Driver assistance systems

Abstract

To propose utilization of a driving assist function when traveling in a location suitable for the utilization of the driving assist function.SOLUTION: Based on utilization performance data 56 of a driving assist function being collected from a plurality of vehicles 12 and stored in a storage unit 54 and including a location where the driving assist function is utilized in each vehicle 12 and location information indicating a scheduled travel location where a specific vehicle is to travel, an arithmetic unit 60 of a server 52 tabulates utilization frequencies of the driving assist function by the plurality of vehicles 12 in the scheduled travel location. On the basis of the utilization frequencies tabulated by the arithmetic unit 60, an output unit 62 then outputs information proposing the utilization of the driving assist function in the specific vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a driving support system.

Background Art

[0002] The technology described in Patent Document 1 detects candidate support points where driving support for the host vehicle is required within the driving area of the host vehicle. When the detected candidate support points satisfy the registration conditions, the candidate support points are registered as support points, and driving support for the host vehicle is performed at the registered support points. And when the candidate support points belong to the second action area where the action frequency of the host vehicle is presumed to be relatively low, compared with the case where the candidate support points belong to the first action area where the action frequency of the host vehicle is presumed to be relatively high, the registration conditions are relaxed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, among the users of vehicles equipped with a driving support function, there are users who cannot effectively utilize the driving support function. Therefore, in order to promote the use of the driving support function and improve the convenience of users, it is conceivable to propose the use of the driving support function to the users. However, the roads on which the vehicle travels are mixed with roads suitable for using the driving support function and other roads, and it is not preferable to propose the use of the driving support function indiscriminately.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above facts, and an object is to obtain a driving support system capable of proposing the use of the driving support function when traveling at a position suitable for using the driving support function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first embodiment of the driver assistance system includes: a calculation unit that aggregates the frequency of use of the driver assistance function at the planned driving location for a plurality of vehicles, based on driver assistance function usage data, including the location where the driver assistance function was used in each vehicle, and location information indicating the planned driving location where a specific vehicle is to travel; and an output unit that outputs information suggesting the use of the driver assistance function in the specific vehicle based on the usage frequency aggregated by the calculation unit. The calculation unit aggregates the frequency of use of the driver assistance function at the planned driving location for the specified vehicle and other vehicles, and the output unit outputs information suggesting the use of the driver assistance function in the specified vehicle if the usage frequency aggregated by the calculation unit for other vehicles is higher than the usage frequency aggregated by the calculation unit for the specified vehicle. .

[0007] In the first embodiment, the frequency of use of driver assistance functions at the planned travel location of a specific vehicle is aggregated based on usage data of driver assistance functions collected from multiple vehicles, and information suggesting the use of driver assistance functions in the specific vehicle is output based on the aggregated usage frequency. This makes it possible to suggest the use of driver assistance functions when traveling to locations where driver assistance functions are frequently used, i.e., locations suitable for the use of driver assistance functions, thereby improving the convenience for users of vehicles equipped with driver assistance functions. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the frequency of use of driver assistance functions by vehicles other than the specified vehicle at the planned travel location is higher than the frequency of use of driver assistance functions by the specified vehicle at the planned travel location, information suggesting the use of driver assistance functions is output. This makes it possible to suppress the unnecessary output of information suggesting the use of driver assistance functions at the planned travel location where the driver assistance functions are already being used frequently by the specified vehicle.

[0008] In the second embodiment, the output unit also outputs the usage frequency aggregated by the calculation unit, as in the first embodiment.

[0009] In the second embodiment, when outputting information suggesting the use of driver assistance functions, the frequency of use of driver assistance functions at the planned driving locations for multiple vehicles is also output. This allows users who intend to use driver assistance functions to feel more secure by looking at the frequency of use of driver assistance functions at the planned driving locations for multiple vehicles.

[0010] In the third embodiment, the output unit outputs information suggesting the use of the driver assistance function in the specific vehicle when the usage frequency aggregated by the calculation unit is higher than a threshold.

[0011] In the third embodiment, the use of the driver assistance function can be suggested when the vehicle is driving in a position where the frequency of use of the driver assistance function is higher than a threshold, i.e., a position suitable for using the driver assistance function, thereby improving the convenience of users of vehicles equipped with the driver assistance function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] This disclosure has the effect of making it possible to suggest the use of driver assistance functions when driving in a position suitable for the use of driver assistance functions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a driver assistance system. [Figure 2] This chart shows an example of data on the usage of driver assistance functions. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of the proposal processing. [Figure 4] This is an illustrative diagram showing an example of the distribution of ACC usage rates obtained from data on the actual usage of driver assistance functions. [Figure 5] This is an illustrative diagram showing an example of information suggesting the use of driver assistance functions. [Figure 6A] This is an illustrative diagram showing another example of information suggesting the use of driver assistance functions. [Figure 6B] This is an illustrative diagram showing another example of information suggesting the use of driver assistance functions. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a driver assistance system 10 according to an embodiment. The driver assistance system 10 includes an in-vehicle system 14 installed in each of a plurality of vehicles 12 and a server 52 provided in a data center 50.

[0017] The in-vehicle system 14 includes a communication bus 16, to which a group of peripheral situation acquisition devices 18, a group of vehicle driving state detection sensors 20, an ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) setting switch 22, a DCM (Data Communication Module) 24, a driving support ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 26, and a usage proposal ECU 34 are respectively connected. Note that FIG. 1 shows only a part of the in-vehicle system 14.

[0018] The group of peripheral situation acquisition devices 18 includes a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) device, a navigation system, a radar device, a camera, etc., as devices that acquire information representing the situation of the surrounding environment of the vehicle 12. The GNSS device receives GNSS signals from a plurality of GNSS satellites to measure the position of the vehicle 12. The navigation system performs processing to display the position of the vehicle 12 on a map or guide the planned driving route to the destination based on the position information obtained from the GNSS device and the map information stored in the storage unit in advance. The radar device detects objects such as pedestrians and other vehicles existing around the vehicle 12, and detects the relative position and relative speed between the detected object and the vehicle 12. The camera captures the surrounding of the vehicle 12 and outputs the captured image.

[0019] Also, the group of vehicle driving state detection sensors 20 includes a steering angle sensor that detects the steering angle of the vehicle 12, a vehicle speed sensor that detects the driving speed of the vehicle 12, and an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration applied to the vehicle 12, as a plurality of sensors that acquire the driving state of the vehicle 12. The ACC setting switch 22 is a switch that can at least set the on / off switching of ACC. The DCM 24 controls wireless communication with the server 52, etc.

[0020] The driving support ECU 26 is connected to a throttle ACT 28 that changes the throttle opening of the vehicle 12, a brake ACT 30 that changes the braking force generated by the braking device of the vehicle 12, and a steering ACT 32 that changes the steering amount by the steering device of the vehicle 12.

[0021] The driving support ECU 26 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), a non-volatile storage unit such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and a SSD (Solid State Drive), and a communication I / F (Inter Face). The driving support software is stored in the storage unit. The driving support ECU 26 performs a driving support process for automatically running the vehicle 12 without a driving operation by the occupant of the vehicle 12 when the CPU executes the driving support software. An example of the driving support process performed by the driving support ECU 26 is ACC.

[0022] That is, when ACC is turned on via the ACC setting switch 22, the driving support ECU 26 controls the running of the vehicle 12 so that the detected value of the inter-vehicle distance or the inter-vehicle time from another vehicle (the preceding vehicle to be followed) running ahead in the traveling direction of the vehicle 12 corresponds to a preset specified value of the inter-vehicle distance or the inter-vehicle time. Specifically, based on the information obtained from the surrounding situation acquisition device group 18 and the vehicle running state detection sensor group 20, the throttle ACT 28, the brake ACT 30, and the steering ACT 32 are controlled so that the detected value of the inter-vehicle distance or the inter-vehicle time from the preceding vehicle to be followed corresponds to the preset specified value of the inter-vehicle distance or the inter-vehicle time, and ACC for controlling the running of the vehicle 12 to follow the preceding vehicle to be followed is performed.

[0023] The utilization proposal ECU 34 is connected to a meter display 38, a head-up display (hereinafter referred to as HUD) 40, and an audio output unit 42. The meter display 38 is a display provided on the instrument panel of the vehicle 12. The HUD 40 is a small HUD that uses a part of the forward field of view of the occupant of the vehicle 12 as a display range (forms an image in the lower part inside the foreground) by reflection on the windshield glass or the like. The audio output unit 42 includes an amplifier and a speaker for outputting audio.

[0024] The proposed ECU 34 includes a CPU, memory such as ROM and RAM, a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD or SSD, and a communication interface. The proposed processing program is stored in the memory unit (not shown). The proposed ECU 34 functions as a proposed processing unit 36 ​​when the proposed processing program is read from the storage unit and loaded into memory, and then executed by the CPU, performing the proposed processing 1 (Figure 3) described later.

[0025] The suggestion processing unit 36 ​​obtains information on the planned route that the vehicle 12 is about to travel from the navigation system and transmits it to the server 52. Furthermore, when suggestion processing 2 (see Figure 3) is executed in the server 52, the suggestion processing unit 36 ​​selectively outputs information suggesting the use of driver assistance functions via the meter display 38 and other means, based on the instruction information transmitted from the server 52. Additionally, when a driver assistance function such as ACC is used by the user in the vehicle 12, the suggestion processing unit 36 ​​transmits usage data to the server 52, including the vehicle 12 ID, the driver assistance function used, the usage period, and the usage area.

[0026] The server 52 includes a CPU, memory such as ROM and RAM, a non-volatile storage unit 54 such as an HDD or SSD, and a communication control device 58. The storage unit 54 of the server 52 is provided with a storage area for usage data 56 of the driver assistance functions. Each time the server 52 receives usage data from any of the multiple vehicles 12, it adds the received data to the storage area for driver assistance function usage data 56 provided in the storage unit 54 (see also Figure 2).

[0027] Furthermore, the storage unit 54 of the server 52 stores a calculation / output program (not shown). The server 52 functions as a calculation unit 60 and an output unit 62 when the calculation / output program is read from the storage unit 54 and loaded into memory, and the calculation / output program loaded into memory is executed by the CPU, and performs the proposed processing 2 (Figure 3) described later.

[0028] The calculation unit 60 aggregates the frequency of use of driver assistance functions such as ACC at the planned driving locations for multiple vehicles 12, based on the usage data 56 of driver assistance functions, including the locations where driver assistance functions such as ACC were used in each vehicle, which is collected from multiple vehicles 12 and stored in the storage unit 54, and location information indicating the planned driving location that the vehicle 12 that transmitted the planned driving route is about to travel to. The output unit 62 outputs information suggesting the use of driver assistance functions such as ACC in the vehicle 12 that transmitted the planned driving route, based on the frequency of use of driver assistance functions at the planned driving locations for multiple vehicles 12 aggregated by the calculation unit 60.

[0029] Next, as an explanation of the operation of this embodiment, we will first describe the proposal process 1 executed by the proposal processing unit 36 ​​of the proposal ECU 34, with reference to Figure 3. This proposal process 1 is executed by the proposal ECU 34 of the vehicle 12 while the ignition switch of the vehicle 12 is turned on.

[0030] In step 100 of proposal processing 1, the proposal processing unit 36 ​​determines whether or not the vehicle 12 (own vehicle) is equipped with a driver assistance function. For example, if the driver assistance ECU 26 is not installed in the own vehicle, the determination in step 100 is denied, and proposal processing 1 is terminated. If the determination in step 100 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 102. In step 102, the proposal processing unit 36 ​​obtains information on the planned route that the vehicle 12 (own vehicle) is about to travel from the navigation system and transmits the obtained planned route information to the server 52. Note that the planned route information is an example of location information in this disclosure.

[0031] In the next step 104, the proposal processing unit 36 ​​determines whether or not it has received instruction information from the server 52. If the determination in step 104 is negative, step 104 is repeated until instruction information is received from the server 52. While step 104 of proposal processing 1 is being repeated in this manner, the server 52 executes proposal processing 2, triggered by receiving planned route information from the vehicle 12.

[0032] In step 120 of the proposal processing 2, the calculation unit 60 of the server 52 first identifies the planned driving locations that the vehicle 12, the source of the planned driving route information, is about to travel to (for example, the latitude and longitude of each of several points (planned driving locations) that are spaced apart on the planned driving route) from the planned driving route information received from the vehicle 12. In this embodiment, the source vehicle 12 is an example of a specific vehicle in this disclosure.

[0033] Next, the calculation unit 60 extracts usage data from the usage data 56 of the driving assistance function stored in the storage unit 54, representing the usage of the driving assistance function by vehicles other than the source vehicle 12 at multiple planned driving locations of the source vehicle 12. Then, based on the extracted usage data, the calculation unit 60 calculates the utilization rate of the driving assistance function by other vehicles for each planned driving location by dividing the number of times the driving assistance function is used by other vehicles at each planned driving location by the traffic volume of vehicle 12 at the corresponding planned driving location. The traffic volume of vehicle 12 at each planned driving location can be obtained, for example, from a traffic volume sensor installed on the roadside. Through the processing of step 120 described above, information is obtained showing how the areas where the utilization rate of the driving assistance function by other vehicles (ACC utilization rate) differs are distributed along the planned driving route of the source vehicle 12, as shown in Figure 4 as an example.

[0034] In the next step 122, the calculation unit 60 extracts usage data from the usage data 56 of the driving assistance function stored in the storage unit 54, representing the usage history of the driving assistance function of the transmitting vehicle 12 at multiple planned driving locations. Based on the extracted usage data, the calculation unit 60 then calculates the usage rate of the driving assistance function of the transmitting vehicle 12 for each planned driving location by dividing the number of times the driving assistance function of the transmitting vehicle 12 is used at each individual planned driving location by the number of times the transmitting vehicle 12 passes through that location.

[0035] In step 124, the output unit 62 of the server 52 determines whether there is a planned driving location among the multiple planned driving locations where the utilization rate of the driver assistance function by vehicles other than the source vehicle 12 is higher than the utilization rate of the driver assistance function by the source vehicle 12. If the determination in step 124 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 126, in which step 126, the output unit 62 sends instruction information to the source vehicle 12 instructing it to output information proposing the use of the driver assistance function at the planned driving location, and the proposal process 2 ends. In this embodiment, the instruction information sent from the output unit 62 to the source vehicle 12 in step 126 includes information representing the planned driving location where the utilization rate of the driver assistance function by other vehicles is higher than the utilization rate of the driver assistance function by the source vehicle 12 (for example, the latitude and longitude of the planned driving location), and information representing the utilization rate of the driver assistance function by other vehicles at that planned driving location.

[0036] On the other hand, if the determination in step 124 is rejected, the process proceeds to step 128. In step 128, the output unit 62 sends instruction information to the transmitting vehicle 12 instructing it to suppress the output of the proposed use of the driving assistance function at the planned driving location, and the proposal process 2 is terminated.

[0037] When the instruction information transmitted from the server 52 is received by the suggestion ECU 34 as described above, the determination in step 104 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 106. In step 106, the suggestion processing unit 36 ​​determines, based on the received instruction information, whether or not the server 52 has instructed it to output suggestion information for the use of the driver assistance function. If the determination in step 106 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 108. In step 108, if the vehicle's position approaches a planned driving location where other vehicles have a higher utilization rate of the driver assistance function than the vehicle itself, the suggestion processing unit 36 ​​outputs suggestion information for the use of the driver assistance function, as shown in Figure 5 as an example, and returns to step 102.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 5, the meter display 38 shows a message 70 stating, "The section 500m ahead is suitable for ACC," and an illustration 72 guiding the user to the location of the ACC setting switch 22, as suggested information for using the driver assistance function. In addition, in the example shown in Figure 5, the message 74 stating, "The ACC usage rate of other vehicles is 80%," is also displayed to inform the user of the usage rate of the driver assistance function of other vehicles. If the vehicle user accepts the suggested use of the driver assistance function based on the outputted information, they can use the driver assistance function (ACC) by switching the ACC on via the ACC setting switch 22.

[0039] The driver assistance function usage suggestion information, as shown as an example in Figure 5, may be displayed on the HUD instead of the meter display 38, or output as audio by the audio output unit 42. Furthermore, if the usage suggestion ECU 34, which functions as the suggestion processing unit 36, can communicate wirelessly with a mobile terminal 64 (shown by a dashed line in Figure 1) held by a user (either the driver or a passenger) riding in the source vehicle 12 (specific vehicle 12), the suggestion processing unit 36 ​​may control the mobile terminal 64 so that the driver assistance function usage suggestion information is output to the mobile terminal 64. If the determination in step 106 is rejected, the system returns to step 102 without performing any processing such as outputting the driver assistance function usage suggestion information.

[0040] As described above, in the above embodiment, the calculation unit 60 aggregates the frequency of use of the driver assistance function at the planned driving location for the multiple vehicles 12, based on the driver assistance function usage data 56, which includes the locations where the driver assistance function was used in each vehicle 12 and is collected from the multiple vehicles 12 and stored in the storage unit 54, and location information indicating the planned driving location where a specific vehicle is about to travel. The output unit 62 then outputs information suggesting the use of the driver assistance function in the specific vehicle based on the usage frequency aggregated by the calculation unit 60. This makes it possible to suggest the use of the driver assistance function when driving in a location where the driver assistance function is frequently used, i.e., a location suitable for using the driver assistance function, thereby improving the convenience for users of vehicles equipped with the driver assistance function.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the output unit 62 also outputs the usage frequency aggregated by the calculation unit 60. This allows users who intend to use the driving assistance function to feel more secure by looking at the usage frequency of the driving assistance function at the planned driving locations for multiple vehicles that have been output.

[0042] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the calculation unit 60 aggregates the frequency of use of the driver assistance function at the planned driving location for both the specific vehicle and other vehicles. The output unit 62 then outputs information suggesting the use of the driver assistance function in the specific vehicle if the usage frequency aggregated by the calculation unit 60 for other vehicles is higher than the usage frequency aggregated by the calculation unit 60 for the specific vehicle. This prevents the unnecessary output of information suggesting the use of the driver assistance function at a planned driving location where the driver assistance function is already being used frequently in the specific vehicle.

[0043] In the above embodiment, a method was described in which the frequency of use of the driver assistance function in a specific vehicle is compared with the frequency of use of the driver assistance function in other vehicles other than the specific vehicle to determine whether or not to output information suggesting the use of the driver assistance function. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and for example, the frequency of use of the driver assistance function in other vehicles other than the specific vehicle may be compared with a pre-set suggestion threshold, and if the frequency of use of the driver assistance function in other vehicles is higher than the suggestion threshold, information suggesting the use of the driver assistance function in the specific vehicle may be output. In this case as well, the use of the driver assistance function can be suggested when driving in a position where the frequency of use of the driver assistance function is equal to or higher than the suggestion threshold, i.e., a position suitable for using the driver assistance function, thereby improving the convenience of users of vehicles equipped with the driver assistance function.

[0044] Furthermore, the above suggestion threshold may be changed according to the user's willingness and preference regarding the use of driver assistance functions while riding in a particular vehicle. For example, if the user is not willing to use driver assistance functions, the suggestion threshold may be set to 50%, and if the user is willing to use driver assistance functions, the suggestion threshold may be set to 30%.

[0045] Furthermore, the driver assistance function usage suggestion information is not limited to message 70 and illustration 72 shown in Figure 5. For example, as shown in Figure 6A, a message 78 saying "Why not try using ACC?" may be output as driver assistance function usage suggestion information. Also, as shown in Figure 6B, a message 80 saying "Do you want to enable ACC at the current speed?" may be output as driver assistance function usage suggestion information. In addition, Figures 6A and 6B omit the output of message 74, which notifies the ACC usage rate of other vehicles, but message 74 may also be output.

[0046] Furthermore, for users who, for example, intend to use driver assistance features but use them infrequently, it is possible to improve their motivation to use these features by providing a challenge mode that scores the use of driver assistance features.

[0047] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe an embodiment in which the server 52 of the data center 50 functions as the calculation unit 60 and output unit 62 in this disclosure, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the proposed user ECU 34 on the vehicle 12 side may be made to function as at least one of the calculation unit 60 and output unit 62 in this disclosure.

[0048] Furthermore, while ACC was described as an example of a driver assistance function in the above embodiments, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the driver assistance functions in this disclosure may include, for example, LTA (Lane Tracing Assist), Level 3 to Level 5 autonomous driving, etc.

[0049] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes a method of aggregating the utilization rate of the driver assistance function as the frequency of use of the driver assistance function, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the number of times the driver assistance function is used per unit time may also be applied. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 10. Driver assistance systems 12 vehicles 14 In-vehicle systems 22 ACC setting switch 26. Driver Assistance ECU 34 Usage proposal ECU 36 Proposal Processing Section 38 Meter Display 52 servers 54 Storage section 56. Usage data of driver assistance functions 60 Arithmetic section 62 Output section

Claims

1. A calculation unit aggregates the frequency of use of the driver assistance function at the planned driving location for each of the multiple vehicles, based on driver assistance function usage data, including the location where the driver assistance function was used in each vehicle, which is collected from multiple vehicles and stored in a memory unit, and location information indicating the planned driving location where a specific vehicle is about to travel. An output unit that outputs information suggesting the use of the driver assistance function in the specific vehicle based on the usage frequency aggregated by the calculation unit, Includes, The calculation unit aggregates the frequency of use of the driving assistance function at the planned driving location for the specified vehicle and other vehicles other than the specified vehicle, The output unit is a driver assistance system that outputs information suggesting the use of driver assistance functions in the specific vehicle when the usage frequency aggregated by the calculation unit for the other vehicles is higher than the usage frequency aggregated by the calculation unit for the specific vehicle.

2. The driver assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit also outputs the usage frequency aggregated by the calculation unit.

3. The driver assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs information suggesting the use of the driver assistance function in the specific vehicle when the usage frequency aggregated by the calculation unit is higher than a threshold.

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