Vehicle notification device and program

Abstract

To obtain a vehicular notification device, a vehicular notification method and a program that can improve convenience of occupants of a vehicle travelling on an automobile road.SOLUTION: A vehicular notification device acquires congestion status of rest facilities existing on a guide route on an automobile road, acquires location information of a first rest facility that is closest to a current place of an own vehicle, and location information of a second rest facility that is closer next to the first rest facility, of the rest facilities determined from the congestion status where occupants can take a rest, predicts the time required for movement from the first rest facility to the second rest facility, and performs notification to prompt rest at the first rest facility when the time is larger than a predetermined threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle notification device reference and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that generates congestion information of a facility when the arrival time required from the current position to the target facility is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and generates predicted congestion information when the arrival time required is greater than the predetermined value.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, simply predicting the congestion situation on an automobile exclusive road such as a highway cannot cope with situations such as suddenly wanting to go to the toilet, and there is room for improvement from the perspective of improving the convenience of passengers.

[0005] The present invention provides a vehicle notification device reference and a program that can improve the convenience of passengers in a vehicle traveling on an automobile exclusive road.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle notification device according to claim 1 acquires the congestion status of rest facilities located on a guided route on an expressway, and acquires the location information of the first rest facility closest to the vehicle's current location and the location information of the second rest facility next closest to the first rest facility, predicts the time required to travel from the first rest facility to the second rest facility, and if the time is greater than a preset threshold, it issues a notification prompting the vehicle to take a rest at the first rest facility.

[0007] The vehicle notification device according to claim 1 can determine whether a rest facility is available for rest by acquiring the congestion status of rest facilities located along the guidance route on an expressway. Furthermore, among the rest facilities determined to be available for rest, it predicts the time required to travel from the first rest facility closest to the vehicle's current location to the second nearest rest facility, and if this time is greater than a preset threshold, it issues a notification prompting the driver to take a rest at the first rest facility. This allows the occupant to use the restroom at the first rest facility, thus avoiding situations where they might need to use the restroom while traveling to the second rest facility.

[0008] The vehicle notification device according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in claim 1, the threshold value can be changed by the operation of the occupant.

[0009] In the vehicle notification device according to claim 2, the threshold value can be changed to a larger value if the frequent notifications become bothersome. Conversely, the rest interval can be shortened by changing the threshold value to a smaller value.

[0010] The vehicle notification device according to claim 3 determines whether or not a child is among the occupants in claim 1, and if a child is present, lowers the threshold value compared to when no child is present.

[0011] In the vehicle notification device according to claim 3, since children go to the toilet more frequently than adults, the threshold can be lowered when a child is present to avoid situations where a child suddenly needs to go to the toilet. The term "child" here broadly includes occupants of an age and body type generally considered to be children.

[0012] The vehicle notification device according to claim 4 acquires parking information for the rest facility located on the guidance route, and determines from the parking information that a rest area is available if there is a space available for parking in the parking area.

[0013] The vehicle notification device according to claim 4 can avoid situations where a vehicle cannot park by determining that a parking facility is available for rest.

[0014] The vehicle notification device according to claim 5 acquires image information of the entrance to the rest facility located on the guidance route in claim 1, and determines that a rest is possible if it is possible to enter the entrance.

[0015] In the vehicle notification device according to claim 5, even if the vehicle cannot be parked, if it is possible to enter the facility, the passenger can use the toilet. Therefore, by determining that it is possible to take a rest when it is possible to enter the entrance, it is possible to avoid a situation where the passenger cannot hold their toilet bladder.

[0017] The program according to claim 7 acquires the congestion status of rest facilities located on a guided route on an expressway, and from among the rest facilities that are determined to be available for rest based on the congestion status, acquires the location information of the first rest facility closest to the vehicle's current location and the location information of the second rest facility that is the next closest to the first rest facility, predicts the time required to travel from the first rest facility to the second rest facility, and if the time is greater than a preset threshold, causes the computer to execute a process to send a notification prompting the vehicle to take a rest at the first rest facility. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] As described above, the vehicle notification device according to the present invention reference According to the program, the convenience of the passengers of a vehicle running on an expressway for automobiles can be improved.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a vehicle notification system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a vehicle notification device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an in-vehicle device in an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a vehicle notification device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing the current position of a vehicle and a rest facility on a guiding route. [Figure 6] It is an example of a display screen in an embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state before notification is made. [Figure 7] It is an example of a display screen in an embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state in which notification is being made. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of vehicle notification processing in an embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] A vehicle notification system S including a vehicle notification device 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle notification system S of the present embodiment includes a vehicle V equipped with a vehicle notification device 10, a server 12, and an in-vehicle device 14. The vehicle notification device 10, the server 12, and the in-vehicle device 14 are connected by a network N. Although a plurality of vehicles V are connected to the network N, only one vehicle V is shown in FIG. 1 for convenience of explanation.

[0022] In this embodiment, the vehicle notification device 10 is, for example, an information processing device located outside the vehicle V. The server 12 is located outside the vehicle V and stores information about rest facilities on expressways. For example, the server 12 stores data on the congestion status of multiple rest facilities located on expressways, and this congestion data is updated periodically.

[0023] Furthermore, server 12 may store image data of the entrance to the rest facility. For example, the image data may be satellite data acquired from a satellite, or image data captured by a camera installed at the entrance to the rest facility. In addition, server 12 may store only data indicating whether or not there is traffic congestion near the entrance to the rest facility, instead of image data.

[0024] The onboard device 14 installed in vehicle V may be, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), or a device that controls vehicle V. Furthermore, a display device 58 for notifying occupants of information is provided inside the vehicle V's cabin (see Figure 3). Note that in Figure 1, the size of the onboard device 14 is exaggerated for illustrative purposes.

[0025] In this embodiment, the vehicle notification system S acquires the congestion status of rest facilities located along the guidance route on an expressway, and is configured to issue a predetermined notification if the time required from the nearest available rest facility to the next nearest rest facility is greater than a threshold.

[0026] (Hardware configuration of the vehicle notification device 10) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle notification device 10. As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle notification device 10 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 20, ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, RAM (Random Access Memory) 24, storage 26, communication I / F (communication interface) 28, and input / output I / F (input / output interface). Each component is connected to the others via a bus 32 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0027] The CPU 20 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various components. Specifically, the CPU 20 reads programs from the ROM 22 or storage 26 and executes them using the RAM 24 as a workspace. The CPU 20 controls each of the above components and performs various calculations according to the programs recorded in the ROM 22 or storage 26.

[0028] ROM22 stores various programs and data. RAM24 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage26 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. In this embodiment, ROM22 or storage26 stores notification programs and various data for notifying the crew.

[0029] The communication interface 28 is an interface for the vehicle notification device 10 to communicate with the server 12 and other devices, and standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) are used. The input / output interface 30 is electrically connected to peripheral devices, and communication takes place between the peripheral devices and the vehicle notification device 10 via the input / output interface 30.

[0030] (Hardware configuration of the in-vehicle unit 14) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the in-vehicle unit 14. As shown in Figure 3, the in-vehicle unit 14 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 40, ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, RAM (Random Access Memory) 44, storage 46, communication I / F (communication interface) 48, and input / output I / F (input / output interface) 50. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 52 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0031] The CPU 40 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various components. Specifically, the CPU 40 reads programs from the ROM 42 or storage 46 and executes them using the RAM 44 as a working area. The CPU 40 controls each of the above components and performs various calculations according to the programs recorded in the ROM 42 or storage 46.

[0032] ROM42 stores various programs and data. RAM44 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage46 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data.

[0033] Communication I / F48 is an interface for the in-vehicle unit 14 to communicate with the server 12 and other devices, and standards such as CAN, Ethernet®, LTE, FDDI, and Wi-Fi® are used.

[0034] The input / output interface 50 is electrically connected to the GPS device (Global Positioning Systems) 54, the navigation system 56, and the display device 58.

[0035] The GPS device 54 is a device that receives location information such as the current location of the vehicle V, which is determined by multiple GPS satellites. The navigation system 56 is a device that calculates a guided route to a destination set by the occupants.

[0036] The display device 58 is, for example, located in the front of the vehicle interior and is a device that displays various information to the occupants. The display device 58 is composed of a center display located on the instrument panel and a head-up display device that projects images forward onto the driver's seat. In particular, in this embodiment, the display device 58 displays the guidance route calculated by the navigation system 56. The display device 58 also notifies the occupants under predetermined conditions.

[0037] (Functional configuration of the vehicle notification device 10) The vehicle notification device 10 implements various functions using the hardware resources shown in Figure 2. The functional configuration implemented by the vehicle notification device 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the vehicle notification device 10 is configured as follows: a rest facility information acquisition unit 62, a rest eligibility determination unit 64, a required time prediction unit 66, a threshold change acceptance unit 68, a threshold setting unit 70, and a notification unit 72. Each of these functional configurations is realized by the CPU 20 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 22 or storage 26.

[0039] The rest facility information acquisition unit 62 acquires the congestion status of rest facilities located along the guidance route on the expressway. For example, in Figure 5, if rest facilities A through E are located along the guidance route of vehicle V, the rest facility information acquisition unit 62 acquires the congestion status of the rest facilities from rest facility A to rest facility E.

[0040] Figure 5 shows the situation where vehicle V is traveling between rest facility B and rest facility C. Therefore, the rest facility information acquisition unit 62 acquires the congestion status of rest facilities from rest facility C to rest facility E. The rest facility information acquisition unit 62 may, for example, access server 12, acquire the latest congestion status at each rest facility from server 12, and change the display mode of the rest facilities according to the congestion status.

[0041] The rest facility availability determination unit 64 shown in Figure 4 determines whether each rest facility is available for resting or not, based on data regarding congestion acquired by the rest facility information acquisition unit 62. For example, the rest facility availability determination unit 64 may acquire parking information for rest facilities located along the guidance route and determine that resting is possible if there is available parking space in the parking lot. Alternatively, for example, the rest facility availability determination unit 64 may acquire image information of the entrance to a rest facility located along the guidance route and determine that resting is possible if it is possible to enter the entrance. In this case, even if the parking lot of the rest facility is full, if it is possible to enter the entrance, it will be determined that resting is possible. Here, in Figure 5, the parking lot of rest facility D is full, so the display method is different from that of the other rest facilities.

[0042] The travel time prediction unit 66 shown in Figure 4 acquires location information for the first rest facility closest to the vehicle V's current location and location information for the second rest facility, which is the next closest to the first rest facility, from among the rest facilities that are determined to be available for rest based on congestion levels. It then predicts the time required to travel from the first rest facility to the second rest facility.

[0043] For example, in Figure 5, since vehicle V is traveling between rest facility B and rest facility C, the closest first rest facility to vehicle V's current location is rest facility C. Also, since rest facility D has been determined to be unsuitable for resting by the rest facility availability determination unit 64, the next closest second rest facility after the first rest facility is rest facility E.

[0044] In Figure 5, if X is the distance from the vehicle V's current position to rest facility C, Y is the distance from rest facility C to rest facility D, and Z is the distance from rest facility C to rest facility E, the travel time prediction unit 66 predicts the time required to travel distance Z. For example, the travel time prediction unit 66 may predict the travel time from the average speed of vehicle V and distance Z. Alternatively, for example, the travel time prediction unit 66 may predict the travel time for distance Z by taking into account information such as road congestion, road gradient, and number of lanes from rest facility C to rest facility E, in addition to the average speed of vehicle V and distance Z.

[0045] The threshold change reception unit 68 accepts changes to the threshold. The threshold, in this context, is the threshold for the required time that serves as the basis for notification, and is set, for example, between 20 minutes and 180 minutes. For example, if a crew member performs an operation to change the threshold, the threshold change reception unit 68 accepts the change. Alternatively, if the threshold desired by the crew member is less than 20 minutes or greater than 180 minutes, the threshold change reception unit 68 may not accept the change and instead issue a predetermined notification to the crew member.

[0046] The threshold setting unit 70 shown in Figure 4 sets a preset initial value as the threshold. For example, the threshold setting unit 70 may set the threshold to the initial value each time the vehicle V is started. Alternatively, for example, the threshold setting unit 70 may maintain the previously set threshold when the vehicle V is started. Furthermore, if the threshold setting unit 70 receives a change in the threshold from the threshold change receiving unit 68, it updates the threshold to the accepted threshold.

[0047] Furthermore, the threshold setting unit 70 may change the set threshold when predetermined conditions are met. For example, if it is determined by a camera installed in the vehicle that a child is among the occupants, the threshold setting unit 70 may change the threshold to a smaller value than when no child is present. Various methods can be used to determine whether or not an occupant is a child. For example, the occupant may be photographed with a camera installed in the vehicle, and the occupant's body shape may be detected from the image data to determine whether or not they are a child. Alternatively, for example, the occupant's face may be detected from the image data, and if features specific to a child's face are detected, it may be determined that the occupant is a child.

[0048] It should be noted that the term "child" as used here is not limited to children below the legal age of adulthood, but broadly includes crew members who are of an age and physical type generally considered to be children. For example, crew members who require more frequent rest than adults may be considered children.

[0049] The notification unit 72 issues a notification prompting the user to take a break at the first rest facility if the time required to travel from the first rest facility to the second rest facility is greater than a threshold. For example, consider the case in Figure 5 where the time required to travel to the first rest facility, rest facility C, is predicted to be 15 minutes, and the time required to travel from rest facility C to the second rest facility, rest facility E, is predicted to be 60 minutes. In this case, if the threshold is set to 30 minutes, the time required from rest facility C to rest facility E is greater than the threshold, so the notification unit 72 issues a predetermined notification. On the other hand, if the threshold is set to 70 minutes, the time required from rest facility C to rest facility E is less than the threshold, so the notification unit 72 does not issue a notification.

[0050] While various methods are used to notify the occupants, in this embodiment, as an example, the display device 58 is used to display a predetermined information in the display area inside the vehicle to notify the occupants. An example of notification by the notification unit 72 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0051] Figure 6 shows an example of a display screen shown in the display area W by the display device 58. Specifically, Figure 6 shows an example of a display when vehicle V is traveling on an expressway. The left half of the display area W shows the current location of vehicle V and map information. The right half of the display area W shows information about rest facilities located along the guided route. Specifically, rest facilities closest to the current location of vehicle V are displayed in order. The display area W also shows the name of the rest facility, the distance to the rest facility, and the estimated time to reach the rest facility.

[0052] Figure 7 shows an example of the display screen when a notification has been sent by the notification unit 72. As shown in Figure 7, a message window M is displayed on the right side of the display area W. The message window M displays information about rest facilities where resting is not permitted, and a message prompting the user to take a rest at the nearest rest facility.

[0053] (action) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

[0054] (Notification processing) An example of the notification process flow by the vehicle notification device 10 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 8. This process is achieved by the CPU 20 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 22 or storage 26. In this embodiment, as an example, when vehicle V starts driving on an expressway, the notification process is executed at predetermined intervals.

[0055] In step S102, the CPU 20 acquires the congestion status of rest facilities. Specifically, the CPU 20 acquires the congestion status of rest facilities located along the guidance route on the expressway using the functions of the rest facility information acquisition unit 62.

[0056] In step S104, the CPU 20 predicts the time required to travel from the first rest facility to the second rest facility. Specifically, the CPU 20 obtains the location information of the first rest facility, which is closest to the vehicle V's current location, and the location information of the second rest facility, which is the next closest, from among the rest facilities that have been deemed available for rest by the function of the rest facility availability determination unit 64. Then, the CPU 20 predicts the time required to travel from the first rest facility to the second rest facility using the function of the travel time prediction unit 66.

[0057] In step S106, the CPU 20 determines whether or not there has been a change in the threshold. Specifically, the CPU 20 determines that there has been a change in the threshold if it has received a change in the threshold through the function of the threshold change reception unit 68. The CPU 20 also determines that there has been a change in the threshold if there is a child among the occupants.

[0058] If the CPU 20 determines in step S106 that there has been a change in the threshold, it proceeds to step S108 to update the threshold. For example, if the CPU 20 receives a change in the threshold through the function of the threshold change reception unit 68, it changes the threshold to the accepted value. Also, for example, if the occupants include children, the CPU 20 changes the threshold to a pre-set value. Then the process proceeds to step S112.

[0059] On the other hand, if the CPU 20 does not determine in step S106 that there has been a change in the threshold, that is, if there has been no change in the threshold, it proceeds to the process in step S110 and proceeds to the process in step S112 while maintaining the current threshold.

[0060] In step S112, the CPU 20 determines whether the time required, as predicted in step S104, is greater than a threshold. If it is determined that the time required is greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S114, and a display is shown in the display area W. Specifically, the notification unit 72 provides a notification prompting the user to take a break at the first rest facility (see Figure 7).

[0061] On the other hand, if the CPU 20 determines in step S112 that the required time is less than the threshold, it terminates the notification process without issuing a notification.

[0062] As described above, the vehicle notification device 10 according to this embodiment can determine whether a rest facility is available for rest by acquiring the congestion status of rest facilities located along the guidance route on an expressway. Furthermore, among the rest facilities determined to be available for rest, it predicts the time required to travel from the first rest facility closest to the vehicle's current location to the next closest rest facility, the second rest facility. If this time is greater than a preset threshold, a notification is issued prompting the driver to take a rest at the first rest facility. This allows the occupant to use the restroom at the first rest facility, avoiding situations where they might need to use the restroom while traveling to the second rest facility. As a result, the convenience of occupants of vehicles traveling on expressways can be improved.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the system is configured so that the occupant can change the threshold value. Therefore, if the occupant finds the frequent notifications bothersome, they can change the threshold value to a higher value. Conversely, by changing the threshold value to a lower value, the occupant can shorten the rest interval, allowing them to properly manage their physical condition even during long-distance driving.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since children go to the toilet more frequently than adults, lowering the threshold when children are present can prevent situations where children suddenly need to go to the toilet.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by determining that a parking facility is a rest facility where resting is permitted, situations where vehicle V cannot be parked can be avoided.

[0066] On the other hand, even if vehicle V cannot be parked, if it is possible to enter the facility, the passengers can use the restroom. Therefore, if it is determined that a rest stop is possible when it is possible to enter the entrance, it is possible to avoid a situation where the passengers cannot hold their bladder any longer.

[0067] Although the vehicle notification device 10 according to the embodiment has been described above, it goes without saying that it can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the notification unit 72 notified the occupant by displaying information in the display area W inside the vehicle using the display device 58, but it is not limited to this. That is, in addition to displaying information in the display area W, the occupant may also be notified by voice.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the resting availability determination unit 64 determined that resting was possible if there was a parking space available in the parking lot, but it is not limited to this. For example, the resting availability determination unit 64 may determine that resting is possible based on the expected arrival time of the vehicle V at the resting facility, if there is a high probability that a parking space will become available at the scheduled time. In this case, the high probability of a parking space becoming available may be predicted from statistical information such as the parking lot occupancy rate based on information such as time, season, and weather.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the threshold setting unit 70 is configured to reduce the threshold when it is determined that a child is among the occupants, but the threshold may be changed when other conditions are met. For example, the threshold setting unit 70 may reduce the threshold when the temperature inside and outside the vehicle is low. Also, for example, the threshold setting unit 70 may reduce the threshold when it is determined from the image data captured by the driver monitor that captures the driver's face that the driver is not feeling well.

[0070] Furthermore, the processing that the CPU 20 reads and executes in the above embodiment may also be executed by various processors other than the CPU 20. Examples of such processors include PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices) such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, and dedicated electrical circuits that are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to execute specific processing, such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). The above processing may also be executed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types, for example, by multiple FPGAs, or by a combination of a CPU and an FPGA. More specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0071] Furthermore, while the above embodiment involves storing various data in storage 26 and storage 46, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, non-temporary recording media such as CDs (Compact Disks), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory may be used as storage units. In this case, various programs and data will be stored in these recording media. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 10. Vehicle notification device AE Rest Area V Vehicle

Claims

1. We obtain the congestion status of rest facilities located along the guided routes on expressways. Based on the congestion status, among the rest facilities deemed suitable for resting, the location information of the first rest facility closest to the vehicle's current location is obtained, and the location information of the second rest facility, which is the next closest to the first rest facility, is obtained. The time required to travel from the first rest facility to the second rest facility is predicted, If the aforementioned time is greater than a preset threshold, a notification is issued prompting the user to take a break at the first rest facility. Vehicle notification device.

2. The vehicle notification device according to claim 1, wherein the threshold can be changed by operation by the occupant.

3. Determine whether or not there are children among the crew. The vehicle notification device according to claim 1, wherein the threshold is lowered when a child is present compared to when no child is present.

4. We obtain parking information for the aforementioned rest facilities located along the guided route. A vehicle notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which determines that a rest is possible if there is a parking space available in the parking lot based on the aforementioned parking lot information.

5. Acquire image information of the entrance to the aforementioned rest facility located along the guided route, The vehicle notification device according to claim 1, which determines that a rest is permitted when it is possible to enter the aforementioned entrance.

6. Obtain the congestion status of rest facilities located on the guided route of an expressway, Based on the congestion status, among the rest facilities deemed suitable for resting, the location information of the first rest facility closest to the vehicle's current location is obtained, and the location information of the second rest facility, which is the next closest to the first rest facility, is obtained. The time required to travel from the first rest facility to the second rest facility is predicted, If the aforementioned time is greater than a preset threshold, a notification is issued prompting the user to take a break at the first rest facility. A program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

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