 2 is a vehicle that is the subject of information collection regarding proposed driving assistance functions for the vehicle. The probe vehicle 2 is not a fully autonomous vehicle, but a vehicle that is driven by a driver. The probe vehicles 2 do not need to be vehicles with the same configuration, and may be of different models. The probe vehicle 2 has the function of recognizing the vehicle's position information on a map using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) or the like. The probe vehicle 2 also has the function of storing various driving assistance functions and the operation history of each driving assistance function.

[0020] The operation history is acquired in association with the position information of the probe vehicle 2. The operation history includes the operation start position and operation end position of the driving assistance function. The operation history also includes the usage time of the driving assistance function. The operation history is acquired for each type of driving assistance function.

[0021] The probe vehicle 2 transmits various types of vehicle information, including the operation history of the driving assistance functions, to the server 10. The vehicle information may include an identification ID for individually identifying the probe vehicle 2. The identification ID may be associated with information such as the vehicle type of the probe vehicle 2 and available driving assistance functions. The number of probe vehicles 2 connected to the server 10 is not particularly limited. There may be one probe vehicle 2, ten probe vehicles 2, or even one hundred or more probe vehicles. The probe vehicles 2 are not limited to vehicles dedicated to information collection, and may include general vehicles that have agreed to provide information. The probe vehicles 2 may be composed only of general vehicles.

[0022] A proposed vehicle 3 is a vehicle for which a driving assistance function is proposed, and is a vehicle for which the driver has permitted the driving assistance function proposal service. The proposed vehicle 3 is not particularly limited to any particular model as long as the driving assistance function is available. The number of proposed vehicles 3 connected to the server 10 may be one, ten, or even one hundred or more. The proposed vehicle 3 may also serve as a probe vehicle 2. The proposed vehicle 3 may also be a vehicle for which a new driving assistance function can be purchased and downloaded from the server 10.

[0023] The driving assistance function proposal system 100 acquires proposal target vehicle information including location information from the proposal target vehicle 3. The driving assistance function proposal system 100 proposes the use of a driving assistance function to the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3 according to the location of the proposal target vehicle 3.

[0024] [Server Configuration] The configuration of the server 10 of the driving assistance function proposal system 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server. The server 10 is provided in a facility such as an information management center. The server 10 does not necessarily have to be provided in a facility, and may be mounted on a mobile object such as a vehicle or a ship. The server 10 may be formed on the cloud. The server 10 may be composed of multiple server computers.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the server 10 is configured as a general computer including a processor 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a user interface 14.

[0026] The processor 11 controls the server 10 by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 11 is an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that includes a control device, an arithmetic device, a register, etc. The processor 11 controls the storage unit 12, the communication unit 13, and the user interface 14. The storage unit 12 is configured to include at least one of a memory and a storage. The memory is a recording medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage is a recording medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0027] The communication unit 13 is a communication device for communicating via the network N. A network device, a network controller, a network card, etc. can be used as the communication unit 13. The user interface 14 is a device including output devices such as a display and a speaker, and an input device such as a touch panel.

[0028] The server 10 is connected to an operation history database 15. The operation history database 15 is a database that stores operation histories of driving assistance functions acquired from the probe vehicle 2. The operation history database 15 may store various information such as an identification ID of the probe vehicle 2 in addition to the operation history. The operation history database 15 may have the same configuration as a well-known database.

[0029] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the processor 11. As shown in Fig. 3, the processor 11 has an operation history acquisition unit 11a, a proposal location setting unit 11b, a proposal target vehicle information acquisition unit 11c, and a driving assistance function proposal unit 11d. Note that some of the functions of the processor 11 may be executed in the proposal target vehicle 3.

[0030] The operation history acquisition unit 11a acquires the operation history of the driving assistance function transmitted from the probe vehicle 2. The operation history acquisition unit 11a stores the operation history of the driving assistance function in the operation history database 15. The operation history acquisition unit 11a may store the operation history in the operation history database 15 after classifying data such as the type of driving assistance function activated by the probe vehicle 2, the usage time of the driving assistance function, and the usage section of the driving assistance function.

[0031] The proposed point setting unit 11b sets proposed points based on the operation history of the probe vehicle 2 stored in the operation history database 15. Proposed points are points on a map that are used to propose the use of a driving assistance function. Proposed points are set for each type of driving assistance function. Proposed points may be set by distinguishing the traveling direction of the road, or may be set for each lane.

[0032] Specifically, the proposed location setting unit 11b determines, based on the operation history, whether or not there is a candidate location where the usage frequency of the driving assistance function of the probe vehicles 2 is equal to or greater than a frequency determination threshold. The usage frequency corresponds to the number of probe vehicles 2 that have used the driving assistance function among the probe vehicles 2 that have passed the location. The usage frequency is calculated for each type of driving assistance function.

[0033] Candidate points are points that are candidates for proposed points. Candidate points may be narrowed down to points where roads connect, points where curves start, points where intersections are likely to cause congestion, etc., or may be statistically narrowed down to points where the use of driving assistance functions is frequently started based on operation history. The frequency determination threshold is a threshold value that is set in advance. Different values ​​may be set for the frequency determination threshold for each type of driving assistance function. Hereinafter, the threshold described in this embodiment means a threshold value that has a preset value.

[0034] In addition, the calculation of the usage frequency may include conditions according to the type of driving assistance function. For example, in the case of a night vision function, the proposed location setting unit 11b may determine candidate locations using a usage frequency limited to nighttime.

[0035] When it is determined that the above-mentioned candidate point exists, the proposed point setting unit 11b determines whether the average usage time of the driving assistance function of the probe vehicle 2 at the candidate point is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. The average usage time of the driving assistance function is the average value of the continuous usage time of the driving assistance function that was used at the proposed point. A different value may be set for each type of driving assistance function. The proposed point setting unit 11b sets the candidate point where the average usage time of the driving assistance function is equal to or longer than a predetermined time as a proposed point.

[0036] In addition, the proposed point setting unit 11b may set, as a proposed target road, a road where the usage frequency of the driving assistance function is equal to or greater than a frequency determination threshold and the average usage time of the driving assistance function is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. The proposed point setting unit 11b may set, as a proposed point, an entrance point into the proposed target road from another road, etc. The proposed target may be an intersection instead of a road. The method of setting a proposed point is not limited to the above. Note that the server 10 does not necessarily need to have the proposed point setting unit 11b. The proposed point may be set in another server that is not part of the driving assistance function proposal system 100.

[0037] The proposed vehicle information acquisition unit 11c acquires proposed vehicle information transmitted from the proposed vehicle 3. The proposed vehicle information includes the identification ID and location information of the proposed vehicle 3. The proposed vehicle information includes information on the driving assistance functions installed in the proposed vehicle 3. The proposed vehicle information also includes the operation history of the driving assistance functions associated with the location information of the proposed vehicle 3. The proposed vehicle information may include the driver's driving tendencies, or may include driver preference information regarding the driver's preferences for driving assistance functions. The proposed vehicle information may include vehicle model information of the proposed vehicle 3.

[0038] The driving assistance function proposal unit 11d proposes the use of driving assistance functions to the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3. Note that the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d does not propose the use of driving assistance functions that are already being used at the present time. The driving assistance function proposal unit 11d also does not propose the use of driving assistance functions that the driver has been permitted to start using automatically at the system's discretion. Furthermore, the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d does not propose the use of driving assistance functions when the proposal target vehicle 3 is performing autonomous driving and the driver is not driving.

[0039] The driving assistance function proposal unit 11d determines whether the proposal target vehicle 3 will reach the proposal point based on the position information of the proposal target vehicle 3 and the proposal point set by the proposal point setting unit 11b. For example, the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d determines that the proposal target vehicle 3 will reach the proposal point when the distance between the proposal point and the proposal target vehicle 3 is less than a distance threshold. The driving assistance function proposal unit 11d may also determine that the proposal target vehicle 3 will reach the proposal point when the remaining time until the proposal target vehicle 3 reaches the proposal point is less than a remaining time threshold. The distance threshold and the remaining time threshold may be set to different values ​​depending on the type of driving assistance function associated with the proposal point.

[0040] When it is determined that the proposal target vehicle 3 will reach the proposed point, the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d determines whether the driving assistance function for the proposed point is not installed in the proposal target vehicle 3. The driving assistance function proposal unit 11d makes the above determination by comparing the driving assistance function corresponding to the proposed point with the driving assistance function installed in the proposal target vehicle 3.

[0041] When it is determined that the driving assistance function at the proposed location is not installed, the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d may determine whether the driving assistance function at the proposed location is an uninstalled function that can be purchased by download from the server 10 for the proposed vehicle 3. The driving assistance function proposal unit 11d makes the above determination based on a pre-stored list of driving assistance functions available for download sales and driving assistance functions that can be installed by download and are linked to the identification ID of the proposed vehicle 3. Note that the server that sells the driving assistance function is not limited to the server 10, and may be a different server.

[0042] When the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d determines that the driving assistance function at the proposal point is an uninstalled function that can be purchased by download, the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d may propose to the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3 that the driver purchase the uninstalled function. The driving assistance function proposal unit 11d proposes the purchase of the uninstalled function to the driver through a display, speaker, or the like of the proposal target vehicle 3 by transmitting purchase proposal information to the proposal target vehicle 3. This makes it possible to propose the purchase of the uninstalled function to the driver at the proposal point where the driver can specifically imagine the benefits of purchasing the driving assistance function.

[0043] When it is determined that the driving assistance function at the proposed location is installed in the proposed vehicle 3, the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d determines whether the frequency of prior use of the driving assistance function of the proposed vehicle 3 at the proposed location is greater than or equal to the proposal-unnecessary threshold.

[0044] The pre-use frequency corresponds to the ratio of the number of times that the proposal target vehicle 3 has used a driving assistance function (a driving assistance function associated with the proposed location) in advance to the number of times that the proposal target vehicle 3 has passed the proposed location. The no-proposal threshold is set to a value that can determine that no proposal is necessary, for example, because the driver understands the usefulness of the driving assistance function at the proposed location but has not used the driving assistance function this time. The pre-use frequency may be updated at regular intervals.

[0045] The driving assistance function proposal unit 11d may use the number of prior uses instead of the frequency of prior use. The driving assistance function proposal unit 11d determines whether the number of prior uses of the driving assistance function of the proposal target vehicle 3 at the proposed point is less than the proposal no longer necessary threshold. The number of prior uses is the number of times that the proposal target vehicle 3 has previously used the driving assistance function (the driving assistance function associated with the proposed point) when passing through the proposed point. The number of prior uses may be updated at regular intervals. When both the frequency of prior use and the number of prior uses are used, the corresponding values ​​of the proposal no longer necessary threshold will be different.

[0046] When the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d determines that the frequency or number of prior uses of the driving assistance function of the proposal target vehicle 3 at the proposal point is equal to or greater than the proposal unnecessary threshold, it does not propose use of the driving assistance function to the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3, since it is highly likely that the driver understands the usefulness of the driving assistance function at the proposal point but has not implemented the driving assistance function this time. This makes it possible to prevent proposals that are unnecessary for the driver.

[0047] In addition, if the proposed vehicle 3 has a driver's personal authentication function, the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d may acquire the driver's personal authentication information as the proposed vehicle information and count the frequency or number of pre-uses of the driving assistance function for each driver.

[0048] When the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d determines that the frequency of prior use or the number of prior uses of the driving assistance function of the proposal target vehicle 3 at the proposal point is not less than the proposal unnecessary threshold, the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d proposes the use of the driving assistance function to the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3. The driving assistance function proposal unit 11d proposes the use of the driving assistance function to the driver through a display, speaker, or the like of the proposal target vehicle 3 by transmitting proposal information to the proposal target vehicle 3.

[0049] The driving assistance function suggestion unit 11d may notify the driver of the frequency or number of probe vehicles 2 using the driving assistance function at the proposed point. The frequency of use corresponds to the proportion of the number of times the driving assistance function (the driving assistance function associated with the proposed point) is used among the number of times the probe vehicles 2 pass the proposed point. The number of vehicles using the driving assistance function is the number of probe vehicles 2 that used the driving assistance function associated with the proposed point when passing through the proposed point. The frequency of use and the number of vehicles using the driving assistance function may be updated at regular intervals. In this way, by specifically notifying the driver of the proposed vehicle 3 of the frequency and number of vehicles using the driving assistance function, the hurdle for the driver of the proposed vehicle 3 to try using the driving assistance function can be lowered.

[0050] The driving assistance function proposing unit 11d may determine whether to propose a driving assistance function based on the weather, whether it is day or night, the traffic congestion around the proposal target vehicle 3, etc. The driving assistance function proposing unit 11d may change the conditions depending on the type of driving assistance function. If the driving assistance function associated with the proposed point is a night vision function, the driving assistance function proposing unit 11d may suggest use to the driver when it is determined that the day / night is nighttime.

[0051] The driving assistance function proposing unit 11d may determine whether to propose a driving assistance function based on the vehicle speed and the lighting of the turn signal of the proposal target vehicle 3. When the turn signal of the proposal target vehicle 3 that is determined to reach the proposal point is on, the driving assistance function proposing unit 11d may not suggest to the driver that the driver use a driving assistance function. When the turn signal of the proposal target vehicle 3 is on, it is considered that the driver is consciously intending to perform a driving operation such as turning right, turning left, or changing lanes. Therefore, by not proposing the use of a driving assistance function, it is possible to prevent the proposal from being an annoyance to the driver.

[0052] The driving assistance function proposing unit 11d may suggest the use of some types of driving assistance functions even when the turn indicators of the proposal target vehicle 3 are on. For example, the driving assistance function proposing unit 11d may suggest the use of an intersecting vehicle notification function when turning right at an intersection in a country or region where traffic drives on the left. The driving assistance function proposing unit 11d may suggest the use of an intersecting vehicle notification function when turning left at an intersection in a country or region where traffic drives on the right.

[0053] The driving assistance function proposing unit 11d may be configured not to propose to the driver the use of a driving assistance function when the vehicle speed of the proposal target vehicle 3 determined to reach the proposal point is equal to or greater than the vehicle speed threshold.

[0054] The vehicle speed threshold may be set to a different value depending on the proposed location. The vehicle speed threshold may be set to a different value for expressways and general roads. The vehicle speed threshold may be set to an appropriate value for determining whether the driver of the proposed vehicle 3 is in a hurry based on the driving history of the driver. The vehicle speed threshold may be set to a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the average vehicle speed of the driver. If the vehicle speed of the proposed vehicle 3 is high, the driver may be in a hurry to arrive at the destination, so by not suggesting the use of a driving assistance function, it is possible to prevent the suggestion from being an annoyance to the driver.

[0055] Note that even if the vehicle speed of the proposal target vehicle 3 is equal to or greater than the vehicle speed threshold, the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d may propose the use of the driving assistance function if the post-proposal assistance start frequency, which is the frequency at which the driver starts using the driving assistance function after the proposal at the proposal point, is equal to or greater than the proposal dependency threshold. The value of the proposal dependency threshold is not particularly limited. An appropriate value may be set as the proposal dependency threshold to determine whether the driver is relying on the proposal to use the driving assistance function.

[0056] The post-proposal assistance start frequency is the number of times that the driver started using the driving assistance function after the proposal was made to the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3 at the proposal point. As a result, if the driver frequently relies on proposals for driving assistance functions, the driver is likely not to find the proposals bothersome, and therefore making the proposals can promote the use of the driving assistance function. Note that if the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d has acquired the driver's personal authentication information as proposal target vehicle information, it may calculate the post-proposal assistance start frequency for each driver.

[0057] [Proposed vehicle configuration] Next, an example of the configuration of the proposal target vehicle 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the proposal target vehicle 3.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 3, the proposed vehicle 3 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 30. The ECU 30 is an electronic control unit having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. The ECU 30 realizes various functions by, for example, loading a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing the program loaded into the RAM with the CPU. The ECU 30 may be composed of multiple electronic units.

[0059] The ECU 30 is connected to a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver 21 , an external sensor 22 , an internal sensor 23 , a map database 24 , a communication unit 25 , an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 26 , and an actuator 27 .

[0060] The GNSS receiver 21 receives signals from three or more positioning satellites to measure the position of the proposal target vehicle 3 (for example, the latitude and longitude of the proposal target vehicle 3). The GNSS receiver 21 transmits the measured position information of the proposal target vehicle 3 to the ECU 30. The GNSS receiver 21 may be a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver.

[0061] The external sensor 22 is a detection device that detects the external environment of the proposal target vehicle 3. The external sensor 22 includes at least one of a camera and a radar sensor. The camera is an imaging device that captures images of the external environment of the proposal target vehicle 3. The radar sensor is a detection device that uses radio waves (e.g., millimeter waves) or light to detect objects around the proposal target vehicle 3. The radar sensor includes, for example, millimeter wave radar or LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).

[0062] The internal sensor 23 is a detection device that detects the vehicle state of the proposal target vehicle 3. The internal sensor 23 includes a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a yaw rate sensor. The internal sensor 23 may include a turn signal detection unit that detects whether the turn signal of the proposal target vehicle 3 is on or off. The internal sensor 23 may include a driving operation detection unit that detects the driver's driving operations (steering, accelerator operation, brake operation, shift lever operation, etc.). The internal sensor 23 may also detect the on / off states of various driving assistance functions.

[0063] The map database 24 is a database that stores map information. The map database 24 is formed, for example, in a storage device such as an HDD mounted on the proposal target vehicle 3. The map information includes road position information, road shape information (for example, curvature information), and intersection and branch point position information. The map information may also include traffic regulation information such as legal speed limits associated with the position information.

[0064] The communication unit 25 is a communication device that controls wireless communication with the outside of the proposal target vehicle 3. The communication unit 25 transmits and receives various information to the server 10 via the network N. The communication unit 25 transmits various information to the server 10 in response to a signal from the ECU 30.

[0065] The HMI 26 is an interface for inputting and outputting information between the ECU 30 and the driver. The HMI 26 includes, for example, a display, a speaker, and the like provided in the vehicle cabin. The HMI 26 outputs images from the display and sounds from the speaker in response to control signals from the ECU 30. The display may be a HUD (Head Up Display) or a display on a mobile device of the driver that is connected to the ECU 30 for communication.

[0066] The actuators 27 are devices used to control the proposal target vehicle 3. The actuators 27 include a drive actuator that controls engine output or motor output, a brake actuator, and a steering actuator. The actuators 27 execute various driving assistance functions by controlling the running of the proposal target vehicle 3 in response to control signals from the ECU 30.

[0067] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the ECU 30. As shown in Fig. 3, the ECU 30 has a vehicle position recognition unit 31, a vehicle information transmission unit 32, a proposal unit 33, and a driving assistance execution unit .

[0068] The vehicle position recognition unit 31 recognizes the position of the proposal target vehicle 3 on the map based on the position information of the GNSS receiver 21 and the map information of the map database 24. The vehicle position recognition unit 31 may recognize the position of the proposal target vehicle 3 on the map by SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology, using position information of fixed obstacles such as utility poles included in the map information of the map database 24 and the detection results of the external sensor 22. The vehicle position recognition unit 31 may also recognize the position of the proposal target vehicle 3 on the map by other well-known methods.

[0069] The vehicle information transmission unit 32 transmits various information, including the location information of the proposal target vehicle 3, to the server 10 as proposal target vehicle information. The proposal target vehicle information also includes the identification ID of the proposal target vehicle 3. The proposal target vehicle information also includes the operation history of the driving assistance function associated with the location information. The proposal target vehicle information may include vehicle speed information of the proposal target vehicle 3 and turn signal illumination information. The proposal target vehicle information may also include information on the post-proposal assistance start frequency, which is when the driver starts using the driving assistance function after the proposal. The vehicle information transmission unit 32 transmits other necessary information to the server 10.

[0070] The suggestion unit 33 suggests to the driver the use of the driving assistance function based on instructions from the server 10. The suggestion unit 33 suggests to the driver the use of the driving assistance function by sending a control signal to the HMI 26 via a display, a speaker, etc.

[0071] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a proposal to a driver to use a driving assistance function. As shown in FIG. 4, the proposal unit 33 proposes, for example by voice or text display, to the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3 to activate Advanced Drive, which many drivers use on average for 5 minutes or more on roads including the proposed point. Note that the illustrated Advanced Drive includes several driving assistance functions as a package. The proposal to use a driving assistance function also includes a package proposal.

[0072] The suggestion unit 33 may have a voice recognition function. When the suggestion unit 33 recognizes a voice instruction from the driver to use a driving assistance function via the microphone of the HMI 26, the suggestion unit 33 may activate the driving assistance function.

[0073] The driving assistance execution unit 34 executes driving assistance functions for the proposal target vehicle 3. The driving assistance execution unit 34 executes various driving assistance functions by sending control signals to the HMI 26 or the actuator 27. A detailed description of the execution of the driving assistance functions will be omitted.

[0074] The driving assistance function proposal system 100 may cause at least a part of the functions of the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d of the server 10 to be performed on the proposal target vehicle 3 side. The proposal unit 33 of the proposal target vehicle 3 may determine whether the proposal target vehicle 3 will reach the proposal point by acquiring information about the proposal point from the server 10. The proposal unit 33 may determine whether the driving assistance function at the proposal point is not yet installed in the proposal target vehicle 3, based on the driving assistance function associated with the proposal point. The proposal unit 33 may determine, by communicating with the server 10, whether the driving assistance function at the proposal point is an uninstalled function that can be purchased by download from the server 10 for the proposal target vehicle 3. If the proposal unit 33 determines that the driving assistance function at the proposal point is an uninstalled function that can be purchased by download, the proposal unit 33 may suggest to the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3 that the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3 purchase the uninstalled function.

[0075] Furthermore, when the proposal unit 33 determines that the driving assistance function at the proposal point is installed in the proposal target vehicle 3, the proposal unit 33 may determine whether the prior use frequency of the driving assistance function of the proposal target vehicle 3 at the proposal point is less than the proposal no longer necessary threshold. When the proposal unit 33 determines that the prior use frequency or the number of prior uses of the driving assistance function is not less than the proposal no longer necessary threshold, the proposal unit 33 may propose the use of the driving assistance function to the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3, and when the proposal unit 33 determines that the prior use frequency or the number of prior uses of the driving assistance function is less than the proposal no longer necessary threshold, the proposal unit 33 may not propose the use of the driving assistance function to the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3. Additionally, the proposal unit 33 may be capable of executing all of the functions of the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d. In the driving assistance function proposal system 100, if the proposal unit 33 is capable of executing all of the functions of the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d described above, the server 10 does not need to include the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d.

[0076] [Processing of driving assistance function proposal system] Next, the processing of the driving assist function proposal system 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a proposed point setting process of the driving assist function proposal system 100. The proposed point setting process is periodically executed by the server 10, for example.

[0077] 5, in S10, the server 10 of the driving assistance function proposal system 100 acquires the operation history of the driving assistance functions of the probe vehicle 2 by the operation history acquisition unit 11a. The operation history acquisition unit 11a recognizes, for example, the type of driving assistance function activated by the probe vehicle 2, the usage time of the driving assistance function, and the usage section of the driving assistance function. Thereafter, the server 10 proceeds to S11.

[0078] In S11, the server 10 determines whether or not there is a candidate point where the usage frequency of the driving assistance function of the probe vehicle 2 is equal to or greater than the frequency determination threshold by the proposed point setting unit 11b. If the server 10 determines that there is a candidate point, it proceeds to S12. If the server 10 does not determine that there is a candidate point, it ends the proposed point setting process.

[0079] In S12, the server 10 determines whether the average usage time of the driving assistance function of the probe vehicle 2 at the candidate point is equal to or longer than a predetermined time using the proposed point setting unit 11b. If the server 10 determines that the average usage time of the driving assistance function is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the server 10 proceeds to S13. If the server 10 does not determine that the average usage time of the driving assistance function is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the server 10 ends the proposed point setting process.

[0080] In S13, the server 10 sets the candidate points as proposed points using the proposed point setting unit 11b. The proposed point setting unit 11b sets the candidate points where the average usage time of the driving assistance function is equal to or longer than a predetermined time as proposed points. Thereafter, the server 10 ends the proposed point setting process. Note that proposed points are re-evaluated at regular intervals, and may be deleted if they do not satisfy the conditions of S11 and S12.

[0081] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a driving assistance function proposal process (a method for proposing a driving assistance function) of the driving assistance function proposal system 100. The driving assistance function proposal process is executed when the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3 has permitted a driving assistance function proposal service. The driving assistance function proposal process is executed repeatedly, for example, at regular time intervals.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 6, in S20, the server 10 determines, by the driving assistance function proposing unit 11d, whether the proposal target vehicle 3 will reach the proposed point. For example, when the distance between the proposal point and the proposal target vehicle 3 is less than a distance threshold, the driving assistance function proposing unit 11d determines that the proposal target vehicle 3 will reach the proposed point. When it is determined that the proposal target vehicle 3 will reach the proposed point, the server 10 proceeds to S21. When it is not determined that the proposal target vehicle 3 will reach the proposed point, the server 10 ends the driving assistance function proposing process.

[0083] In S21, the server 10 determines, via the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d, whether or not the driving assistance function for the proposed point is not installed in the proposal target vehicle 3. If the server 10 determines that the driving assistance function for the proposed point is not installed in the proposal target vehicle 3, the server 10 proceeds to S22. If the server 10 does not determine that the driving assistance function for the proposed point is not installed in the proposal target vehicle 3, the server 10 proceeds to S24.

[0084] In S22, the server 10 determines, by the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d, whether the driving assistance function at the proposed point is an uninstalled function that can be purchased by download from the server 10 for the proposal target vehicle 3. If the server 10 determines that the function is an uninstalled function that can be purchased by download, the server 10 proceeds to S23. If the server 10 does not determine that the function is an uninstalled function that can be purchased by download, the server 10 ends the driving assistance function proposal process.

[0085] In S24, the server 10 determines whether the advance use frequency or advance use count of the driving assistance function of the proposal target vehicle 3 at the proposal point is less than the proposal no longer necessary threshold by the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d. If the server 10 determines that the advance use frequency or advance use count is less than the proposal no longer necessary threshold, it proceeds to S25. If the server 10 determines that the advance use frequency or advance use count is not less than the proposal no longer necessary threshold, it terminates the driving assistance function proposal process.

[0086] In S25, the server 10 uses the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d to propose the use of the driving assistance function to the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3. The driving assistance function proposal unit 11d proposes the use of the driving assistance function to the driver via the HMI 26 of the proposal target vehicle 3 by sending proposal information to the proposal target vehicle 3. Thereafter, the server 10 ends the driving assistance function proposal process.

[0087] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an additional determination process that can be added to the driving assistance function proposal process. The server 10 of the driving assistance function proposal system 100 can execute the additional determination process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 instead of the process of S25 in Fig. 6, for example.

[0088] 7, in S30, the server 10 determines whether the turn indicators of the proposal target vehicle 3 are on by the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d. If it is determined that the turn indicators of the proposal target vehicle 3 are on, the server 10 ends the driving assistance function proposal process including the additional determination process. If it is determined that the turn indicators of the proposal target vehicle 3 are not on, the server 10 proceeds to S31.

[0089] In S31, the server 10 determines whether the vehicle speed of the proposal target vehicle 3 is less than the vehicle speed threshold by the driving assistance function proposing unit 11d. If the server 10 determines that the vehicle speed of the proposal target vehicle 3 is less than the vehicle speed threshold, the server 10 proceeds to S33. If the server 10 determines that the vehicle speed of the proposal target vehicle 3 is not less than the vehicle speed threshold, the server 10 proceeds to S32.

[0090] In S32, the server 10 determines whether the post-proposal support start frequency of the proposal target vehicle 3 at the proposal point is equal to or greater than the proposal-dependent threshold using the driving support function proposal unit 11d. If the server 10 determines that the post-proposal support start frequency is equal to or greater than the proposal-dependent threshold, the server 10 proceeds to S33. If the server 10 determines that the post-proposal support start frequency is not equal to or greater than the proposal-dependent threshold, the server 10 ends the driving support function proposal process including the additional determination process.

[0091] In S33, the server 10, via the driving assistance function proposal unit 11d, proposes the use of driving assistance functions to the driver of the proposal target vehicle 3. Thereafter, the server 10 ends the driving assistance function proposal process.

[0092] According to the driving assistance function proposal system 100 and the driving assistance function proposal method of the driving assistance function proposal system 100 of this embodiment described above, it is considered that the driver of the proposed vehicle 3 does not understand the usefulness of the driving assistance function at the proposed location before executing the driving assistance function, and therefore it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by unnecessary suggestions.

[0093] Furthermore, in the driving assistance function proposal system 100, when the turn signal of the vehicle 3 to which the proposal is being made is on, it is assumed that the driver is consciously intending to perform a driving maneuver such as turning right, turning left, or changing lanes, and therefore by not making a proposal to use the driving assistance function, it is possible to prevent the proposal from being an annoyance to the driver.

[0094] Furthermore, in the driving assistance function proposal system 100, since the driver may be in a hurry to arrive at the destination when the vehicle speed of the proposed vehicle 3 is high, the system does not propose the use of driving assistance functions when the vehicle speed is above a vehicle speed threshold, thereby preventing the proposal from being an annoyance to the driver.

[0095] Furthermore, in the driving assistance function proposal system 100, even if the vehicle speed of the vehicle to which the proposal is made is above the vehicle speed threshold, if the frequency of post-proposal assistance start at the proposed location is above the proposal dependency threshold, it is considered that the driver is relying on the proposal of the driving assistance function, and therefore it is highly likely that the driver will not find the proposal to use the driving assistance function annoying, and therefore it is possible to promote the use of the driving assistance function by making the proposal.

[0096] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The present invention can be embodied in various forms, including the above-described embodiments, with various modifications and improvements made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0097] The driving assistance function proposal system 100 does not necessarily need to determine the uninstalled functions and propose the purchase of the uninstalled functions. The server that sets the proposal point and the server that proposes the use of the driving assistance function may be separate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 2...probe vehicle, 3...proposed vehicle, 10...server, 11...processor, 11a...operation history acquisition unit, 11b...proposed location setting unit, 11c...proposed vehicle information acquisition unit, 11d...driving assistance function proposal unit, 100...driving assistance function proposal system.

Claims

1. A driving assistance function proposal system that acquires operation histories of driving assistance functions including position information from a plurality of probe vehicles, and when it is determined that a proposal target vehicle will reach a proposal point set based on the operation histories, proposes to a driver of the proposal target vehicle use of the driving assistance function corresponding to the proposal point, If the frequency of prior use or the number of prior uses of the driving assistance function of the proposal target vehicle at the proposal point is equal to or greater than a proposal unnecessary threshold, the use of the driving assistance function is not suggested to the driver, A driving assistance function suggestion system that does not suggest to the driver that the driver use the driving assistance function when the turn signal of the proposal target vehicle that is determined to reach the proposal point is on.

2. The driving assistance function suggestion system according to claim 1 , wherein if the vehicle speed of the proposed vehicle determined to reach the proposed point is equal to or greater than a vehicle speed threshold, the system does not suggest to the driver that the driving assistance function be used.

3. 3. The driving assistance function proposal system of claim 2, wherein even if the vehicle speed of the proposal target vehicle determined to reach the proposal point is equal to or greater than the vehicle speed threshold, the system proposes to the driver to use the driving assistance function when a post-proposal assistance start frequency, which is the frequency at which the driver starts using the driving assistance function after a proposal at the proposal point, is equal to or greater than a proposal-dependent threshold.

4. 2. The driving assistance function proposal system of claim 1, wherein, when there is an uninstalled function that is a driving assistance function that is not installed in the proposed vehicle and that the proposed vehicle can purchase by downloading from a server, when it is determined that the proposed vehicle is located at the proposal location associated with the uninstalled function, the system proposes to the driver to purchase the uninstalled function.

5. A proposal method for a driving assistance function proposal system that acquires operation histories of driving assistance functions including position information from a plurality of probe vehicles, and when it is determined that a proposal target vehicle will reach a proposal point set based on the operation histories, proposes to a driver of the proposal target vehicle to use the driving assistance function corresponding to the proposal point, If the frequency of prior use or the number of prior uses of the driving assistance function of the proposal target vehicle at the proposal point is equal to or greater than a proposal unnecessary threshold, the use of the driving assistance function is not suggested to the driver, A proposal method for a driving assistance function proposal system that does not propose to the driver the use of the driving assistance function if the turn signal of the proposal target vehicle determined to reach the proposal point is on.

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