Vehicle information processing device

Abstract

To provide a device for recommending installation of a driving assistance device to a vehicle user.SOLUTION: A vehicle information processing device provided herein is configured to acquire vehicle information (102), and use the acquired vehicle information to transmit (108) recommendation information for recommending installation of a driving assistance device to a mobile terminal of a vehicle user when brakes are slammed on (106) while changing lanes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a configuration of a vehicle information processing apparatus that processes vehicle information and transmits predetermined information to a mobile terminal of a vehicle user. Background Art

[0002] An apparatus for processing vehicle information acquired from a vehicle has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that acquires traffic information indicating a vehicle's position, vehicle speed, and whether a lane change has been performed, acquires the number of times the vehicle has changed lanes within a predetermined period based on the traffic information, and corrects the vehicle speed indicated by the traffic information to decrease when the number of lane changes performed by the vehicle within the predetermined period is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times. Prior Art Literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-164452 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Meanwhile, recently, various driving assistance devices that assist driving operations have been developed and have come to be mounted in newly sold vehicles. In addition, driving assistance devices that can be retrofitted to vehicles sold earlier that are not equipped with a driving assistance device have also been developed. Here, whether to retrofitting mount a driving assistance device to a vehicle depends on the judgment of the vehicle's user, so there is a demand for an apparatus that recommends users to install a driving assistance device.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that recommends a vehicle user to install a driving assistance device. Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle information processing device according to the present invention is a vehicle information processing device that includes a processor for processing information, wherein the processor acquires vehicle information and, based on the acquired vehicle information, transmits recommendation information to the vehicle user's mobile terminal recommending the installation of a driver assistance device if a sudden braking operation is performed during a lane change.

[0007] Here, it's possible that users of vehicles that frequently change lanes don't find lane changes difficult and believe they can manage without driver assistance systems. On the other hand, experiences like sudden braking during a lane change leave a strong impression on users, even if they don't result in an accident. Therefore, by recommending the installation of driver assistance systems to users after they have experienced sudden braking during a lane change, it's possible to encourage them to purchase these systems.

[0008] In the vehicle information processing device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the processor transmits recommendation information to the vehicle user's mobile terminal when the vehicle has finished driving.

[0009] By using the above configuration, recommendation information can be sent to the user while they still remember performing a sudden braking maneuver during a lane change, thereby prompting the user to purchase a driver assistance device.

[0010] In the vehicle information processing device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the recommendation information includes location information in which an emergency braking operation was performed during a lane change.

[0011] By using the above configuration, it is possible to remind the user that they performed a sudden braking maneuver while changing lanes, thereby prompting the user to purchase a driver assistance device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The vehicle information processing device of the present invention can provide a device that recommends the installation of a driver assistance device to the vehicle user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a system diagram showing the overall configuration of a vehicle information processing system, including the vehicle information processing device of the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows the structure of the driving history database. [Figure 5] Figure 3 shows the structure of the user information database. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user's mobile device. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The vehicle information processing system 100, including the vehicle information processing device of the embodiment, will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle information processing system 100 includes a vehicle 10, a server 30 which is a vehicle information processing device, and a user's mobile terminal 40. The vehicle 10 is equipped with an in-vehicle terminal 20. The in-vehicle terminal 20, the server 30, and the user's mobile terminal 40 are interconnected via a network 90. ​​In Figure 1, one vehicle 10, one in-vehicle terminal 20, and one mobile terminal 40 are connected to one server 30, but the number of vehicles 10, in-vehicle terminals 20, and mobile terminals 40 is not limited to this, and there may be two or more of each.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 10 includes multiple ECUs (Electronic Control Units) 11, multiple in-vehicle devices 13, and an in-vehicle terminal 20.

[0016] ECU 11 includes ADAS-ECU 11A (Advanced Driver Assistance System-ECU), steering ECU 11B, brake ECU 11C, engine ECU 11D, and auxiliary equipment ECU 11E. ADAS-ECU 11A, steering ECU 11B, brake ECU 11C, engine ECU 11D, and auxiliary equipment ECU 11E are mutually connected via bus 12, and exchange information with each other. Note that vehicle 10 may include other ECUs besides these.

[0017] ADAS-ECU 11A performs overall control of the advanced driving assistance system. Connected to ADAS-ECU 11A are a vehicle speed sensor 13A, a yaw rate sensor 13B, and an external sensor 13C, which constitute on-board equipment 13. The external sensor 13C is a sensor group used for detecting the surrounding environment of vehicle 10. This external sensor 13C includes, for example, a camera that images the surroundings of vehicle 10, a millimeter-wave radar that transmits detection waves and receives reflected waves, and a lidar that scans the area in front of vehicle 10.

[0018] Steering ECU 11B controls the power steering. Connected to steering ECU 11B are a steering angle sensor 13D and a steering actuator 13E, which constitute on-board equipment 13. The steering angle sensor 13D is a sensor that detects the steering angle of the steering wheel. The steering actuator 13E steers the steered wheels of vehicle 10 in accordance with the driver's operation.

[0019] Brake ECU 11C controls the brake system of vehicle 10. Connected to brake ECU 11C are a brake pedal stroke sensor 13F, a brake oil pressure sensor 13G, and a brake actuator 13H, which constitute on-board equipment 13. The brake pedal stroke sensor 13F is a sensor that detects the stroke amount of the brake pedal. The brake oil pressure sensor 13G is a sensor that detects the oil pressure of the brake. The brake actuator 13H drives the brake of vehicle 10 in accordance with the driver's operation.

[0020] The engine ECU 11D controls the engine of the vehicle 10. A throttle actuator 13J that constitutes an on-vehicle device 13 is connected to the engine ECU 11D. The throttle actuator 13J drives the throttle of the engine in accordance with a driver's operation.

[0021] The auxiliary equipment ECU 11E controls the operations of various types of auxiliary equipment, and receives input of signals from switches and sensors that drive these auxiliary equipment. As shown by way of example in FIG. 2, a signal from a turn signal switch 13K is input to the auxiliary equipment ECU 11E. Thereby, the auxiliary equipment ECU 11E controls the operation of a turn signal lamp 13L.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the in-vehicle terminal 20 is a computer including a CPU 21, a memory 22, a wireless communication interface 23, and an in-vehicle communication interface 24. The CPU 21, the memory 22, the wireless communication interface 23, and the in-vehicle communication interface 24 are connected via an internal bus 25.

[0023] The CPU 21 is a processor that performs information processing. A control program 26 and control data 27 for executing the control program 26 are stored in the memory 22. The CPU 21 implements various control operations by executing the control program 26 stored in the memory 22.

[0024] The in-vehicle communication interface 24 is connected to the bus 12 of the vehicle 10, and collects vehicle information related to the state and control of the vehicle 10 from the ADAS-ECU 11A, steering ECU 11B, brake ECU 11C, engine ECU 11D, and auxiliary equipment ECU 11E of the vehicle 10 via the bus 12 according to the CAN protocol.

[0025] The wireless communication interface 23 is a wireless communication module connected to the network 90 for communicating with the server 30.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the server 30 is a computer that includes a CPU 31, which is a processor for information processing, a memory 32 for storing data, and a wireless communication interface 33. The CPU 31, the memory 32, and the wireless communication interface 33 are connected by an internal bus 34. The wireless communication interface 33 is a wireless communication module that is connected to the network 90 and communicates with the in-vehicle terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 40.

[0027] Memory 32 stores a processing program 35, processing program data 36, ​​an operation history database 37, and a user information database 38. Note that other programs and databases may also be stored in memory 32.

[0028] The processing program 35 processes vehicle information received from the in-vehicle terminal 20 of the vehicle 10, and if there is at least one instance of "sudden braking while changing lanes" during driving (details described later), it sends recommendation information to the user's mobile terminal 40. The processing program 35 is executed by the CPU 31. The processing program data 36 temporarily stores data when the CPU 31 executes the processing program 35, and also stores setting values ​​necessary for the execution of the processing program 35. The operation of the server 30 is realized by the CPU 31 executing the processing program 35.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the driving history database 37 is a database that stores the extraction time and type of driving scene associated with each vehicle number of vehicle 10. The vehicle number is a number assigned to each vehicle 10 driven by each user, as will be explained later with reference to Figure 5. Here, driving scenes include starting, accelerating, decelerating, stopping, turning, changing lanes, merging, parking, sudden braking during lane changes, etc.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the user information database 38 is a database that stores the user's name, the email address of the user's mobile terminal 40, the vehicle number of the vehicle 10 driven by the user, and the driver assistance devices installed in the vehicle 10 in association with each other. Here, the driver assistance devices installed in the vehicle 10 include, for example, a pre-collision braking system, an adaptive cruise control system, a blind spot monitor (BSM), and a parking assist system.

[0031] Here, pre-collision braking alerts the driver if the system determines there is a risk of collision. In this case, if evasive action is taken by braking, strong braking force is quickly generated; if no evasive action is taken, the system controls the brakes and automatically decelerates or stops. The adaptive cruise control system maintains a set constant speed without requiring the driver to continuously press the accelerator, and when catching up to a vehicle ahead, it maintains a safe distance and follows the vehicle ahead at its speed. BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring) uses radar to detect other vehicles in adjacent lanes, and in addition to other vehicles in the rear-side area that are difficult to see in the door mirrors, it also detects other vehicles that are rapidly approaching. When another vehicle is detected, an LED indicator on the door mirror illuminates. The parking assist system, after stopping next to the desired parking space, assists with steering, acceleration, and braking while monitoring the surroundings, allowing the vehicle to park.

[0032] Vehicle 10 may also be equipped with, or capable of being equipped with, other driver assistance devices and systems. In Figure 5, a circle (○) indicates that the driver assistance device is already installed. A triangle (△) indicates that the driver assistance device can be installed but has not yet been attached. An "x" indicates that vehicle 10 is not structured to accommodate the driver assistance device and therefore cannot be installed.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the user's mobile terminal 40 is a smartphone that includes a CPU 41, which is a processor for information processing; a memory 42 for storing data; a touch panel 43 for displaying and inputting information; and a wireless communication interface 44. The CPU 41, memory 42, touch panel 43, and wireless communication interface 44 are connected by an internal bus 45.

[0034] Next, the operation of the server 30 will be explained with reference to Figure 7. In step 101, the CPU 31 determines whether the vehicle 10 has started to move. The CPU 31 may also determine that the vehicle has finished moving if, for example, the power switch or ignition switch is turned ON. If the CPU 31 determines YES in step 101, it proceeds to step 102.

[0035] In step 102, the CPU 31 receives vehicle information from the in-vehicle terminal 20 installed in the vehicle 10. The vehicle information is obtained by the in-vehicle terminal 20 from multiple in-vehicle devices 13 via multiple ECUs 11. The vehicle information includes the vehicle's speed, yaw rate, position information, steering angle information, brake operation information, engine operation information, etc. The vehicle information also includes the vehicle's mileage, driving time, wiper and turn signal operation information.

[0036] In step 103, the CPU 31 extracts driving scene information of the vehicle 10 based on the vehicle information received from the in-vehicle terminal 20. As explained with reference to Figure 4, driving scenes include, for example, starting, accelerating, decelerating, stopping, turning, changing lanes, merging, parking, and sudden braking while driving. Then, in step 104, the CPU 31 stores the extracted driving scenes, the time at which they were extracted, and the location information at which they were extracted in the driving history database 37.

[0037] There are various methods for extracting driving scenes, but in this embodiment, we will describe a driving scene of "sudden braking during lane change". For example, if a driving scene of "lane change" and a driving scene of "sudden braking" are extracted within a predetermined time, the driving scene of "sudden braking during lane change" may be extracted. Furthermore, for the driving scene of "lane change", if the turn signal lamp 13L flashes, the steering actuator 13E operates and a small steering angle is detected, and then the flashing of the turn signal lamp 13L stops, the steering actuator 13E operates and the steering angle returns to zero, the driving scene of "lane change" may be extracted. In addition, for the driving scene of "sudden braking", if the brake hydraulic pressure changes by a predetermined amount within a predetermined time, or if the deceleration is greater than a predetermined deceleration rate, the driving scene of "sudden braking" may be extracted.

[0038] In step 105, the CPU 31 determines whether the vehicle 10 has finished driving. The CPU 31 may also determine that driving has finished if, for example, the power switch or ignition switch is turned OFF. If the CPU 31 determines YES in step 105, it proceeds to step 106.

[0039] In step 106, CPU 31 determines whether the driving scene described above, "sudden braking while changing lanes," was detected at least once. If CPU 31 determines YES in step 106, it proceeds to step 107.

[0040] In step 107, the CPU 31 refers to the user information database 38 shown in Figure 5 and determines whether the user's vehicle 10 does not have a BSM installed and whether a BSM can be installed. Specifically, if the BSM column in the user information database 38 contains a triangle (△), the CPU 31 determines YES in step 107, and if the BSM column in the user information database 38 contains a circle (○) or a cross (×), the CPU 31 determines NO in step 107.

[0041] If the CPU 31 determines YES in step 107, it proceeds to step 108 and sends information recommending the installation of the BSM to the user's mobile terminal 40. There are various methods of sending, but if sending an email to the user, the CPU 31 refers to the user information database 38 to obtain the user's email address and sends the recommendation email to that email address.

[0042] The information used to recommend the installation of BSM preferably includes location information where a driving scenario involving "sudden braking during a lane change" occurred. This location information may be an address, or it may be a location using a specific point name, such as "500m north from the XX intersection on Route XX." This helps to remind the user that they performed a sudden braking maneuver while changing lanes, thereby prompting them to purchase a driver assistance device.

[0043] As explained above, the vehicle information processing device, server 30, recommends the installation of BSM to the user if a sudden braking operation is performed at least once during a lane change while driving. This allows the user to take purchasing action for BSM. By sending recommendation information to the user at the end of a drive in which the user remembers performing a sudden braking operation during a lane change, the system can induce the user to take purchasing action for a driver assistance device.

[0044] For example, in the above explanation, the CPU 31 was described as sending a recommendation email to the user's mobile terminal 40 recommending the installation of BSM, but it is not limited to this. A user who has difficulty changing lanes may also have difficulty with reverse parking, for example. Therefore, in step 107, the CPU 31 may determine whether a parking assist system is not yet installed and can be installed. If it determines that it is, it may send information to the user's mobile terminal 40 recommending the installation of a parking assist system. This can prompt the user to take purchasing action for a parking assist system.

[0045] Furthermore, while the above explanation describes the user's mobile device 40 as a smartphone, it is not limited to this; for example, it could be a tablet device with communication capabilities, or a portable PC with communication capabilities. Also, recommendation information may be sent by means other than email. For example, an application related to driver assistance systems could be installed on the user's mobile device 40, and recommendation information could be sent via the notification function of that application.

[0046] Furthermore, although the above explanation assumes that the CPU 31 of the server 30 executes the processing program 35 to perform the processing shown in Figure 7, the explanation is not limited to this. For example, the processing program 35 shown in Figure 3, processing program data 36, ​​the vehicle 10's driving history database 37, and the user information database 38 may be stored in the memory 22 of the in-vehicle terminal 20, and the CPU 21 of the in-vehicle terminal 20 may execute the processing program 35 to perform the processing shown in Figure 7. In this case, the in-vehicle terminal 20 constitutes a vehicle information processing device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 10 Vehicle, 11 ECU, 11A ADAS-ECU, 11B Steering ECU, 11C Brake ECU, 11D Engine ECU, 11E Auxiliary ECU, 12 Bus, 13 In-vehicle equipment, 13A Vehicle speed sensor, 13B Yaw rate sensor, 13C External sensor, 13D Steering angle sensor, 13E Steering actuator, 13F Brake pedal stroke sensor, 13G Brake hydraulic sensor, 13H Brake actuator, 13J Throttle actuator, 13K Turn signal switch, 13L Turn signal lamp, 20 In-vehicle terminal, 21, 31, 41 CPU, 22, 32, 42 Memory, 23 Wireless communication interface, 24 In-vehicle communication interface, 25 Internal bus, 26 Control program, 30 Server, 31 CPU, 32 Memory, 33 Wireless communication interface, 34 Internal bus, 35 Processing program, 36 Data for processing programs, 37 Driving history database, 38 User information database, 40 Mobile terminal, 43 Touch panel, 44 Wireless communication interface, 45 Internal bus, 90 Network, 100 Vehicle information processing system.

Claims

1. A vehicle information processing device including a processor that performs information processing, The aforementioned processor, Obtain vehicle information, Based on the acquired vehicle information, if it is determined that a sudden braking operation occurred during a lane change, recommendation information recommending the installation of a driver assistance device is sent to the vehicle user's mobile device. A vehicle information processing device characterized by the following.

2. A vehicle information processing device according to claim 1, The processor transmits the recommendation information to the user's mobile terminal in the vehicle when the journey ends. A vehicle information processing device characterized by the following.

3. A vehicle information processing device according to claim 1, The aforementioned recommendation information includes location information where the sudden braking operation occurred during a lane change. A vehicle information processing device characterized by the following.

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