Driving training control device and recording medium

Abstract

Provided is a driving training control device for supporting improvement of vehicle driving skills of a driver. The driving training control device takes the difference between an objective evaluation result of a driving skill of a person undergoing training and a self-evaluation result of the driving skill of the person undergoing training and executes notification processing for notifying predetermined driving skill information when the difference is equal to or larger than a predetermined reference.

Description

Driver training control device and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a driving training control device and a recording medium for improving a driver's vehicle driving skills.

[0002] A driving simulator device used for training and evaluation of vehicle driving skills has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a driving course selection system including an operation information database that stores driving operation information of a trainee, a driving skill determination means that acquires the driving operation information from the operation information database and compares the driving operation information with a predetermined reference value to determine the driving skill, a traffic law performance database that stores results of a traffic law test, and a driving course database that stores training course information, and a driving course selection means that selects training course information suitable for the trainee based on the determined driving skill and the results of the traffic law test.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a driving training system that uses a driving simulator and includes a driving operation information acquisition means for acquiring information on operating devices corresponding to the driving operations performed by the trainee in a predetermined standard training program, a driving operation determination means for determining driving operations that the trainee is weak at by comparing the information with predetermined reference values, a training program creation means for creating a dedicated training program that includes many images of situations where the determined driving operations are required, and an image control means for projecting images of the created dedicated training program onto a screen.

[0004] JP 2004-361782 A JP 2003-263098 A

[0005] However, users who are overconfident in their driving skills may mistakenly believe that they have already mastered the driving operations they are being taught, which may reduce their motivation and concentration for training. Also, for users who already have a certain level of driving skill, training with monotonous or simple driving operations may not provide a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction, and the effectiveness and continuity of the training may not be expected.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a driving training control device and a recording medium that enable each user undergoing driving training to correctly recognize their own driving skills and improve the feasibility of the training.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a driving training control device that assists a driver in improving his or her vehicle driving skills, the driving training control device comprising one or more processors and one or more memories communicably connected to the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors calculate the difference between the objective evaluation result of the driving skills of a trainee and the self-evaluation result of the driving skills of the trainee, and executes a notification process to notify predetermined driving skill information if the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard.

[0008] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory tangible recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program applied to a driving training control device that assists drivers in improving their vehicle driving skills, the computer program causing a computer to determine the difference between the objective evaluation result of the driving skills of a trainee and the self-evaluation result of the driving skills of the trainee, and notifying predetermined driving skill information when the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard.

[0009] As described above, according to the present disclosure, each user undergoing training in driving operation can be allowed to correctly recognize his or her own driving skills, thereby improving the feasibility of the training.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a driving training device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a driving training control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data of driving characteristics recorded in a driving characteristic database according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main routine of processing operations executed by the driving training control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing driving action measurement data collection processing by the driving training control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of notifying driving skills by the driving training control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of notifying driving skills by the driving training control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of notifying driving skills by the driving training control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a re-experience course setting processing by the driving training control device according to the embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0012] 1. Overall Configuration of Driver Training Apparatus First, an example of the overall configuration of a driver training apparatus including a driver training control device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0013] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a driving training device 1. The driving training device 1 is constructed as a device that trains the driving behavior of the trainee H by displaying on a head-mounted display (HMD) 29 an image of the trainee H's field of vision of a vehicle traveling on an experience course in accordance with the trainee H's simulated driving behavior, thereby improving the driving skill of the trainee H. The driving training device 1 includes a seat 11, a steering wheel 17, and operation pedals (accelerator pedal 21, brake pedal 23), and constitutes a simulated driver's seat of a vehicle.

[0014] The driving training device 1 includes a monitor device 13, a speaker system 15, a camera 16, an input device 27, a head-mounted display (HMD) 29, and a control device (driving training control device) 50. The control device 50 is configured with one or more processors and one or more memories communicably connected to the processors, and executes various arithmetic processes. The input device 27 is operated by a user, such as a trainee H, and accepts input operations for the control device 50. The input device 27 may be a touch panel display, or may include at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, a button, and a switch. The input device 27 may also be an audio input device equipped with a microphone that receives the user's voice.

[0015] The HMD 29 is an image display device that is worn on the head of the trainee H. In this embodiment, the driving training device 1 is configured as a device that uses VR (Virtual Reality) technology to present an image of the trial course to the trainee H, and the HMD 29 displays the VR image. That is, the HMD 29 includes a display panel, an angular velocity sensor, and an HMD driver (not shown), and displays the surrounding environment of the vehicle traveling on the trial course according to the direction of the trainee H's face.

[0016] The HMD 29 also includes a gaze detection sensor that detects the direction of the gaze of the trainee H. The gaze detection sensor detects the movement of the eyeballs, pupils, or eyelids of the trainee H, and converts the gaze position into two-dimensional coordinates on the display panel and outputs the coordinates. The gaze detection sensor may be a sensor that detects the movement of the eyeballs, pupils, or eyelids based on image data from a camera, or a sensor that detects the movement of the eyeballs or pupils based on reflected light obtained by irradiating the eyeballs with infrared light. Sensor signals from the angular velocity sensor and the gaze detection sensor are transmitted to the control device 50.

[0017] The speaker system 15 includes five speaker systems 15a to 15e in total, located in the front, left and right, and left and right rear portions, and is configured as a stereophonic speaker system 15 that outputs sound by being driven by the control device 50, so that sound can be heard from the position of a virtual sound source. Note that the number of speakers included in the speaker system 15 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, if the HMD 29 includes headphones, the speaker system 15 may be omitted.

[0018] The camera 16 includes cameras 16a and 16b that capture images of the trainee H from the front and the side, respectively. The cameras 16a and 16b are installed to capture images of the posture of the trainee H during driving. The cameras 16a and 16b each generate captured images and output them to the control device 50. Note that the number and locations of the cameras 16 to be installed are not particularly limited.

[0019] The monitor device 13 includes speakers 13a and 13b, and is driven by the control device 50 to output sound and display images. The speakers 13a and 13b of the monitor device 13 may be omitted. In this embodiment, the monitor device 13 is an image display device that mainly presents the image displayed on the HMD 29 to an instructor and the like other than the trainee H, and may be omitted.

[0020] The steering wheel 17, accelerator pedal 21, and brake pedal 23 are each configured to be operable by the trainee H. The steering wheel 17, accelerator pedal 21, and brake pedal 23 are equipped with a steering angle sensor 17a, an accelerator sensor 21a, and a brake sensor 23a that detect the amount of operation, respectively. Sensor signals from the steering angle sensor 17a, the accelerator sensor 21a, and the brake sensor 23a are transmitted to the control device 50. For example, the steering angle sensor 17a, the accelerator sensor 21a, and the brake sensor 23a are each rotation sensors that detect a rotation angle, and are configured to be able to detect the left / right steering angle of the steering wheel 17 or the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal 21 or the brake pedal 23.

[0021] The steering wheel 17, accelerator pedal 21, and brake pedal 23 are each provided with a steering wheel drive unit 17b, an accelerator pedal drive unit 21b, and a brake pedal drive unit 23b, and are configured so that the operation amounts of the steering wheel 17, accelerator pedal 21, and brake pedal 23 can be controlled by the control device 50. For example, the accelerator pedal drive unit 21b and the brake pedal drive unit 23b are each a stepping motor, and are configured so that the left and right steering angle of the steering wheel 17 and the depression amount of the accelerator pedal 21 and the brake pedal 23 can be controlled, respectively.

[0022] 2. Control Device (Driver Training Control Device) Next, the driver training control device 50 according to the first embodiment will be specifically described.

[0023] (2-1. Configuration Example) The driving training control device 50 functions as a device that assists the training recipient H in improving his / her vehicle driving skills by having one or more processors, such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), execute a computer program. The computer program is a computer program that causes the processor to execute the operations to be performed by the control device 50, which will be described later. The computer program executed by the processor may be recorded on a recording medium that functions as a storage unit (memory) 53 provided in the control device 50, or may be recorded on a recording medium built into the control device 50 or any recording medium that can be externally attached to the control device 50.

[0024] The recording medium for recording a computer program may be a magnetic medium such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, or a magnetic tape; an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, or a Blu-ray (registered trademark); a magneto-optical medium such as a floptical disk; a memory element such as a RAM or a ROM; a flash memory such as a USB memory or an SSD; or any other medium capable of storing a program.

[0025] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a driving training control device 50 according to this embodiment. The control device 50 includes a processing unit 51, a storage unit 53, an experience information database 55, a driving characteristics database 57, and a driving skill database 59. The storage unit 53, the experience information database 55, the driving characteristics database 57, and the driving skill database 59 are communicably connected to the processing unit 51. The processing unit 51 includes one or more processors such as CPUs. Part or all of the processing unit 51 may be configured with updatable firmware or the like, or may be a program module or the like executed by commands from the CPU or the like.

[0026] The processing unit 51 is communicatively connected to the steering angle sensor 19a, accelerator sensor 21a, and brake sensor 23a. The processing unit 51 is also communicatively connected to the angular velocity sensor 29a, HMD driver 29b, and gaze detection sensor 21c provided in the HMD 29. The processing unit 51 is also communicatively connected to the monitor device 13, speaker system 15, camera 16, and input device 27.

[0027] The storage unit 53 is configured by a recording medium (memory) such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). However, the number and type of storage units 53 are not particularly limited. The storage unit 53 records information such as computer programs executed by the processing unit 51, various parameters used in arithmetic processing, detection data, and calculation results. A part of the storage unit 53 is used as a work area by the processing unit 51.

[0028] (2-2. Database) The experience information database 55, the driving characteristics database 57, and the driving skill database 59 are each configured by recording predetermined data on a storage element such as a RAM or a ROM, or a recording medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a solid state drive (SSD), a USB flash drive, or a storage device. However, the type of recording medium is not particularly limited. The experience information database 55, the driving characteristics database 57, and the driving skill database 59 may be configured integrally with the control device 50, or may be stored on a server that can communicate with the control device 50 via wireless or wired communication means. Furthermore, the experience information database 55, the driving characteristics database 57, and the driving skill database 59 may be configured as a single database.

[0029] (Experience Information Database) The experience information database 55 is a database that records data on exemplary driving on training courses. The training course data includes data on at least one training course, allowing the trainee H to experience various driving movements. The training course data includes multiple course data on different road types, such as courses for driving in urban areas, courses for driving on urban expressways, courses for driving on intercity expressways, courses for driving in mountainous areas, or parking lots, and the like, including speed limits, road widths, lane widths, road straightness or degree of turning, and parking space sizes. The training course data may also include multiple course data on different traffic environments, such as the volume of traffic and brightness of surrounding vehicles or pedestrians, weather conditions, and blind spots. Each training course is recorded in association with information on the driving scene items that can be experienced.

[0030] The model driving data for each training course is data on the driving behavior of multiple model drivers with high driving skills when they simulate driving each training course, and includes data on the amount of steering wheel operation, the amount of accelerator pedal operation, the amount of brake pedal operation, and the direction of the driver's eyes. The model driving data may also include data related to other driving behaviors. Each model driving data is recorded in association with the identification information of the model driver. The identification information may be any information that can be distinguished from one another, such as numbers or symbols.

[0031] (Driving Characteristics Database) The driving characteristics database 57 is a database that records data on the driving characteristics of the model driver who performed the driving behavior of each model driving data recorded in the experience information database 55. Here, "driving characteristics" refers to personal characteristics related to driving inclinations and driving behavior tendencies, such as driving style and perceived burden of driving. For example, as driving styles, multiple items are pre-set, such as "want to observe the speed limit," "want to maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead," "want to sufficiently slow down before entering a curve," "want to yield to the vehicle behind as much as possible," "want to move forward as much as possible even if it means changing lanes," and "want to keep the distance from the vehicle ahead as much as possible." In addition, as perceived burden of driving, multiple items are pre-set, such as "roads with a lot of on-street parking," "driving late at night," "roads with many blind spots," "situations with many fast-moving vehicles," and "situations with heavy traffic," assuming certain situations that cause a high burden.

[0032] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of driving characteristic data recorded in the driving characteristic database 57. For each of Driver A, Driver B, Driver C, etc. who performed the driving behavior of the model driving data, evaluations of each item set as "driving style" and "burdensome situation" are recorded. The evaluations of each item of "driving style" and "burdensome situation" are self-evaluations on a five-point scale, with "5" indicating a high degree of applicability and "1" indicating a low degree of applicability. However, the number of levels (scales) for self-evaluation is not limited to five. The driving characteristic data shown in FIG. 3 is collected and recorded from the answers of each driver to questions presented on a questionnaire such as a known driving style questionnaire (DSQ) or a driving workload sensitivity questionnaire (WSQ), a dedicated website, or the input device 27, or from the results of driving aptitude tests conducted by public institutions.

[0033] Furthermore, the "driving characteristic type" is an evaluation result obtained by evaluating the evaluation of each item of "driving style" and "situation where burden is felt" based on a preset evaluation, and is classified into one of "impatient," "cautious," or "neither (-)." For example, the evaluation of the items "wanting to go ahead as much as possible even if it means changing lanes" and "wanting to close the distance between the vehicle in front as much as possible" are items that can positively evaluate an "impatient" driving characteristic. The evaluation of the other items are items that can negatively evaluate an "impatient" driving characteristic, in other words, items that can positively evaluate a "cautious" driving characteristic. Therefore, the driver's driving characteristic type can be classified according to the total value obtained by adding the evaluation of the items "wanting to go ahead as much as possible even if it means changing lanes" and "wanting to close the distance between the vehicle in front as much as possible" and subtracting the evaluation of the other items. Each item may be weighted and multiplied by a predetermined coefficient.

[0034] The classification of driving characteristic types may include more classifications than "impatient," "cautious," or "neither (-)." Furthermore, the means for collecting driving characteristic data is not limited to the above examples. For example, data on the driving behavior of each driver when they perform a simulated drive using the driving training device 1 or data on the driving behavior when they drive a real vehicle may be recorded, and the data on driving characteristics may be collected by automatically or manually determining whether each item applies or not in light of preset criteria, or by machine learning.

[0035] (Driving Skill Database) The driving skill database 59 is a database that records the driving skill ratings of the trainee H who has undergone driving training using the driving training device 1. The driving skill rating of the trainee H is information calculated by the driving skill assessment unit 63, which will be described later, and is used as an objective evaluation result of the driving skill of the trainee H. In this embodiment, the driving skill rating indicates the driving skill of the trainee H with a value between 0 and 50. The higher the rating value, the higher the level of driving skill. The driving skill rating of each trainee H is recorded in association with identification information that identifies the trainee H.

[0036] (2-3. Functional configuration of processing unit) As shown in Figure 2, the processing unit 51 of the control device 50 includes a driving training processing unit 61, a driving skill assessment unit 63, a self-assessment calculation unit 65, and a driving skill notification unit 67. Each of these units may be a function realized by the execution of a computer program by a processor such as a CPU, but some or all of them may be configured with analog circuits. Below, the function of each unit of the processing unit 51 will be briefly described, and then the processing operation of the processing unit 51 will be specifically described.

[0037] (Driving training processing unit) The driving training processing unit 61 executes processing to train the trainee H in vehicle driving operation. In this embodiment, the driving training processing unit 61 selects model driving data to be experienced by the trainee H from the model driving data recorded in the experience information database 55, and sets items of the selected model driving data to be re-experienced by the trainee H.

[0038] "Re-experiencing" refers to having the trainee H perform simulated driving actions in accordance with the training course while showing the trainee H at least one of the operation of the control pedals, the operation of the steering wheel, or the eye position in the model driving actions, thereby allowing the trainee H to experience the model driving actions. For example, with the trainee H's hands and feet fixed to the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, and brake pedal, the steering drive unit 19b, accelerator pedal drive unit 21b, and brake pedal drive unit 23b are controlled to show the trainee H the steering operation, accelerator operation, and brake operation of the model driving, and the trainee H moves his or her hands and feet in accordance with the controlled pedal operation, allowing the trainee H to experience the steering operation, accelerator operation, and brake operation of the model driving.

[0039] Alternatively, the HMD driving unit 29b may be controlled to visually present the steering operation amount, accelerator operation amount, and brake operation amount of model driving to the trainee H, and the trainee H may move his or her hands and feet in accordance with the presented pedal movements, thereby allowing the trainee H to experience the steering operation, accelerator operation, and brake operation of model driving. Also, the HMD driving unit 29b may be controlled to visually present the eye position of model driving to the trainee H, and the trainee H may move his or her eye position in accordance with the presented eye position, allowing the trainee H to experience the eye position of model driving.

[0040] In certain technical fields, such as the medical field, a method is used in which a trainee relives the body movements of an expert using VR technology or a vibration-generating motor. Conventional re-experiencing methods allow a trainee to relive a skill that is assumed to involve repeating a series of fixed actions. On the other hand, in the case of vehicle driving skills, which require a series of actions depending on the conditions of the vehicle and the surrounding environment, re-experiencing multiple pieces of information at once may prevent the trainee H from grasping all the information, and the effect of improving driving skills may not be expected. For this reason, in this embodiment, items that show a large discrepancy between the driving behavior of the trainee H and the model driving behavior of an exemplary driver are prioritized as re-experiencing items, and the higher the driving skill of the trainee H, the more re-experiencing items are set, thereby enhancing the effect of improving driving skills.

[0041] The driving training processing unit 61 controls the driving of the monitor device 13, the speaker system 15, and the HMD 29 and controls the output of images and sounds while the trainee H is reliving the experience. In this embodiment, the driving training processing unit 61 transmits data of the selected model driving to the HMD driving unit 29b and causes the HMD 29 to display an image of the field of view of the trainee H while he or she is driving the training course. The HMD driving unit 29b changes the image of the field of view according to the orientation and position of the HMD 29 detected by the angular velocity sensor 29a. In addition, the driving training processing unit 61 causes the speaker system 15 to output ambient sounds, such as the sounds of other vehicles traveling, present in the training course data as stereophonic sound.

[0042] In addition, when the amount of operation of any of the steering wheel 17, accelerator pedal 21, and brake pedal 23 by the model driver is to be visually presented to the training subject H, the driving training processing unit 61 transmits data on the amount of operation of the steering wheel 17, accelerator pedal 21, and brake pedal 23 by the model driver to the HMD driving unit 29b, and presents the amount of operation of the steering wheel 17, accelerator pedal 21, and brake pedal 23 in the image in the field of view.

[0043] Furthermore, when the trainee H is to relive the gaze position of the model driver's model driving behavior, the driving training processing unit 61 transmits data on the gaze position of the model driver to the HMD driving unit 29b, causing the HMD driving unit 29b to present the gaze position in the image in the field of view. At the same time, the driving training processing unit 61 acquires output data of the image from the HMD driving unit 29b, drives the monitor device 13, and causes the image displayed on the HMD 29b to be displayed on the monitor device 13.

[0044] Furthermore, the driving training processing unit 61 may control the steering drive unit 19b, the accelerator pedal drive unit 21b, and the brake pedal drive unit 23b based on data of the model driving behavior of a model driver who simulates driving on a training course, and execute processing to drive at least one of the steering wheel 17, the accelerator pedal 21, and the brake pedal 23. This allows the training recipient H to relive the model driving behavior of the model driver.

[0045] (Driving Skill Assessment Unit) The driving skill assessment unit 63 assesses the driving skill of the trainee H based on the driving actions performed using the driving training device 1. In this embodiment, the driving skill assessment unit 63 compares the steering angle of the steering wheel 17, the operation amounts of the accelerator pedal 21 and the brake pedal 23, and the eye gaze position when the trainee H performs a simulated driving action with data on the steering angle of the steering wheel 17, the operation amounts of the accelerator pedal 21 and the brake pedal 23, and the eye gaze position of a model driver, finds the degree of deviation, and calculates a rating for the driving skill of the trainee H. The driving skill rating represents an objective evaluation result of the driving skill of the trainee H, and is indicated by the same index as the self-evaluation calculated by the self-evaluation calculation unit 65. However, the method of evaluating driving skill is not limited to the above example.

[0046] (Self-assessment calculation unit) The self-assessment calculation unit 65 calculates a self-assessment of the driving skill of the trainee H by the trainee H himself / herself. The self-assessment calculation unit 65 acquires information from questionnaires such as the known Driving Style Check Sheet (DSQ), Driving Stress Susceptibility Sheet (WSQ) or Driving Aptitude Test (K2), dedicated websites, the results of the trainee H's responses to questions presented to the trainee H, or the results of driving aptitude tests administered by public institutions, and calculates a self-assessment that indicates the trainee H's confidence in his / her own driving skill.

[0047] The result of the self-assessment of driving skill is calculated as a numerical value or a level indicated in stages. In this embodiment, the self-assessment calculation unit 65 presents the trainee H with a plurality of questions related to driving skill via the monitor device 13, the speaker system 15, or the touch panel (input device 27), and acquires information on the trainee H's answers to the questions via the input device 27. Specifically, the self-assessment calculation unit 65 presents the trainee H with a plurality of questions for determining the driving characteristics shown in Fig. 3, and calculates the self-assessment of the driving skill of the trainee H based on the trainee H's answers to the questions.

[0048] The self-evaluation calculation unit 65 evaluates the driving skill of the trainee H using a predetermined calculation formula based on the answer results, with a value between 0 and 50. For example, the self-evaluation calculation unit 65 quantifies the answer to each question item, and indicates the answer result of the trainee H as a value between 0 and 50, with the minimum possible value of the sum of all question items being 0 and the maximum being 50. The larger the value of the self-evaluation result, the greater the confidence that the trainee H has in his or her own driving skill. At this time, each question item may be weighted. The result of the self-evaluation is indicated using the same index as the driving skill rating (objective evaluation result) calculated by the driving skill determination unit 63.

[0049] (Driving Skill Notification Unit) The driving skill notification unit 67 compares the self-evaluation result calculated by the self-evaluation calculation unit 65 with the objective evaluation result calculated by the driving skill determination unit 63 to calculate the difference μ between the two, and notifies the trainee H of predetermined driving skill information if the difference μ exceeds a predetermined standard. In other words, the driving skill notification unit 67 notifies the trainee H of an objective evaluation of his or her driving skills if the trainee H's self-evaluation result is overconfident (overconfident state) or underconfident (distrustful state) compared to the objective evaluation result obtained using the driving training device 1. This allows the trainee H to correctly recognize his or her own driving skills, maintain motivation and concentration when using the driving training device 1, and perform training that is appropriate for the trainee H's driving skills.

[0050] The "driving skill information" may be information obtained by comparing information about the driving of the trainee H himself with information about the driving of an experienced driver, or information obtained by comparing a self-assessment result with an objective evaluation result. The information obtained by comparing information about the driving of the trainee H himself with information about the driving of an experienced driver is information obtained by comparing measurement data obtained when the trainee H and the model driver each perform simulated driving on the same training course. The driving skill notification unit 67 may notify the trainee H of both information obtained by comparing information about the driving of the trainee H himself with information about the driving of an experienced driver and information obtained by comparing a self-assessment result with an objective evaluation result, or may notify only one of them.

[0051] 3. Operation of the Control Device Next, an example of the processing operation by the processing unit 51 of the driving training control device 50 according to the first embodiment will be specifically described.

[0052] 4 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the processing executed by the processing unit 51. First, the driving training processing unit 61 of the processing unit 51 executes a process (driving action measurement data collection process) to collect measurement data of the vehicle driving action of the trainee H (step S11). The content of the driving action measurement data collection process is not particularly limited, but an example of the process to collect measurement data of driving action will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0053] First, the driving training processing unit 61 acquires information on the driving characteristics of the trainee H (step S31). Specifically, the driving training processing unit 61 acquires information on the driving characteristics of the trainee H based on data on the responses of each driver to questions presented on a questionnaire such as the DSQ or WSQ that the trainee H has filled out in advance, a dedicated website, or the input device 27. In this embodiment, the driving training processing unit 61 acquires data on self-evaluation on a five-point scale for each of the items such as those shown in FIG.

[0054] Next, the driving training processing unit 61 sets a training course for the trainee H to perform simulated driving actions (step S33). The driving training processing unit 61 may select a training course randomly, or may select a training course that allows the trainee H to experience driving scenes that the trainee H is not good at or has little experience driving. The driving scenes that the trainee H is not good at or has little experience driving may be selected by the trainee H from options displayed on the monitor device 13, for example. Alternatively, a training course including driving scenes that the trainee H is likely to feel burdened by may be selected based on the acquired information on the driving characteristics of the trainee H. Furthermore, a course featuring various driving scenes may be displayed, the trainee H is made to perform simulated driving actions, data on driving actions may be collected, and the driving scenes that the trainee H is not good at or has little experience driving may be determined by comparing the data with preset reference data. If only one training course is pre-stored in the experience information database 55, the step of setting the training course may be omitted.

[0055] Next, the driving training processing unit 61 selects a model driver for the trainee H (step S35). For example, the driving training processing unit 61 calculates a driving characteristic score based on the acquired information on the driving characteristics of the trainee H, and selects, as a model driver, a driver whose driving characteristic score is within a predetermined difference from among the model drivers recorded in the driving characteristic database 57. However, the method for selecting a model driver is not limited to the above example, and any appropriate method may be adopted.

[0056] Next, the driving training processing unit 61 selects, from the model driving data recorded in the experience information database 55, the driving behavior data of the model driver selected in step S35 when he or she simulated driving the training course set in step S33 as model driving data (step S37).

[0057] Next, the driving training processing unit 61 causes the trainee H to perform a test drive using the training course data set in step S33 (step S39). Specifically, the driving training processing unit 61 transmits the training course data to the HMD driving unit 29b and causes an image of the training course to be displayed on the HMD 29. During the test drive, the HMD driving unit 29b of the HMD 29 changes the image in the field of view according to the orientation and position of the HMD 29 detected by the angular velocity sensor 29a. In addition, the driving training processing unit 61 causes the speaker system 15 to output ambient sounds, such as the sounds of other vehicles traveling, present in the training course data as stereophonic sound.

[0058] Next, the driving training processing unit 61 collects measurement data of the driving behavior of the trainee H during the test drive (step S41). Specifically, the driving training processing unit 61 acquires sensor signals transmitted from the steering angle sensor 19a, accelerator sensor 21a, and brake sensor 23a, detects the left and right steering angles of the steering wheel 17 and the operation amounts of the accelerator pedal 21 and the brake pedal 23, and records these as time-series data associated with the travel distance of the training course in the storage unit 53. The driving training processing unit 61 also acquires sensor signals transmitted from the angular velocity sensor 29a and gaze detection sensor 29c, detects the gaze position of the trainee H on the training course displayed on the HMD 29, and records these as time-series data in the storage unit 53.

[0059] 4 , after the driving training processing unit 61 collects the measurement data of the driving behavior of the trainee H, the driving skill assessment unit 63 executes driving skill assessment processing (step S13). The driving skill assessment unit 63 compares the collected measurement data of the driving behavior of the trainee H with data of the model driving behavior of a model driver, and calculates a rating for the driving skill of the trainee H based on the degree of discrepancy X between the two. For example, the driving skill assessment unit 63 calculates the distance between time-series waveforms using dynamic time warping (DTW), and sets the sum of the distances as the degree of discrepancy X of the waveforms.

[0060] For example, the driving skill assessment unit 63 compares time series data (waveform W1) of steering angle when the trainee H simulates driving a certain training course with time series data (waveform W2) of steering angle of model driving behavior, and calculates the sum of the shortest distance between each point in the two waveforms W1 and W2 using the DTW method. The driving skill assessment unit 63 sets the value of the sum as the degree of deviation X between the two waveforms W1 and W2. The driving skill assessment unit 63 calculates the degree of deviation X between the measurement data of the driving behavior of the trainee H and the data of model driving behavior of the model driver for each of arbitrarily set evaluation items, such as not only steering angle but also accelerator operation amount, brake operation amount, eye position, and the like, and calculates a driving skill rating (objective evaluation result: 0 to 50) using a predetermined arithmetic formula.

[0061] However, the method for calculating the objective evaluation of the driving skill of the trainee H is not limited to the above example. For example, the driving skill determination unit 63 may calculate the percentage of the period during which the operation amount of the steering wheel 17, accelerator pedal 21, or brake pedal 23 by the trainee H and the operation amount of the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal by the model driver exceed a predetermined operation amount error as the deviation X for each evaluation item, and calculate the driving skill grade.

[0062] Next, the self-evaluation calculation unit 65 acquires the trainee H's response to the questionnaire regarding his / her confidence in his / her driving skill (step S15). Specifically, the self-evaluation calculation unit 65 causes the monitor device 13, the speaker system 15, or the touch panel (input device 27) to present the trainee H with a plurality of questions related to driving skill. The self-evaluation calculation unit 65 also acquires information on the response results to each question via the input device 27. The self-evaluation calculation unit 65 may use the response results to the questions such as the DSQ and WSQ acquired in the driving action measurement data collection process in step S11 as the response results to the questionnaire regarding the trainee H's confidence in his / her driving skill.

[0063] Next, the self-evaluation calculation unit 65 calculates the self-evaluation of the driving skill of the trainee H based on the information of the acquired answer results (step S17). Specifically, the self-evaluation calculation unit 65 calculates the self-evaluation of the driving skill of the trainee H as a value between 0 and 50 using a predetermined arithmetic formula based on the answer results. For example, the self-evaluation calculation unit 65 quantifies the answers to each question item, sets the minimum possible value of the sum of all question items to 0 and the maximum possible value to 50, and calculates the answer result of the trainee H as a value between 0 and 50. The calculated self-evaluation result is indicated by the same index as the driving skill rating (objective evaluation result) calculated by the driving skill determination unit 63.

[0064] Next, the driving skill notifying unit 67 calculates the difference μ between the self-evaluation result and the objective evaluation result (step S19). In this embodiment, the driving skill notifying unit 67 calculates the difference μ by subtracting the value of the objective evaluation result (0 to 50) from the value of the self-evaluation result (0 to 50). If the objective evaluation result is larger than the self-evaluation result and the trainee H is in a state of lacking confidence, the difference μ will be a negative value. Conversely, if the objective evaluation result is smaller than the self-evaluation result and the trainee H is in a state of overconfidence, the difference μ will be a positive value. In this embodiment, the difference μ is a value in the range of −50 to 50, with a smaller difference μ indicating that the trainee H is underestimating his or her own driving skill, a larger difference μ indicating that the trainee H is overestimating his or her own driving skill, and a difference μ closer to zero indicating that the trainee H is correctly assessing his or her own driving skill.

[0065] Next, the driving skill notifying unit 67 determines whether the calculated difference μ is within a range of not less than −50 and not more than −25, or not less than 25 and not more than 50 (step S21). Here, if the difference μ is within a range of more than −25 and less than 25, it is determined that the trainee H has correctly evaluated his / her own driving skill. However, the criteria for determining whether the trainee H has correctly evaluated his / her own driving skill are not limited to the above example, and may be set arbitrarily.

[0066] If the driving skill notification unit 67 does not determine that the calculated difference μ is within the range of -50 or more and -25 or less, or within the range of 25 or more and 50 or less (S21 / No), the process proceeds to step S25, where the reliving process is started. On the other hand, if the driving skill notification unit 67 determines that the calculated difference μ is within the range of -50 or more and -25 or less, or within the range of 25 or more and 50 or less (S21 / Yes), the driving skill notification unit 67 executes a driving skill notification process (step S23). That is, if the difference μ between the objective evaluation result and the self-evaluation result is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard (25 in the above example), the driving skill notification unit 67 executes a process of notifying predetermined driving skill information. The driving skill notification process is a process for making the trainee H aware of his or her own driving skill before starting driving training for the trainee H.

[0067] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of notifying driving skill information to a trainee H. In the example shown in Fig. 6, notification regarding the steering operation skill of the trainee H during the simulated driving during the test drive in step S11 is performed by image display. The notification is performed by either one or both of the monitor device 13 and the HMD 29.

[0068] 6 includes a video 81 of the steering operation of the trainee H, a comparative display 83 of the steering angle of the trainee H and the steering angle of the model driver, and a notification 85 of the evaluation of the steering operation of the trainee H. The video 81 displays the rotation of the steering wheel 17 operated by the trainee H along with the scenery of the trainee H traveling on the training course during the test drive.

[0069] The comparison display 83 shows time on the horizontal axis and steering angle on the vertical axis, and displays the time change in steering angle by the trainee H (solid line) and the time change in steering angle by the model driver (dashed line). Within the comparison display 83, a line TL indicating the time displayed on the video 81 moves from left to right in the drawing in accordance with the time change during the test drive. Therefore, by looking at the comparison display 83 together with the video 81, the trainee H can grasp the passing position on the training course and the differences between the steering angle of the trainee H himself and the steering angle of the model driver.

[0070] The evaluation notification 85 notifies the evaluation of the steering operation at that time in accordance with the change over time during the test drive. In the example shown in Fig. 6, at the time when the line TL in the comparison display 83 is located, the steering angle by the training subject H is larger than the steering angle by the model driver, so the evaluation notification is made saying "You turned the steering wheel a little too much."

[0071] 6, the driving skill notification unit 67 provides notification regarding driving skills including vehicle driving operation data as shown in Fig. 6, so that the trainee H can visually grasp the difference between his / her own driving operation and that of the model driver, and can recognize the difference between the trainee H's own self-evaluation and the objective evaluation. The driving skill notification unit 67 provides notification sequentially or all at once for each evaluation item of driving skill for which the difference μ between the self-evaluation result and the objective evaluation result is large.

[0072] The form of the display image when notifying the driver of driving skill is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6, and may be set according to the evaluation items of the driver's driving skill.

[0073] For example, when notifying the driver about the gaze position while driving, the driving skill notifying unit 67 displays a scenery image of the vehicle traveling along the training course and the detected gaze position within the display of the field of view image from the driver's line of sight. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the scenery image is displayed within the front window of the driver's field of view image, and the gaze position (circle) of the trainee H while driving and the gaze position (square) of the model driver are also displayed. The scenery image and the gaze position change as the vehicle progresses along the training course.

[0074] Furthermore, when providing notification regarding the vehicle's driving position during driving, the driving skill notification unit 67 displays the vehicle from a bird's-eye view together with a scenic image of the training course. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the vehicle as seen from a bird's-eye view from behind is displayed on top of the scenic image of the training course. The scenic image and the vehicle's position change as the training course progresses. Furthermore, when displaying the scenic image and the vehicle, the driving skill notification unit 67 may also display vehicle driving operation data such as the steering angle and the amount of operation of the accelerator pedal 21 or the brake pedal 23.

[0075] 7 and 8, the driving skill notifying unit 67 provides notifications according to the evaluation items related to driving skill, so that the trainee H can visually grasp the difference between his / her own driving operation and that of the model driver, and can recognize the difference between the self-evaluation and the objective evaluation of the trainee H. Note that the driving skill notifying unit 67 may also display vehicle behavior data such as acceleration and jerk when providing the notifications shown in FIGS.

[0076] 9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams showing another example of notifying the training subject H of driving skill information. In the examples shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, notification regarding the driving posture of the training subject H during the test drive in step S11 is performed by image display. The notification is performed by either one or both of the monitor device 13 and the HMD 29.

[0077] A display image 90 shown in Fig. 9 includes an image 91 of the seated posture of the trainee H in the seat 11 captured by the camera 16, and a notification 93 of an evaluation of the seated posture of the trainee H. The image 91 displays the posture of the trainee H (solid line) seated in the seat 11 and the posture of the model driver (dashed line). In the example shown in Fig. 9, the seated position of the trainee H is further back than the seated position of the model driver, and the trainee H's arms are stretched out, so the notification of evaluation is given saying, "Push the seat forward a little, bend your arms, and grip the steering wheel."

[0078] A display image 95 shown in Fig. 10 includes an image 96 of the position where the trainee H grips the steering wheel 17, captured by the camera 16, and a notification 98 of evaluation of the position where the trainee H grips the steering wheel 17. The image 96 displays the arms of the trainee H (solid lines) and the arms of a model driver (dashed lines) gripping the steering wheel 17. In the example shown in Fig. 10, since the position where the trainee H grips the steering wheel 17 is not an appropriate position, an evaluation notification is issued saying, "Grip the steering wheel in the correct position."

[0079] By the driving skill notification unit 67 providing notifications regarding driving skills as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the training subject H can visually grasp the difference between his / her own driving posture and that of the model driver, and can recognize the cause of the difference between the training subject H's own self-evaluation and the objective evaluation.

[0080] 6 to 10, the driving skill notifying unit 67 may display both the self-assessment result (a value between 0 and 50) and the objective assessment result (a value between 0 and 50). This allows the trainee H to clearly recognize the difference between the self-assessment made by the trainee H himself / herself and the objective assessment based on the measurement data of the driving behavior using the driving training device 1.

[0081] 4, after the driving skill notification unit 67 executes the driving skill notification process, the driving training processing unit 61 executes the re-experiencing process (step S25). The driving skill notification unit 67 sets a training course (re-experiencing course) to be re-experienced by the trainee H, and then executes the process of having the trainee H re-experience the driving operation of an experienced driver.

[0082] 11 is a flowchart showing the process of setting a re-experience course. The driving training processing unit 61 acquires information on the driving skill score (any value between 0 and 50) calculated in step S13 (step S51).

[0083] Next, the driving training processing unit 61 determines whether the acquired score is less than 15 (step S53). If the score is less than 15 (S53 / Yes), the driving training processing unit 61 determines the driving skill level of the trainee H to be "Level 3," the lowest of the three levels, and sets the training course with the lowest driving difficulty level, "Driving Difficulty=1," as the re-experience course (step S55).

[0084] On the other hand, if the score is 15 or more (S53 / No), the driving training processing unit 61 determines whether the score is less than 35 (step S57). If the score is less than 35 (S57 / Yes), the driving training processing unit 61 determines the driving skill level of the trainee H to be "Level 2," which is the intermediate level of the three levels, and sets the training course with an intermediate driving difficulty level of "Driving Difficulty = 2" as the re-experience course (step S59). On the other hand, if the score is 35 or more (S57 / No), the driving training processing unit 61 determines the driving skill level of the trainee H to be "Level 1," which is the highest level of the three levels, and sets the training course with the highest driving difficulty level of "Driving Difficulty = 3" as the re-experience course (step S61).

[0085] In this embodiment, the higher the driving skill level of the trainee H, the more difficult the training course is set as the re-experience course. After setting the re-experience course, the driving training processing unit 61 has the trainee H perform a re-experience drive using data from the set training course. Specifically, the driving training processing unit 61 transmits the training course data to the HMD driving unit 29b and displays an image of the training course on the HMD 29. During the test drive, the HMD driving unit 29b of the HMD 29 changes the image in the field of view according to the orientation and position of the HMD 29 detected by the angular velocity sensor 29a. In addition, the driving training processing unit 61 outputs ambient sounds, such as the sounds of other vehicles traveling, present in the training course data as stereophonic sound from the speaker system 15.

[0086] During the re-experience driving, the driving training processing unit 61 controls the steering drive unit 19b, the accelerator pedal drive unit 21b, and the brake pedal drive unit 23b based on the data of the model driver's model driving behavior to drive at least one of the steering wheel 17, the accelerator pedal 21, and the brake pedal 23. Furthermore, when allowing the trainee H to re-experience the gaze position of the model driver, the driving training processing unit 61 controls the HMD drive unit 29b to display the gaze position of the model driver in the image in the field of view. This allows the trainee H to drive and drive the training course while experiencing one or more of the timing and amount of steering of the steering wheel 17, the timing and amount of change in the accelerator pedal or brake pedal, and the gaze position of the model driver while driving, and thus allows the trainee H to re-experience the model driving behavior of the model driver.

[0087] Alternatively, during the re-experience driving, the driving training processing unit 61 may visually present the amount of steering, accelerator, and brake operation to the trainee H based on data on the model driving behavior of the model driver. This allows the trainee H to drive the training course by adjusting one or more of the timing and amount of steering the steering wheel 17, the timing and amount of change in the accelerator pedal or brake pedal, and the eye position while driving to match the model driving, and allows the trainee H to re-experience the model driving behavior of the model driver.

[0088] After the re-experience driving, the driving training processing unit 61 may return to step S11 again to perform a test driving and judge the driving skill, thereby verifying the effectiveness of the training. For example, the test driving, the judgment of the driving skill, the notification of the driving skill, and the re-experience driving may be repeatedly performed until the trainee H is satisfied and performs an operation to end the training.

[0089] 4. Effects As described above, the driving training control device 50 according to this embodiment calculates the difference μ between the objective evaluation result of the driving skill of the trainee H and the self-evaluation result of the driving skill of the trainee H, and executes a notification process to notify predetermined driving skill information if the difference μ is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard. This allows the trainee H to correctly recognize his or her own driving skill when there is a large discrepancy between the self-evaluation result and the objective evaluation result of the driving skill of the trainee H, thereby improving the feasibility of training.

[0090] Furthermore, when starting the reliving process as predetermined driving training for the trainee H, the driving training control device 50 according to this embodiment starts the reliving process as is if the difference μ is within a predetermined standard, but starts the reliving process after notifying the trainee H of predetermined driving skill information if the difference μ exceeds the predetermined standard. This prevents the trainee H who correctly recognizes his or her driving skill from feeling bothered, while allowing the trainee H who is overconfident or lacks confidence in his or her driving skill to correctly recognize his or her driving skill before carrying out the reliving process. This increases motivation and concentration for the reliving process, thereby improving the effectiveness of the driving training.

[0091] Furthermore, the driving training control device 50 according to this embodiment has a configuration capable of reproducing, as driving skill information, a visual field image of the trainee H while driving. This allows the trainee H to confirm his / her own driving skill with the feeling of actually driving, allowing the trainee H to correctly recognize his / her own driving skill and improving the feasibility of training. In particular, reproducing the visual field image using the HMD 29 allows the trainee H to feel closer to the feeling of actually driving.

[0092] Furthermore, the driving training control device 50 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to play back, as driving skill information, an overhead image of the vehicle when driven by the trainee H. This allows the trainee H to check the vehicle's posture and driving route when driven by the trainee H, allowing the trainee H to correctly recognize his or her own driving skill and improving the feasibility of training. In particular, the driving training control device 50 also plays back an overhead image of the vehicle when driven by an exemplary driver, allowing the trainee H to recognize his or her own driving skill by comparing it with the vehicle's posture and driving route when driven by the exemplary driver. The driving training control device 50 also displays at least one of the vehicle's driving operation data and behavior data, allowing the trainee H to directly recognize the difference between his or her own driving operation and the driving operation of the exemplary driver, and allowing the trainee H to correctly recognize his or her own driving skill.

[0093] Furthermore, the driving training control device 50 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to display, as driving skill information, an image of the driving posture of the trainee H together with an image of the driving posture of a model driver, so that the trainee H can confirm the difference between his / her own driving posture and that of an experienced driver, and can recognize the cause of the difference between his / her own driving operation and that of the experienced driver.

[0094] Furthermore, the driving training control device 50 according to this embodiment is configured to select a training course according to the level of the driving skill of the trainee H and have the trainee H relive the experience. This allows the trainee H not only to know the evaluation results of his / her own driving performance, but also to train his / her driving performance while experiencing model driving performance that matches the driving characteristics of the trainee H. Therefore, driving skills can be efficiently improved.

[0095] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0096] For example, in the above embodiment, the driving training control device is configured as a control device applied to a driving training device configured as a driving simulator, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above example. For example, the driving training control device may be configured as a control device that performs driving training using an actual vehicle. In this case, the driving training control device records data on the vehicle state while the vehicle is traveling along a predetermined course, records captured images generated by a front camera and a rear camera mounted on the vehicle, and displays the captured images and vehicle state data in a notification process.

[0097] Furthermore, when the driving training control device is configured as a control device that performs driving training using an actual vehicle, the driving training control device may be a control device installed in the vehicle, or may be configured as a mobile terminal or an external server that can send a driving command signal to the notification device.

[0098] In addition, the technology of the present disclosure can also be realized as a vehicle equipped with the driving training control device described in the above embodiment, a driving training method using the driving training control device, a computer program that causes a computer to function as the above driving training control device, and a non-temporary tangible recording medium on which the computer program is recorded.

[0099] 1: Driving training device 11: Seat 13: Monitor device 15: Speaker system 16: Camera 17: Steering wheel 21: Accelerator pedal 23: Brake pedal 27: Input device 29: HMD 50: Driving training control device (control device) 51: Processing unit 53: Memory unit 55: Experience information database 57: Driving characteristics database 59: Driving skill database 61: Driving training processing unit 63: Driving skill determination unit 65: Self-evaluation calculation unit 67: Driving skill notification unit

Claims

1. A driving training control device that supports a driver in improving their vehicle driving skills, one or more processors; and one or more memories communicatively coupled to the one or more processors; the one or more processors: Before starting a driving training process in which a trainee performs predetermined driving training in which the trainee experiences the driving behavior of a model driver, Calculating the difference between the objective evaluation result of the driving skill of the trainee and the self-evaluation result of the driving skill of the trainee; If the difference is less than a predetermined standard, the driving training process is started as is, If the difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined standard, the driving training control device notifies the driver of predetermined driving skill information based on the difference, and then starts the driving training process.

2. the one or more processors: The driving training control device according to claim 1 , wherein the process of notifying the predetermined driving skill information comprises reproducing a visual field image of the trainee while driving.

3. the one or more processors: The driving training control device according to claim 1 , wherein the process of notifying the predetermined driving skill information includes playing back an overhead image of the vehicle while the trainee is driving.

4. the one or more processors:

4. The driving training control device according to claim 3, wherein the process of notifying the predetermined driving skill information involves playing back the overhead image of the vehicle when driven by the trainee together with the overhead image of the vehicle when driven by the model driver.

5. the one or more processors:

5. The driving training control device according to claim 4, wherein when displaying an overhead image of the vehicle while being driven by the trainee and the model driver, at least one of driving operation data and behavior data of the vehicle is also displayed.

6. the one or more processors: The driving training control device according to claim 1 , wherein the process of notifying the predetermined driving skill information includes displaying an image of the driving posture of the trainee together with an image of the driving posture of the model driver.

7. A recording medium on which a computer program applied to a driving training control device that supports improvement of a driver's driving skills is recorded, On the computer, Before starting a driving training process in which a trainee performs predetermined driving training in which the trainee experiences the driving behavior of a model driver, a difference is calculated between an objective evaluation result of the driving skill of the trainee and a self-evaluation result of the driving skill of the trainee; If the difference is less than a predetermined standard, the driving training process is started as is, whereas if the difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined standard, predetermined driving skill information is notified based on the difference, and then the driving training process is started; A non-transitory tangible recording medium on which the computer program for executing the above is recorded.