Vehicle control method and vehicle control device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle control method that guarantees comfort for occupants within the vehicle during the charging of the battery.SOLUTION: A vehicle control method causes a processor to execute the process of controlling a device having entertainment functions. The processor outputs to provide entertainment to occupants through an on-vehicle device 10 during the charging of a battery 30 while a vehicle 1 is parked; manages the state of the battery 30 during its charging; and, when the residual charging time of the battery 30 becomes less than a predetermined time, controls the on-vehicle device 10 to awaken the occupants of the vehicle 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an information processing device that provides information that allows a driver to meaningfully spend the waiting time for charging the battery has been known (for example, Patent Document 1). The information processing device described in Patent Document 1 acquires information on the position of the vehicle and information on the remaining cruising distance, extracts a charging station within the range of the remaining cruising distance from a plurality of charging stations, extracts a spot where the vehicle can stop at the extracted charging station from a plurality of spots, and transmits information on the extracted spot together with information on the extracted charging station.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the above information processing device provides a spot where a driver can stop outside the vehicle, there is a problem that passengers cannot comfortably spend time inside the vehicle during battery charging.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vehicle control method and a vehicle control device that allow passengers to comfortably spend time inside the vehicle during battery charging.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention solves the above problem by controlling an on-board device to provide entertainment to the occupants through the on-board device while the vehicle is parked and the battery is charging, managing the battery status during battery charging, and controlling the on-board device to wake the occupants if the remaining charging time is less than or equal to a predetermined time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, occupants can spend time comfortably inside the vehicle while the battery is being charged. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle and external charging device, including a vehicle control device, according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the controller for vehicle control. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a vehicle and an external charging device, including a vehicle control device, according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the controller's vehicle control. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] An embodiment of the vehicle control device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle and an external charging device including the vehicle control device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 1 has an on-board device 10, a controller 20, and a battery 30. The vehicle control device according to this embodiment is a device including the controller 20 that provides entertainment to the occupants through the on-board device 10 while the battery is charging, and controls the on-board device 10 to wake the occupants when the remaining battery charging time is less than or equal to a predetermined time. In other words, the vehicle control device provides entertainment to the occupants using the on-board device 10 so that the occupants in the vehicle can spend their time comfortably while the battery is charging. Also, when the vehicle is a relaxed space while the battery is charging, the occupants, especially the driver, may become less alert. Therefore, the vehicle control device controls the on-board device 10 to wake the occupants before the end of charging, in order to prevent adverse effects on driving after the end of charging. In the following description, the battery 30 is charged by the external charging device 2.

[0010] The in-vehicle device 10 is a device that provides entertainment to the occupants of vehicle 1 so that the interior of the vehicle becomes a relaxing space, and has an entertainment function. The in-vehicle device 10 is also a device that awakens the occupants and has a function that stimulates the occupants' five senses. The in-vehicle device 10 is equipped with a camera 11, sound equipment 12, video equipment 13, lighting equipment 14, air conditioning equipment 15, seat mechanism 16, fragrance equipment 17, and biosensor 18. The in-vehicle device 10 operates based on control commands output from the in-vehicle control unit 21. Note that the in-vehicle device 10 is not limited to the device shown in Figure 1, and may be equipped with other devices.

[0011] Camera 11 is an in-vehicle camera that captures images of the faces of occupants inside the vehicle. Audio equipment 12 is an in-vehicle speaker, such as a speaker installed on the instrument panel, a headrest speaker, or a speaker installed in the door. Audio equipment 12 may be a directional speaker and may also have a noise cancellation function.

[0012] The video equipment 13 displays a screen containing information such as maps and videos to the occupants. The video equipment 13 includes a center display, meter display, rear seat display, etc. The lighting equipment 14 is the interior lighting of the vehicle, and is a room light. The lighting equipment 14 may have a function to adjust the brightness, color tone, and flicker of the illumination, and may also be a directional spotlight or indirect lighting. The air conditioning equipment 15 is equipment for adjusting the air chamber inside the vehicle, and includes an air conditioner, windows, sunroof, etc. The windows and sunroof may have a so-called smoke function (a function to switch between smoke and non-smoked) that reduces the transparency of the glass by switching a button on or off.

[0013] The seat mechanism 16 has functions to adjust the position and tilt of the seat, such as a reclining function and a seat position adjustment function. The seat mechanism 16 may also be a seat heater, stretcher, massager, etc. The fragrance device 17 is a device that emits a scent towards the occupant. The biosensor 18 is a sensor that detects the occupant's biological functions, such as pulse waves and brain waves.

[0014] The controller 20 is a control device for controlling the in-vehicle device 10 which has entertainment functions, and has functions such as providing entertainment to the occupants, detecting the occupants' level of alertness, controlling the in-vehicle device 10 to alert the occupants, and managing the state of the battery 30. The controller 20 has a processor that executes the vehicle control method according to this embodiment, and as functional blocks, it includes at least an in-vehicle control unit 21, an alertness detection unit 24, and a battery management unit 25. Each functional block executes its respective function through cooperation between software and hardware (processor). Note that the functional blocks of the controller 10 do not necessarily have to be divided into functional blocks as shown in Figure 1, and the number of functional blocks is not limited.

[0015] The in-vehicle control unit 21 is a functional block that controls the in-vehicle device 10 and includes an entertainment control unit 22 and a wakefulness control unit 23. The entertainment control unit 22 controls the in-vehicle device 10 to provide entertainment to the occupants through the in-vehicle device 10 while the vehicle 1 is parked and the battery 30 is charging. When the battery 30 is charging and an occupant is inside the vehicle, the entertainment control unit 22 activates the entertainment provision mode (relax mode). In the entertainment provision mode, the entertainment control unit 22 controls the audio equipment 12 and video equipment 13 to provide entertainment content to the occupants. The entertainment content is an example of entertainment elements such as video content and audio content, and is selected according to, for example, the location of the vehicle 1, the current time, date and time, and the weather. The entertainment content may also be unique content specific to when the battery is charging. In other words, if the entertainment content is unique content, the entertainment control unit 22 controls the in-vehicle device 10 so that the same video content is output while the battery 30 is charging, regardless of the location of the vehicle or the time. In the following explanation, video content will be used as an example of entertainment content.

[0016] The entertainment control unit 22 acquires at least one piece of information, such as the vehicle's location, map information, time information, and weather information, and selects video content according to the acquired information. For example, the entertainment control unit 22 identifies that the vehicle's location is near the sea from the vehicle's location information and map information, and identifies that it is summer, sunny, and evening from the time information and weather information. Based on the identified information, the entertainment control unit 22 displays a video of a sunset near the sea on the display as video content. In addition to video content, the entertainment control unit 22 also controls the lighting equipment 14 and / or the air conditioning equipment 15. Controlling the lighting equipment 14, for example, lowers the illuminance of the interior lights. Controlling the air conditioning equipment 15, for example, introduces fluctuations in the airflow of the air conditioner. In this way, the entertainment control unit 22 can create a relaxing space according to the vehicle's current location, current time, weather, etc.

[0017] The entertainment control unit 22 provides entertainment using, for example, the following methods: The entertainment control unit 22 uses the vehicle's display and speakers to provide video content of scenery that evokes a sense of nature. The scenery video content may include a bonfire, waves, sunrise / sunset, deciduous trees, the sound of a flowing river, a forest, etc. The entertainment control unit 22 also selects video content according to the vehicle's location, season, time of day, weather, etc. If it is nighttime, the entertainment control unit 22 displays a bonfire at night. If it is winter, the entertainment control unit 22 displays video of a snow-covered forest. If the vehicle is near the sea, the entertainment control unit 22 displays video of waves. If the vehicle is near a mountain, the entertainment control unit 22 displays video of a mountain. In addition to video content, the entertainment control unit 22 may also operate a so-called noise cancellation function to cancel out noise coming from outside the vehicle at the position of the occupants' ears. This prevents monotony because the video content changes according to the state and environment of vehicle 1, and provides optimal entertainment to encourage users to stay inside the vehicle rather than outside while the battery is charging.

[0018] The methods for providing entertainment are not limited to those described above; they may also include changing the brightness or color tone of the room lights or illumination lights included in the lighting equipment 14, or turning on indirect lighting. Other examples of entertainment methods include changing the airflow or temperature of the air conditioner included in the air conditioning equipment 15, or changing the windows or sunroof to bring outside air into the vehicle. Other examples of entertainment methods include reducing the tilt of the reclining seats included in the seat mechanism 16, adjusting the seat position to increase legroom for the occupants, turning on the seat heater, enabling the use of the footrest, or turning on the seat massager. Another example of entertainment methods is to emit a relaxing scent from the fragrance equipment 17. Another example of entertainment methods is to turn on the tint on windows that have a function to switch between tinted and untinted to create a private space. Another example of entertainment methods is to enhance the display on the meter display. The entertainment control unit 22 may combine multiple of the above entertainment methods or use just one as the method for providing entertainment.

[0019] During the charging of the battery 30, the entertainment providing mode operates, and the passengers may become less alert by comfortably spending time inside the vehicle. In order to prevent the passengers from driving in a drowsy state after the charging of the battery 30 is completed, when the end of the charging of the battery 30 approaches, the in-vehicle device 10 is controlled by the wake-up control unit 23 to lead the passengers to a wakeful state. When the remaining charging time of the battery 30 (hereinafter also referred to as the remaining charge time) is less than or equal to a predetermined time, the wake-up control unit 23 controls the in-vehicle device 10 to wake up the passengers of the vehicle 1. The charging time of the battery 30 is managed by a battery management unit 25 described later, and the wake-up control unit 23 acquires battery information indicating the state of the battery 30 from the battery management unit 25. The battery information includes at least the remaining charge time of the battery 30 and / or the SOC of the battery 30. The wake-up control unit 23 has a time threshold of the remaining charge time indicating that the end of the charging of the battery 30 is approaching. Then, the wake-up control unit 23 compares the current remaining charge time with the time threshold to determine whether the remaining charge time is less than or equal to a predetermined time.

[0020] Note that it is not always necessary to use time to determine whether the remaining charge time is less than or equal to a predetermined time, and SOC may be used instead. For example, the wake-up control unit 23 has a SOC threshold as a threshold indicating that the end of charging is approaching. The SOC threshold is a value obtained by reducing a predetermined SOC from the target SOC of charging or the upper limit SOC of the battery 30. The SOC threshold may also be a value obtained by multiplying a predetermined value (for example, 90%) by the target SOC or the upper limit SOC. Then, the wake-up control unit 23 compares the current SOC of the battery 30 with the SOC threshold, and if the current SOC becomes greater than or equal to the SOC threshold, it may be determined that the current remaining charge time is less than or equal to a predetermined time.

[0021] For example, when the destination setting (route setting) of the vehicle 1 is set in the navigation system, the target SOC, which is the target value for the end of charging, may be set according to the distance between the vehicle position and the destination when charging the battery 30. For example, assume a scenario where the vehicle stops at a charging spot (a facility equipped with the external charging device 2) to charge the battery 30 before arriving at the destination. Further, as a condition regarding the SOC, leave 30% or more of the SOC remaining when arriving at the destination, and consume 20% of the SOC during the drive from the charging spot to the destination. In such a scenario, in order to meet the conditions, the target SOC when charging the battery 30 at the charging spot may be set to 50%.

[0022] And when the remaining charging time of the battery 30 is less than or equal to a predetermined time, the awakening control unit 23 executes an awakening process for awakening. The awakening process is a control process of the in-vehicle device 10 for giving a stimulus or change to the senses of the occupant through the in-vehicle device 10 so as to awaken the occupant. The targets of the awakening process are devices having entertainment functions such as the video device 12 among the in-vehicle devices 10, and / or devices not having entertainment functions such as the air conditioning device 15. For example, when the in-vehicle device 10 awakens the occupant by the production of contents such as video and sound, the output contents for awakening include entertainment elements that are easier to awaken than entertainment contents. For example, increasing the illuminance of the interior light, increasing the screen brightness, displaying a bright video, etc. For example, when a video of a campfire at night is being displayed as entertainment content, in the content for awakening, the video becomes a campfire in the morning. Also, the awakening process does not necessarily have to be the production of content. In other words, the awakening control unit 23 may execute the awakening process by controlling the output of the in-vehicle device 10, which is different from the production of entertainment content by the entertainment control unit 22.

[0023] The awakening process is explained below. The awakening control unit 23 performs the awakening process by changing the video content. For example, the awakening control unit 23 outputs awakening content by changing the video of snow, which was being presented as entertainment content, to a video of sunny weather. In another example, the awakening control unit 23 changes the video of gentle rain, which was being presented as entertainment content, to a thunderstorm. In yet another example, the awakening control unit 23 switches from the video of entertainment content to a video that evokes the end of charging. In this way, the crew is awakened by changing the crew's vision through changes in the video. The awakening control unit 23 also outputs awakening content by increasing the brightness of the video (display) and / or increasing the volume. In other words, the entertainment elements contained in the content do not change, but by changing the output method, the entertainment content is transformed into awakening content.

[0024] If the entertainment control unit 22 has changed the brightness or color tone of the room lights or illumination lights from the standard setting for entertainment purposes, the awakening control unit 23 may output awakening content by returning the brightness or color tone to the original standard setting. Furthermore, the awakening control unit 23 may awaken the occupants by increasing the brightness of the lighting compared to the nighttime lighting, or by changing the lighting color to a daytime color when providing entertainment. In other words, occupants are awakened by changes in the brightness or color tone of the lights. Similarly, if the awakening control unit 23 has changed the output value of the air conditioner from the standard setting, or changed the position of the reclining seat from the standard setting, it may awaken the occupants by returning the output value of the air conditioner or the position of the reclining seat to its original setting. Also, if the air conditioner output can be changed for each seat, the awakening control unit 23 may awaken the occupants by returning the air conditioner output, which was changed for entertainment purposes, to its original setting. The arousal control unit 23 may also turn off the seat heater or massager that was turned on for entertainment purposes.

[0025] Furthermore, the entertainment control unit 22 may perform an awakening process by controlling an in-vehicle device 10 different from the in-vehicle device 10 controlled to provide entertainment content. For example, when the entertainment control unit 22 is outputting video content for entertainment from the audio device 12 and video device 13, the entertainment control unit 22 may control the air conditioning device 15 to blow air from the air conditioner onto the occupants or lower the set temperature to awaken the occupants. Also, for example, when the entertainment control unit 22 is outputting video content for entertainment using an in-vehicle display, the awakening control unit 23 may shine a directional spotlight on the occupants to awaken them. The awakening control unit 23 may also control the fragrance device 17 to emit a scent effective in waking up, such as mint or lemon. In other words, the awakening control unit 23 may use separate devices from the video device 13 for entertainment provision and for awakening. Furthermore, if the fragrance device 17 can control the on / off state of the fragrance for each seat, the awakening control unit 23 may control the fragrance device 17 so that the fragrance is emitted to the seat position where the awakening process is performed.

[0026] The alertness detection unit 24 acquires alertness information indicating the occupant's alertness level from the in-vehicle device 10 and detects the occupant's alertness level (state of alertness). The alertness information is information indicating the occupant's state of alertness and corresponds to the captured image from the camera 11 and / or the detected value from the biosensor 18 of the in-vehicle device 10. Based on the occupant's biodata acquired from the biosensor 18, the alertness detection unit 24 detects the occupant's alertness level from changes in the occupant's pulse wave and brain wave. Alternatively, the alertness detection unit 24 may determine the occupant's eye opening and closing based on the occupant's face image data acquired from the camera 11 and calculate the cumulative value of the number of eye closures that occurred within a predetermined time to detect the occupant's alertness level. Furthermore, the alertness detection unit 24 may determine the occupant's alertness level by determining changes in the occupant's facial expression based on the occupant's face image data acquired from the camera 11.

[0027] The alertness detection unit 24 compares the detected alertness level with the alertness threshold, and if the alertness level is less than or equal to the alertness threshold, it outputs an alertness control command to the alertness control unit 23 to wake up the occupant. The alertness control unit 23 executes the above-mentioned alertness process when it receives an alertness control command from the alertness detection unit 24. The alertness level is a value that indicates the degree of relaxation or drowsiness of the occupant, and a lower alertness level indicates that the occupant is more relaxed or drowsy. The alertness threshold is a threshold used to determine whether or not to wake up occupants in the vehicle during charging, and is set in advance. The alertness detection unit 24 can also detect the alertness level of each occupant in the vehicle 1.

[0028] Furthermore, the alertness detection unit 24 does not necessarily need to use the captured image from the camera 11 and / or the detection value from the biosensor 18. Instead, it may detect the alertness level as a value correlated with the charging time of the battery 30. Assuming that the alertness level does not decrease when the charging time of the battery 30 is short, the correlation between charging time and alertness level is considered to be that the alertness level decreases as the charging time increases. Under such a correlation, the alertness detection unit 24 may detect the alertness level by performing calculations such that the alertness level decreases as the charging time increases.

[0029] The battery management unit 25 manages the state of the battery 30 while it is charging. Based on battery information (sensor detection values) obtained from voltage sensors and / or current sensors connected to the battery 30, the battery management unit 25 detects the state of charge (SOC) and / or remaining charge capacity of the battery 30. The remaining charge capacity is the charge capacity currently stored in the battery 30 and is calculated, for example, from the integrated current value. During the charging of the battery 30, the battery management unit 25 also obtains battery information from the external charging device 2 via communication between the vehicle 1 and the external charging device 2, including information on the progress of the battery 30's charging, such as the state of the battery 30 and the remaining charging time. Based on the battery information obtained from the external charging device 2 and / or the battery information obtained from the sensors of the battery 30, the battery management unit 25 calculates the remaining charging time and / or SOC of the battery 30.

[0030] The battery (vehicle battery) 30 is a secondary battery installed in the vehicle 1, and is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The external charging device 2 connects a charging cable to the charging port of the vehicle 1 and charges the battery 30 from outside the vehicle 1. The external charging device 2 transmits battery information indicating the charging status of the battery 30 to the controller 20. The battery information indicating the charging status is, for example, the remaining charging time and the status of the battery 30. The external charging device 2 is not limited to a contact type; it may also be a non-contact type charging device.

[0031] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the vehicle control method of the in-vehicle device 10 performed by the controller 20 will be described. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of vehicle control by the controller 20. The controller 20 performs the following control flow when the vehicle 1 is parked in a state where it can be charged and a user is in the vehicle.

[0032] In step S1, the user operates the touch panel display (corresponding to the video device 13) to start charging the battery 30. The battery management unit 25 of the controller 20 starts charging the battery 30 based on the operation command on the display. The battery management unit 25 may also start charging based on a timer setting. Alternatively, the battery management unit 25 may start charging when a charging cable is connected to the charging port of the vehicle 1.

[0033] In step S2, the entertainment control unit 22 of the controller 20 activates the entertainment provision mode and controls the in-vehicle device 10 to provide entertainment to the occupants through the in-vehicle device 10. The entertainment provision mode may be activated automatically or activated by user instruction. If charging was started in step S1 when the charging cable was connected to the charging port of the vehicle 1, the entertainment control unit 22 may detect whether a user is in the vehicle before controlling the in-vehicle device 10. In step S3, the battery management unit 25 of the controller 20 manages the state of the battery 30 while it is charging. In step S4, the arousal control unit 23 of the controller 20 obtains battery information from the battery management unit 25 and determines whether the remaining charge time of the battery 30 is less than or equal to a predetermined time based on the obtained battery information. If the remaining charge time of the battery 30 is greater than the predetermined time, the controller 20 executes the control in step S3.

[0034] If the remaining charge time of the battery 30 is less than or equal to a predetermined time, in step S5, the alertness detection unit 24 of the controller 20 detects the alertness of the occupant based on the image captured by the camera 11 or the detected value of the biosensor 18. In step S6, the alertness detection unit 24 compares the detected alertness with the alertness threshold and determines whether the alertness is less than or equal to the alertness threshold. If the alertness is higher than the alertness threshold, the controller 20 executes the control process in step S8.

[0035] If the level of arousal is below the arousal threshold, in step S7, the arousal control unit 23 of the controller 20 executes an arousal process to awaken the vehicle. The in-vehicle device 10 to be controlled by the arousal process is at least one of the following: audio equipment 12, video equipment 13, lighting equipment 14, air conditioning equipment 15, seating mechanism 16, and fragrance equipment 17. The arousal control unit 23 only needs to control at least one of the in-vehicle devices 10 to be controlled by the arousal process, or it may execute the arousal process on multiple in-vehicle devices 10 in parallel.

[0036] In step S8, the battery management unit 25 determines, based on the battery information, whether or not charging of the battery 30 is complete. If it determines that charging of the battery 30 is not complete, the controller 20 executes the control processing from step S5 onward. If it determines that charging of the battery 30 is complete, the controller 20 terminates the control flow shown in Figure 2.

[0037] As described above, the vehicle control method and vehicle control device according to this embodiment output to the on-board device 10 to provide entertainment to the occupants through the on-board device 10 while the vehicle 1 is parked and the battery 30 is charging, manage the state of the battery 30 while it is charging, and control the on-board device 10 to wake up the occupants of the vehicle 1 when the remaining charge time of the battery 30 is less than or equal to a predetermined time. This allows the occupants to spend time comfortably in the vehicle while the battery is charging. Furthermore, as the battery 30 charging nears completion, the on-board device 10 is controlled to wake up the occupants, so that the cabin becomes a relaxed space, and even if the occupants' (especially the driver's) level of alertness is low, at least the driver can be woken up before driving. As a result, providing entertainment while the battery 30 is charging can prevent adverse effects on driving.

[0038] As described above, in this embodiment, the system acquires information on the occupant's alertness and controls the on-board device 10 to alert the occupant if their alertness level is below a predetermined level. This allows the occupant to be alerted before driving if their alertness level becomes low.

[0039] In this embodiment, battery information indicating the state of the battery 30 is acquired from outside the vehicle 1 while the battery 30 is being charged. This allows the on-board device 10 to be controlled so that the occupants are awakened when the battery 30 is nearing completion of charging, while the state of the battery 30 is being charged by an external charging device.

[0040] In this embodiment, the occupant's level of alertness is detected based on the values ​​detected by the biosensor 18. This makes it possible to understand the degree of relaxation of the occupants in the vehicle while the battery 30 is being charged.

[0041] In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 10 that is subject to control of the awakening process is at least one of the following: audio equipment 12, video equipment 13, lighting equipment 14, air conditioning equipment 15, seat mechanism 16, and fragrance equipment 17. This allows the occupants to be awakened using the in-vehicle device 10.

[0042] In this embodiment, the arousal control unit 23 may perform the arousal process in stages. For example, if the arousal control unit 23 performs the arousal process by increasing the volume during video content playback, it may increase the volume level in multiple stages.

[0043] In this embodiment, the controller 20 may omit the control processing in steps S5 and S6, and perform the awakening process if it is determined in the determination in step S4 that the remaining charge time is less than or equal to a predetermined time.

[0044] ≪Second Embodiment≫ Next, a second embodiment will be described based on the drawings. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle and an external charging device including a vehicle control device in the second embodiment. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of vehicle control by the controller 20.

[0045] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the in-vehicle device 10 further includes a seating sensor 19, and the controller 20 further includes an occupant detection unit 26 and a relationship estimation unit 27, but the other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. The differences from the first embodiment are described below, and parts that have the same configuration as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0046] In addition to the camera 11, the in-vehicle device 10 is equipped with a seating sensor 19. The seating sensor 19 is provided for each seat in the vehicle 1 and is a sensor for detecting when an occupant is seated in the seat. For example, a load sensor is used for the seating sensor. The detected value from the seating sensor 19 is transmitted to the controller 20.

[0047] The controller 20 includes an occupant detection unit 26 and a relationship estimation unit 27, in addition to the in-vehicle control unit 21. The occupant detection unit 26 identifies the seating position of an occupant among the seats in the vehicle based on the detection value of the seating sensor 19, and detects the driver and passengers according to the identified seating position. The occupant detection unit 26 may also identify the seating position of passengers from the image of the camera 11. The occupant detection unit 26 may also detect occupant attributes such as age and gender from the image captured by the camera 11. Furthermore, the occupant detection unit 26 may detect individuals from the image captured by the camera 11. For example, the occupant detection unit 26 may pre-register facial photographs of the vehicle owner or users who frequently use the vehicle, recognize faces from the captured images, and detect individuals based on whether the registered facial image matches the recognized facial image. The occupant detection unit 26 may register facial images based on user operation, or it may acquire facial images after boarding the vehicle and register facial images of frequently boarding users.

[0048] If the relationship estimation unit 27 detects multiple occupants based on the detection results of the occupant detection unit 26, it estimates the relationships between the multiple occupants. These relationships can be family relationships, friendships, romantic relationships, parent-child relationships, company relationships (business relationships), etc. The relationship estimation unit 27 estimates the relationships between occupants from the images captured by the camera 11 and / or the audio from the microphone included in the sound equipment 12. For example, if a user's face photograph and relationship are pre-registered, the relationship estimation unit 27 may estimate the relationship from the face image captured by the camera 11. Alternatively, the relationship estimation unit 27 may estimate the relationships from the attributes of the occupants detected by the occupant detection unit 26. For example, if the relationship estimation unit 27 determines, based on the detection results of the occupant detection unit 26, that an adult is in the driver's seat and a child is in the passenger seat or rear seat, it determines that the relationship is a parent-child relationship and / or a family relationship. The relationship estimation unit 27 may also acquire the occupants' conversation from the microphone audio and estimate the relationship from the analysis of the conversation. For example, if the occupants are sitting in the driver's seat and the passenger seat respectively, and the audio analysis identifies that they are speaking in polite language, the relationship estimation unit 27 will estimate the relationship between the driver and the passenger as a company relationship. The relationship estimation unit 27 may also estimate the relationship based on the frequency of use. For example, the occupant detection unit 26 may measure the frequency of use of the detected occupants and estimate the relationship between occupants with high usage frequency as a family relationship or a romantic relationship.

[0049] The Awakening Level Detection Unit 24 detects the level of awakening of each occupant in their seat, as detected by the Occupant Detection Unit. The Awakening Control Unit 23 may control the elements of the content used to awaken the occupant, depending on the occupant detected by the Occupant Detection Unit 26. The content used to awaken the occupant is either content containing entertainment elements that are more likely to awaken than the entertainment content provided by the Entertainment Control Unit 22, or awakening content that is different from the entertainment content. The entertainment elements vary depending on, for example, the content itself and the target of the in-vehicle device being controlled when providing the content.

[0050] For example, when a driver and a passenger are in the vehicle, the passenger does not necessarily need to be alert. Therefore, the alertness control unit 23 controls the in-vehicle device 10 to provide the passenger with content that is more relaxing compared to the content provided to the driver, so as not to increase the passenger's alertness. Content that is more relaxing may include, for example, videos with lower brightness than the driver's content, or music with a more relaxing effect. The alertness control unit 23 may also control the elements of the content according to the passenger's seating position. For example, the alertness control unit 23 may change the video content provided to the driver and the video content provided to the passenger so that the driver's alertness does not decrease due to the provision of entertainment.

[0051] Furthermore, if there is a driver and a passenger in the front seat, the passenger may be awakened in addition to the driver. In this case, the passenger in the rear seat does not necessarily need to be awakened. The passenger in the front seat may want to talk to the driver while the vehicle 1 is in motion. In such cases, the awakening control unit 23 performs an awakening process to awaken the passenger in the front seat. On the other hand, since the passenger in the rear seat does not need to be awakened, the awakening control unit 23 does not perform an awakening process for the rear seat passenger, and the entertainment control unit 22 continues to provide entertainment content.

[0052] Furthermore, the Awakening Control Unit 23 controls the elements of the content for awakening the occupants according to the relationship estimated by the Relationship Estimation Unit 27. For example, if the relationship estimated by the Relationship Estimation Unit 27 is a family relationship or a romantic relationship, the Awakening Control Unit 23 provides awakening content to awaken the driver, and provides content to prevent passengers with the estimated relationship from becoming awakened. In other words, the Awakening Control Unit 23 performs the awakening process for the driver, but does not perform the awakening process for passengers with the estimated relationship. For example, if the relationship estimated by the Relationship Estimation Unit 27 is a parent-child relationship, the Awakening Control Unit 23 provides awakening content to awaken the driver, and provides content to prevent the child from becoming awakened. Alternatively, the Entertainment Control Unit 22 and the Awakening Control Unit 23 do not have to provide entertainment content and awakening content to the child. This makes it possible to create a vehicle interior space that does not awaken children, who have less physical strength than adults.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, if the relationship estimated by the relationship estimation unit 27 is a company relationship, the awakening control unit 23 performs the awakening process by providing awakening content to the crew members with the estimated relationship. This makes it possible to awaken crew members who have a business relationship with each other, such as those who speak to each other using polite language.

[0054] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the vehicle control method of the in-vehicle device 10, executed by the controller 20, will be described. The control flow of steps S11 to S14 is the same as the control flow of steps S1 to S4 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0055] In step S15, the occupant detection unit 26 of the controller 20 detects an occupant. In step S16, the occupant detection unit 26 determines whether or not there is a passenger based on the occupant detection result. If there is a passenger, in step S17, the relationship estimation unit 27 of the controller 20 estimates the relationship between the driver and the passenger. In step S18, the awakening control unit 23 determines the occupant to be awakened. As described above, the awakening control unit 23 determines the occupant to be awakened based on the relationship between the occupants and / or the occupant's seating position.

[0056] The control flow in steps S19 to S22 is the same as the control flow in steps S5 to S8 in the first embodiment, however, the arousal level detection in step S19 and the arousal processing in step S22 are performed on the occupant who is to be aroused.

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, the driver and passengers are detected, and the elements of the content for waking up the passengers are controlled according to the detected occupants. This makes it possible, for example, to wake up the driver without waking up the passengers. As a result, passengers can spend time comfortably in the car until the battery 30 is fully charged, and the driver can wake up before driving even if their level of alertness is low from spending time in a relaxed environment while the battery 30 is charging.

[0058] In this embodiment, the relationship between the driver and passengers is estimated, and the elements of the content used to awaken the passengers are controlled according to that relationship. This makes it possible to awaken the driver without awakening passengers who have a close relationship with the driver, for example. As a result, passengers can spend time comfortably in the car until the battery 30 is fully charged, and even if the driver's level of alertness decreases while relaxing in the environment during battery 30 charging, they can be awakened before driving.

[0059] In this embodiment, the elements of the content used to awaken the occupants are controlled according to their seating position. This allows, for example, the driver to be awakened without awakening the passengers. As a result, passengers can spend time comfortably in the vehicle until the battery 30 is fully charged, and the driver can be awakened before driving even if their level of alertness is low from spending time in a relaxed environment while the battery 30 is charging.

[0060] In this embodiment, the Awakening Control Unit 21 may determine which occupants are to be awakened based on the relationship between the driver and the passenger, as well as the vehicle's position while the battery 30 is being charged, and / or the time when the battery 30 is finished charging. For example, consider a scenario where the navigation system has set a destination (route) for vehicle 1, and the vehicle's position while the battery 30 is being charged is close to the destination, or the time when the battery 30 is finished charging is close to the arrival time at the destination. In such a scenario, if the relationship is parent-child or family, the Awakening Control Unit 23 will also designate the passenger as an occupant to be awakened. This allows the driver to share the excitement of arriving at the destination with the passenger after charging the battery 30 at a charging spot near the destination during a family trip.

[0061] Furthermore, consider scenarios where, for example, the vehicle is located at a highway service area while the battery 30 is charging, suggesting that long-term driving is expected even after charging. In such scenarios, if the relationship is parent-child or family, the arousal control unit 23 may exclude the passenger from being awakened. This ensures that, even if the driver's level of alertness decreases due to spending time in a relaxed environment while the battery 30 is charging, the driver alone can be awakened before driving, even if the vehicle is driving on a highway after charging. Additionally, if the battery 30 is not fully charged at night or at a late hour, the arousal control unit 23 may exclude the passenger from being awakened. This ensures that the driver alone can be awakened before driving without disturbing the passenger's sleep.

[0062] In this embodiment, the relationship estimation unit 27 may be omitted, and the awakening control unit 23 may perform the awakening process based on the detection result of the crew detection unit 26.

[0063] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiments is intended to include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1…Vehicle 2…External charging device 10…In-vehicle device 20… Controller 21... Vehicle-mounted control unit 22…Entertainment Control Unit 23…Awakening Control Unit 24... Awakening level detection unit 25… Battery Management Department 26... Crew detection unit 27…Relationship Estimation Unit 30... Battery

Claims

1. A vehicle control method that causes a processor to perform processing to control a device having an entertainment function, The aforementioned processor, While the vehicle is parked and the battery is charging, the on-board device is controlled to provide entertainment to the occupants through the on-board device. The state of the battery is managed while the battery is being charged. If the remaining charging time of the battery is less than or equal to a predetermined time, the on-board device is controlled to wake the occupant. Awakening information indicating the level of alertness of the aforementioned crew member is obtained, A vehicle control method that controls the on-board device to wake up the occupants of the vehicle when the level of alertness is below a predetermined level of alertness.

2. A vehicle control method according to claim 1, The aforementioned processor, A vehicle control method for acquiring battery information indicating the state of the battery from outside the vehicle while the battery is being charged.

3. A vehicle control method according to claim 1, The aforementioned processor, A vehicle control method for detecting the level of alertness of an occupant based on the detection value of a sensor that detects the occupant's biological state.

4. A vehicle control method according to claim 1, A vehicle control method in which the in-vehicle device controlled to wake the occupant is at least one of the following devices: an audio device, a video device, a lighting device, an air conditioning device, a seating mechanism, and an aromatherapy device.

5. A vehicle control method that causes a processor to perform processing to control a device having an entertainment function, The aforementioned processor, While the vehicle is parked and the battery is charging, the on-board device is controlled to provide entertainment to the occupants through the on-board device. The state of the battery is managed while the battery is being charged. If the remaining charging time of the battery is less than or equal to a predetermined time, the on-board device is controlled to wake the occupant. Control the in-vehicle device to provide content for waking the occupant, The driver and passengers are detected, A vehicle control method that controls elements of the content in accordance with the detected occupant.

6. A vehicle control method that causes a processor to perform processing to control a device having an entertainment function, The aforementioned processor, While the vehicle is parked and the battery is charging, the on-board device is controlled to provide entertainment to the occupants through the on-board device. The state of the battery is managed while the battery is being charged. If the remaining charging time of the battery is less than or equal to a predetermined time, the on-board device is controlled to wake the occupant. Control the in-vehicle device to provide content for waking the occupant, The driver and passengers are detected, The relationship between the driver and the passenger is estimated, A vehicle control method for controlling the elements of the content according to the aforementioned relationship.

7. A vehicle control method that causes a processor to perform processing to control a device having an entertainment function, The aforementioned processor, While the vehicle is parked and the battery is charging, the on-board device is controlled to provide entertainment to the occupants through the on-board device. The state of the battery is managed while the battery is being charged. If the remaining charging time of the battery is less than or equal to a predetermined time, the on-board device is controlled to wake the occupant. Control the in-vehicle device to provide content for waking the occupant, A vehicle control method for controlling elements of the content according to the seating position of the occupant.

8. A vehicle control device that controls a device having an entertainment function, An on-board control unit controls the on-board device to provide entertainment to the occupants through the on-board device while the vehicle is parked and the battery is charging, During charging of the aforementioned battery, a battery management unit manages the state of the battery, The system includes an alertness detection unit that acquires alertness information indicating the alertness level of the crew member and detects the alertness level of the crew member. The vehicle-mounted control unit is If the remaining charging time of the battery is less than or equal to a predetermined time, the onboard device is controlled to wake the occupants of the vehicle. A vehicle control device that controls the on-board device to wake up the occupant of the vehicle when the level of alertness is below a predetermined level of alertness.

9. A vehicle control device for controlling a device having an entertainment function, An on-board control unit controls the on-board device to provide entertainment to the occupants through the on-board device while the vehicle is parked and the battery is charging, During charging of the aforementioned battery, a battery management unit manages the state of the battery, It detects the driver and passengers and is equipped with an occupant detection unit. The vehicle-mounted control unit is If the remaining charging time of the battery is less than or equal to a predetermined time, the onboard device is controlled to wake the occupants of the vehicle. Control the in-vehicle device to provide content for waking the occupant, A vehicle control device that controls elements of the content in accordance with the occupant detected by the occupant detection unit.

10. A vehicle control device for controlling a device having an entertainment function, An on-board control unit controls the on-board device to provide entertainment to the occupants through the on-board device while the vehicle is parked and the battery is charging, During charging of the aforementioned battery, a battery management unit manages the state of the battery, The driver and passengers are detected by the occupant detection unit, The system includes a relationship estimation unit that estimates the relationship between the driver and the passenger. The vehicle-mounted control unit is If the remaining charging time of the battery is less than or equal to a predetermined time, the onboard device is controlled to wake the occupants of the vehicle. Control the in-vehicle device to provide content for waking the occupant, A vehicle control device that controls the elements of the content according to the aforementioned relationship.

11. A vehicle control device for controlling a device having an entertainment function, An on-board control unit controls the on-board device to provide entertainment to the occupants through the on-board device while the vehicle is parked and the battery is charging, During charging of the aforementioned battery, a battery management unit manages the state of the battery, The system includes a passenger detection unit that identifies the passenger's seating position, The vehicle-mounted control unit is If the remaining charging time of the battery is less than or equal to a predetermined time, the onboard device is controlled to wake the occupants of the vehicle. Control the in-vehicle device to provide content for waking the occupant, A vehicle control device that controls the elements of the content according to the seating position of the occupant.

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