On-vehicle device

Abstract

Provided is an on-vehicle device (100), which is a constituent of a simulation system (10) comprising a simulation device (200) and the on-vehicle device, and is used to cause a user wearing a virtual space display device (300) in a vehicle cabin of an automobile to experience a travel state or an on-vehicle function of the automobile. The on-vehicle device comprises: an acquisition unit (101) that acquires vehicle information indicating an operation or a state of the automobile; and a vehicle communication unit (102) that transmits the vehicle information to the simulation device and receives, from the simulation device, virtual vehicle information indicating an operation or a state of a virtual automobile simulated by the simulation device.

Description

In-vehicle device Cross-reference to related applications 【0001】 This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-218803 filed on December 13, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 【0002】 The present disclosure relates to a simulation system, an in-vehicle device, a simulation device, and methods and programs executed thereby (hereinafter referred to as a simulation system, etc.), which can provide a user with a driving experience of a vehicle without actually driving the vehicle by using a virtual space, and further can provide the user with information regarding the functions of the vehicle while experiencing the driving. 【0003】 In recent years, technologies for providing virtual reality (VR: Virtual Reality), augmented reality (AR: Augmented Reality), or mixed reality (MR: Mixed Reality) to users have been proposed. In particular, it is known that a technology for providing virtual reality or the like using a head-mounted display (hereinafter referred to as an HMD) that can be worn on a user's head can provide a more immersive experience to the user. 【0004】 Patent Document 1 discloses a presentation system that adds an explanation of a vehicle while driving the vehicle in a virtual space. According to Patent Document 1, in addition to being able to experience operations that cannot be experienced in an actual test drive while virtually experiencing the driving of a vehicle in a virtual space, a user can receive real-time explanations of the vehicle according to various situations encountered during the driving of the vehicle. However, in Patent Document 1, an actual automobile is not used, and a virtual space is displayed on a flat display screen, so the sense of reality is low compared to the actual driving of a vehicle. 【0005】 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-8064 【0006】The inventors, after detailed investigation, have identified the following problems. In automobiles displayed in showrooms, it is conceivable to display content on the vehicle's center display or instrument panel that shows the vehicle's driving status and how to operate the vehicle's equipment. However, these display devices have limitations in their expression, resulting in a lack of immersion and a sense of experience. Furthermore, even when actually sitting in a displayed automobile, it is a demonstration while the vehicle is stationary, and unless a test drive is conducted, it is not possible to experience the actual driving experience. In addition, regarding advanced safety features, unless one encounters a special scene in which the function is activated, such as a dangerous scene where a collision with an obstacle is likely, it is not possible to experience the function, and there is a possibility that the use of the function will not become widespread. 【0007】 Therefore, this disclosure aims to realize a simulation system that uses a real automobile and a virtual space display device to allow users to experience driving an automobile and operating the vehicle's equipment as if they were actually in the automobile. 【0008】 One aspect of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle device comprising a simulation device and an in-vehicle device, which constitute a simulation system used to allow a user wearing a virtual space display device in the interior of an automobile to experience the driving state or in-vehicle functions of the automobile, the in-vehicle device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information indicating the operation or state of the automobile; and a vehicle communication unit that transmits the vehicle information to the simulation device and receives virtual vehicle information from the simulation device indicating the operation or state of a virtual automobile assumed by the simulation device. 【0009】 With this configuration, the simulation system disclosed herein shares vehicle information and virtual vehicle information between the automobile and the simulation device, so that operations and behaviors performed on the actual exhibited automobile can be reflected in the simulation device, and events in the simulation device can be reflected in the display and behavior of the actual exhibited automobile. 【0010】 The numbers in parentheses in the claims indicate the correspondence between the present invention and the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the present invention. 【0011】 The above-mentioned objectives and other objectives, features and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings are as follows: Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the overview and arrangement of the devices constituting this embodiment; Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an electronic control system including the in-vehicle device of this embodiment; Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the in-vehicle device and simulation device of this embodiment; Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a routing table used by the vehicle communication unit of the in-vehicle device of this embodiment; Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of scenario information managed by the scenario management unit of the simulation device of this embodiment; Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the simulation system of this embodiment; Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the simulation system of Embodiment 1 of this embodiment; Figure 8a is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the simulation system of Embodiment 2 of this embodiment; and Figure 8b is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the simulation system of Embodiment 2 of this embodiment. 【0012】 Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. 【0013】 The present invention as described below means the invention described in the claims and is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, at least the words enclosed in double quotation marks mean the words described in the claims and are not limited to the embodiments described below. 【0014】 The configurations and methods described in the dependent claims are optional configurations and methods in the invention described in the independent claims. The configurations and methods in embodiments corresponding to the configurations and methods described in the dependent claims, as well as configurations and methods described only in embodiments and not in the claims, are optional configurations and methods in the present invention. The configurations and methods described in embodiments when the claims are broader than the descriptions in embodiments are also optional configurations and methods in the present invention, in the sense that they are illustrative examples of the configurations and methods of the present invention. In any case, by being described in the independent claims, they become essential configurations and methods of the present invention. 【0015】 The effects described in the embodiments are those that occur when the configuration is that of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily effects that the present invention possesses. 【0016】 When there are multiple embodiments (including examples and variations; the same applies hereinafter), the disclosed configuration in each embodiment is not confined to that embodiment alone, but can be combined across embodiments. For example, the disclosed configuration may be combined in one embodiment with another. Alternatively, the disclosed configuration may be collected and combined in each of multiple embodiments. 【0017】 The problems described in this disclosure are not publicly known problems, but rather things that the inventors have discovered independently, and these facts, along with the structure and method of this disclosure, affirm the inventive step of the invention. 【0018】 1. The overview and arrangement of each device constituting this embodiment will be described with reference to the overview and arrangement diagram 1(a). The simulation system 10 consists of a simulation device 200 and an in-vehicle device 100, and is used to allow a user wearing a virtual space display device 300 inside the cabin of an "automobile" to experience the driving state or in-vehicle functions of the automobile. Here, "automobile" includes not only automobiles in the narrow sense that have three or more wheels, but also motorcycles and mopeds. 【0019】 The automobile is equipped with an electronic control system S, which consists of multiple electronic control units and an in-vehicle network connecting the electronic control units. The in-vehicle device 100 in this embodiment is realized by one or more electronic control units that constitute the electronic control system S, and transmits vehicle information of the automobile to a simulation device 200 and receives virtual vehicle information from the simulation device 200. 【0020】The simulation device 200 generates virtual content. For example, it generates a video showing how the road and scenery visible from inside the car change as the car is driven. Events such as traffic lights changing, the scenery changing from day to night as time passes, or obstacles appearing in the direction of travel may be included in the video. Alternatively, it can generate a video showing instructions prompting the user to operate the equipment installed in the car, or the user's reaction when they actually operate the equipment. According to this embodiment, these videos are generated using vehicle information transmitted from the in-vehicle device. 【0021】 The virtual space display device 300 displays virtual content generated and output by the simulation device 200. The virtual space display device 300 only needs to be able to display a virtual space, and it is sufficient if at least one of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or mixed reality (MR) can be realized in relation to the content of the virtual content and the real world images superimposed on the virtual content. The form of the virtual space display device 300 is arbitrary, and examples include an HMD that can be worn on the user's head, or a sunglasses-type device. When using real world images in AR or MR, the real world image may be an image captured by a camera provided on the virtual space display device 300, or the real world image may be an image that the user directly sees through translucent glasses. 【0022】The in-vehicle device 100 and the simulation device 200, and the simulation device 200 and the virtual space display device 300 are connected using either a wireless communication method or a wired communication method. Examples of wireless communication methods include IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi®), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX®), W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), HSPA (High Speed ​​Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution Advanced), 4G, 5G, etc. Examples of wired communication methods include LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, and fixed telephone lines. The connection method between the in-vehicle device 100 and the simulation device 200, and the connection method between the simulation device 200 and the virtual space display device 300, may be the same or different. 【0023】 The choice of communication method should be appropriately selected based on the amount of information to be transmitted and received, and the installation location of the simulation device 200. For example, if the simulation device 200 is located outside the automobile, as shown in Figure 1(a), and a server device prepared by the automobile manufacturer is used, then IEEE 802.11 or 5G would be used. Alternatively, if a server device installed in a showroom is used, in addition to these wireless communication methods, a wired communication method such as LAN may also be used. 【0024】 Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1(b) and 1(c), the simulation device 200 may be "mounted" in the automobile. Here, "mounted" includes not only cases where it is directly fixed to the automobile, but also cases where it is not fixed to the automobile, for example, when it is worn or carried by a person in the automobile. 【0025】 As shown in Figure 1(b), the simulation device 200 may be installed inside the automobile. For example, the simulation device 200 may be implemented as an electronic control unit in the electronic control system S or as a smartphone owned by the user. 【0026】As shown in Figure 1(c), the simulation device 200 may be implemented as a function of the virtual space display device 300. 【0027】 In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1(a), the simulation device 200 is implemented as a server device located outside the vehicle and at a remote location, and IEEE 802.11 or 5G wireless communication and the internet are used as communication means. This allows for the use of high-performance computing power and large-capacity storage, enabling the generation and transmission of diverse and detailed virtual content. Furthermore, since a single server device can provide services to access from multiple locations, there is no need to install one in each vehicle, making maintenance and management easy. 【0028】 In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 100 and the simulation device 200 are collectively referred to as the simulation system 10. 【0029】 2. Diagram 2 of the configuration of the electronic control system S shows an example of the configuration of the electronic control system S. The electronic control system S consists of multiple electronic control units (ECUs: hereinafter referred to as ECUs) ECU20 and an in-vehicle network (NW1 to NW3) that connects them. Figure 2 shows eight ECUs (ECU20a to ECU20h) as an example, but naturally, the electronic control system S can be composed of any number of ECUs. In the following explanation, when describing one or more ECUs as a whole, we will refer to them as ECU20 or each ECU20, and when describing individual electronic control units, we will refer to them as ECU20a, ECU20b, ECU20c, etc. 【0030】In the case of Figure 2, each ECU 20 is connected via an in-vehicle communication network, etc. For example, they are connected via an in-vehicle communication network such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network). Alternatively, they may be connected using any communication method, whether wired or wireless, such as Ethernet®, Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, etc. Furthermore, multiple of these communication methods may be used. Note that "connection" refers to a state in which data can be exchanged, and includes not only cases where different hardware is connected via a wired or wireless communication network, but also cases where virtual machines implemented on the same hardware are virtually connected to each other. 【0031】 The electronic control system S shown in Figure 2 includes an integrated ECU 20a, an external communication ECU 20b, zone ECUs (20c, 20d), and individual ECUs (20e to 20h). 【0032】 The integrated ECU 20a is an ECU that has the function of controlling the entire electronic control system S, as well as a gateway function that mediates communication between each ECU 20. The integrated ECU 20a is sometimes called a gateway ECU (G-ECU) or a mobility computer (MC). Alternatively, the integrated ECU 20a may be a relay device or a gateway device. 【0033】 The external communication ECU 20b is an ECU having a communication unit that communicates with an external device 30 located outside the vehicle. The communication methods used by the external communication ECU 20b are wireless communication and wired communication. Examples of these communication methods have already been described. 【0034】Zone ECUs (20c, 20d) are ECUs equipped with gateway functions, appropriately positioned according to the location and function of the individual ECUs described later. For example, Zone ECU 20c is an ECU with a gateway function that mediates communication between individual ECUs 20e and 20f, located at the front of the vehicle, and other ECUs 20, while Zone ECU 20d is an ECU with a gateway function that mediates communication between individual ECUs 20g and 20h, located at the rear of the vehicle, and other ECUs 20. Zone ECUs (20c, 20d) are sometimes called domain computers (DCs). Individual ECUs 20e and 20f are connected to Zone ECU 20c via Network 2 (NW2), and individual ECUs 20g and 20h are connected to Zone ECU 20d via Network 3 (NW3). 【0035】 Individual ECUs (20e to 20h) can be composed of ECUs with any function. Examples include drivetrain electronic control units that control the engine, steering wheel, brakes, etc., vehicle system electronic control units that control meters, power windows, etc., information system electronic control units such as navigation systems, or safety control system electronic control units that perform control to prevent collisions with obstacles or pedestrians. Furthermore, the ECUs may not be in parallel, but may be classified as master and slave units. 【0036】 Furthermore, depending on the functions implemented by each individual ECU (20e to 20h), necessary sensors may be connected to each individual ECU (20e to 20h). Examples include, but are not limited to, speed sensors, acceleration sensors, angular velocity sensors, temperature sensors, sheet sensors, and voltmeters. In addition, these sensors may be connected to the integrated ECU 20a or zone ECUs (20c, 20d) instead of each individual ECU (20e to 20h). 【0037】Each ECU 20 may be a physically independent electronic control unit, or a virtualized electronic control unit implemented using virtualization technology. Furthermore, if each ECU 20 is implemented on different hardware, they only need to be connected via wired or wireless communication. If multiple virtualized electronic control units are implemented on the same hardware, they only need to be virtually connected to each other. 【0038】 In Figure 2, the in-vehicle device 100 of this embodiment is implemented by the integrated ECU 20a. However, in this case, the functions necessary for communication with the simulation device 200 may be provided separately in the integrated ECU 20a, or the functions of the external communication ECU 20b may be used. 【0039】 3. Configuration of Individual Devices (1) The configuration of the in-vehicle device 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the configuration diagram 3 of the in-vehicle device 100. The in-vehicle device 100 has an acquisition unit 101, a vehicle communication unit 102, a transfer unit 103, various control units 104, an API unit 105, a center display unit 106, and an instrument panel unit 107. Of these, the acquisition unit 101, the vehicle communication unit 102, and the transfer unit 103 constitute the data proxy service module 110. 【0040】 The in-vehicle device 100 can consist of a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), volatile memory such as RAM, non-volatile memory such as ROM, flash memory, or hard disk, various interfaces, and an internal bus connecting them. By executing software on this hardware, the device can be configured to perform the functions of each functional block shown in Figure 3. The simulation device 200 described later is similar. 【0041】Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 100 of this embodiment may be implemented with one or more ECUs 20 and other devices. In this embodiment, it is implemented with the integrated ECU 20a shown in Figure 2, but it may be implemented with other ECUs 20. Also, the in-vehicle device 100 may be a collection of multiple ECUs 20 and other devices, a semi-finished product such as a single ECU 20, or a component such as a semiconductor circuit. The data proxy service module 110 may also be a semi-finished product or a component. For example, it may be a stick-shaped module that plugs into a USB terminal provided in a car. Note that the in-vehicle device 100 only needs to include the data proxy service module 110, and whether it includes other components is optional. In other words, the scope of the in-vehicle device 100 is the same as or wider than the scope of the data proxy service. 【0042】 The acquisition unit 101 acquires vehicle information indicating the "operation" or "state" of the automobile from the various control units 104 and API unit 105, which will be described later. Specific examples of vehicle information will be explained in the sections on the various control units 104 and API unit 105. Here, "operation" includes not only the operation of the entire automobile but also the operation of parts that constitute a part of the automobile. "State" includes not only the state of the entire automobile but also the state of parts that constitute a part of the automobile. Furthermore, the term includes not only the internal state, which is the state of the entire automobile or parts that constitute a part of the automobile, but also the external state, which is the state of the surroundings and outside of the automobile. 【0043】 The vehicle communication unit 102 transmits the vehicle information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 to the simulation device 200, and also receives virtual vehicle information from the simulation device 200 that indicates the "operation" or "state" of a virtual automobile assumed by the simulation device 200. Communication with the simulation device 200 can be done using either wireless communication or wired communication. In this embodiment, IEEE 802.11 is used. Specific examples of virtual vehicle information will be explained in the section on the simulation device 200. 【0044】In addition to vehicle information, the vehicle communication unit 102 may transmit user information, which is information about the user, to the simulation device 200. Examples of user information include information detected by the automobile or information registered in the automobile, such as a user ID, the direction of the user's face, the direction of the user's line of sight, the user's emotion, and the user's attribute information such as gender and weight. The user information can be made the transmission target by the acquisition unit 101 acquiring information input by the user from the center display unit 106 and the instrument panel unit 107, which will be described later, or information about the user detected by sensors and cameras connected to various control units 104, which will be described later. Note that information indicating that the user has operated a device of the automobile is vehicle information when focusing on the operation or state of the device, and is user information when focusing on the user's behavior, so it may be determined which to classify according to the purpose. 【0045】 The vehicle communication unit 102 may determine the vehicle information to be transmitted to the simulation device 200 by referring to a routing table, which is a "table" that defines at least one of the information to be transmitted to the simulation device 200 or the information not to be transmitted to the simulation device 200. Here, the "table" only needs to be something from which the correspondence relationship between information can be derived, and is not limited to the tabular form. 【0046】 Referring to FIG. 4, a specific example of the routing table will be described. Since the virtual content generated by the simulation device 200 and displayed on the virtual space display device 300 is centered on visual or auditory information, information that does not need to be reflected in the virtual content does not need to be transmitted from the vehicle communication unit 102 to the simulation device 200. For example, information regarding the operation or operation amount of the accelerator, brake, steering wheel, and shift lever is classified as information to be transmitted because it affects the scenery visible from the virtual automobile in the virtual content. On the other hand, information regarding the setting of the air conditioner is classified as information not to be transmitted because it does not need to be transmitted if there is no description regarding temperature in the virtual content. In addition, information that is not generated in the first place because the automobile is not actually running may also be classified as information not to be transmitted. Examples of such information include speed, acceleration, and fuel consumption. 【0047】 Note that in FIG. 4, both the information to be transmitted and the information not to be transmitted are held as a routing table, but only one of them may be used. For example, when only the information to be transmitted is held, the information other than the information to be transmitted may be treated as information not to be transmitted. 【0048】 Instead of using a routing table, the acquisition unit 101 may acquire only the information to be transmitted to the simulation device 200 and not acquire the information not to be transmitted to the simulation device 200. Specifically, the in-vehicle device 100 may control the operating state of the device that controls the functions of the automobile, so that the acquisition unit 101 may acquire only the vehicle information to be transmitted to the simulation device 200. For example, control may be performed to turn on only the power supplies of various control units 104, API units 105, etc. that output the vehicle information necessary for playing virtual content, and turn off or set the other power supplies to the sleep state. Alternatively, such a power mode may be provided. 【0049】 Also, for virtual vehicle information, a routing table may be prepared and the virtual vehicle information to be transmitted to the in-vehicle device 100 may be determined by referring to the routing table. That is, the simulator communication unit 201 may determine the virtual vehicle information to be transmitted to the in-vehicle device 100 by referring to the routing table, which is a "table" that defines at least one of the information to be transmitted to the in-vehicle device 100 or the information not to be transmitted to the in-vehicle device 100. For example, the virtual vehicle information necessary for display and control on the automobile side may be transmitted, and the virtual vehicle information that is not necessary may not be transmitted. 【0050】It should be noted that the virtual vehicle information transmitted from the simulation device 200 does not necessarily correspond to the need to transmit similar vehicle information. For example, if information regarding air conditioning settings is used as virtual vehicle information to change the air conditioning settings of an actual car, then the information regarding air conditioning settings is classified as information transmitted from the simulation device 200 to the in-vehicle device 100 as virtual vehicle information. Similarly, if information such as speed, acceleration, and fuel efficiency is used as virtual vehicle information to change the display on the instrument panel 107 of an actual car, then information such as speed is classified as information transmitted from the simulation device 200 to the in-vehicle device 100 as virtual vehicle information. 【0051】 The transfer unit 103 transfers the virtual vehicle information received by the vehicle communication unit 102 to a device that controls the functions of the vehicle. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the transfer unit 103 "transfers" the virtual vehicle information to the various control units 104 described later, or to the center display unit 106 or instrument panel unit 107 via the API unit 105, depending on the type of virtual vehicle information. During the transfer, necessary conversions may be applied to the virtual vehicle information. The conversion may be performed inside the transfer unit 103, i.e., inside the data proxy service module 110, or in the base layer described later. Here, "transferring" includes not only the case of transferring the virtual vehicle information as is, but also the case of performing a predetermined conversion on the virtual vehicle information before transmission. 【0052】 The various control units 104 correspond to the ECUs 20 and sensors described in Figure 2. In particular, the individual ECUs (20e to 20h) that provide arbitrary functions correspond to these. The type of vehicle information output is determined according to the function of each ECU 20. For example, the drive system electronic control unit outputs vehicle information related to accelerator, brake, and steering operations; the vehicle system electronic control unit outputs vehicle information related to door lock, trunk, and window status; the information system electronic control unit outputs vehicle information related to current location, traffic conditions, weather, and playback content; and the safety control system electronic control unit outputs vehicle information related to camera images, obstacles, road surface conditions, and temperature. The output vehicle information is acquired by the acquisition unit 101 via the in-vehicle network. 【0053】 Furthermore, the various control units 104 control the functions of the automobile based on the virtual vehicle information input from the transfer unit 103. For example, if virtual vehicle information regarding the status of the exterior lights is input, the vehicle system electronic control unit that controls the exterior lights switches the automobile's exterior lights ON / OFF. 【0054】 The API unit 105 is an interface through which the application and the program exchange information. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the API unit 105 exchanges vehicle information and virtual vehicle information between the application responsible for displaying the center display unit 106 and the instrument panel unit 107 and the program that drives the data proxy service module. In this embodiment, the API unit 105 is provided between the center display unit 106 and the instrument panel unit 107 and the transfer unit 103, but an API equivalent to the API unit 105 may also be provided between the transfer unit 103 and the various control units 104. Alternatively, if the HAL described later is provided, an API equivalent to the API unit 105 may also be provided between the transfer unit 103 and the HAL. 【0055】 For example, if a user inputs their current location information via the touch panel of the center display unit 106, the API unit 105 outputs this current location information as vehicle information. Also, if a user inputs a user ID via the touch panel of the center display unit 106, the API unit 105 outputs this user ID as user information. The output vehicle information and user information are acquired by the acquisition unit 101 and output to the vehicle communication unit 102. 【0056】 Furthermore, the API unit 105 outputs virtual vehicle information input from the transfer unit 103 to the center display unit 106 and the instrument panel unit 107. For example, if virtual vehicle information regarding the status of the exterior lights is input, the center display unit 106 changes the background color of the displayed map, and the instrument panel unit 107 displays whether the headlight switch is ON or OFF. 【0057】Furthermore, software can be classified into a base layer, a simplified layer, and a composite layer. The base layer has the function of converting data into standardized data in a predetermined format for each type of data, the simplified layer has the function of converting standardized data into definition data which are predetermined values, and the composite layer has the function of aggregating or integrating standardized data or definition data and delivering it to the application. The classification of software layers is disclosed in WO2023 / 027193A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. The API unit 105 of this embodiment corresponds to the composite layer according to this classification. Furthermore, a function corresponding to the base layer may be provided between the various control units 104 and the API unit 105, or between the various control units 104 and the data proxy service module 110. For example, a function called the hardware abstraction layer (HAL) falls into this category. 【0058】 Furthermore, the various control units 104 and the API unit 105 are normally connected via a route not shown, and they exchange information directly. The data proxy service module 110 can be said to have the role of intercepting this information and forwarding it to the simulation device 200. 【0059】 The center display unit 106 is a display device and the software that drives it, located near the center of the front of the passenger compartment of the automobile. The center display unit 106 outputs vehicle information and user information input from the center display unit 106 to the API unit 105. It also displays information based on virtual vehicle information input from the API unit 105. In normal operation, the center display unit 106 receives vehicle information output from various control units 104 via the API unit 105 and displays information based on this. The API unit 105 has an arbitrary configuration in the in-vehicle device 100. 【0060】The instrument panel unit 107 is a device and software that drives it, located in front of the driver's seat of a vehicle and displaying information about the vehicle. The instrument panel unit 107 displays information based on virtual vehicle information input from the API unit 105. In normal operation, the instrument panel unit 107 receives vehicle information output from various control units 104 via the API unit 105 and displays information based on this. The instrument panel unit 107 has any configuration within the in-vehicle device 100. 【0061】 The configuration of the in-vehicle device 100 of this embodiment has been described above, but it is desirable to set special power modes in advance for the operation of each functional block of the in-vehicle device 100. For example, it is conceivable to set a power mode that turns on the power only for the various control units 104 that output vehicle information necessary for playing virtual content and the various control units 104 that use virtual vehicle information received along with the playback of virtual content, and turns off the power for the other various control units 104. By using such a power mode, the total power consumption of the automobile can be reduced, and the amount of vehicle information and virtual vehicle information transmitted and received between the in-vehicle device 100 and the simulation device 200 can be reduced, thereby reducing the communication load. 【0062】 (2) The configuration of the simulation device 200 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the configuration diagram 3 of the simulation device 200. The simulation device 200 has a simulator communication unit 201, a scenario management unit 202, a virtual content management unit 203, a virtual content output unit 204, and a storage unit 205. The virtual content management unit 203 has a virtual space management unit 211, a UI event management unit 212, and a virtual vehicle information extraction unit 213. 【0063】 The simulator communication unit 201 receives vehicle information from the in-vehicle device 100 and transmits virtual vehicle information to the in-vehicle device. The received vehicle information is output to the scenario management unit 202. 【0064】The scenario management unit 202 manages scenario information indicating the "unfolding" of virtual content displayed on the virtual space display device. Multiple scenario information sets can be prepared according to the number of virtual content items. For example, scenario information can be prepared for each virtual content item, such as driving video based on navigation settings (corresponding to Example 1) and driving video when using an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) (corresponding to Example 2). The means or method by which the user selects and decides on content is arbitrary. For example, the user can decide on the content to be executed by selecting the content they want to experience from the content displayed on the center display unit 106. Alternatively, selection and decision may be made by operating the simulation device 200. Here, "unfolding" only needs to include the temporal progression of the virtual content, and may be predetermined, change depending on conditions, or change randomly. 【0065】 Refer to Figure 5 to explain examples of scenario information. Figure 5(a) shows scenario information for driving video based on navigation settings, and corresponds to Example 1 described later. Figure 5(b) shows scenario information for driving video when using an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), and corresponds to Example 2 described later. 【0066】Scenario information describes the relationships between time, events, trigger information, feedback information, and image data. Time is the time when an event occurs. If the event is conditional on the arrival of trigger information, the time when the event occurs is not fixed, so time is not specified. Events are events that appear in the scenario. In the case of Figure 5(a), three events are described: content selection, navigation settings, and accelerator operation. Trigger information is information that triggers the start or switching of processing. In this embodiment, the trigger information is vehicle information received from the in-vehicle device 100. Feedback information is information that is fed back to the in-vehicle device 100. In this embodiment, the feedback information is virtual vehicle information of a virtual car assumed by the simulation device 200. Image data is video or still image information used in the scenario. In Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the video format is mp4, but the image format is arbitrary. If images and sound are output to the virtual space display device 300, sound data should be described in addition to image data. The operation using the scenario information in Figure 5(a) is described in Example 1, and the operation using the scenario information in Figure 5(b) is described in Example 2, both of which will be described later. 【0067】 The virtual content management unit 203 generates and analyzes virtual content. Specifically, the virtual space management unit 211 and the UI event management unit 212 (collectively corresponding to the "virtual content generation unit") generate virtual content using vehicle information received by the simulator communication unit 201 and scenario information corresponding to the content selected by the user. 【0068】The virtual space management unit 211 reads an image file from the storage unit 205 that records video footage of the external environment of the virtual vehicle and is specified by the scenario information, and generates virtual content. The video footage of the external environment of the virtual vehicle is, for example, a 3D object that reflects the vehicle status and surrounding environment of the virtual vehicle. Similarly, if the scenario information specifies an audio file, the audio file is read from the storage unit 205 and virtual content is generated. In addition to generating images and audio by reading them from the storage unit 205, 3D models and audio may also be generated automatically. 【0069】 The UI event management unit 212 reads an image file specified by the scenario information from the storage unit 205, which contains instructions on how to operate equipment installed in the vehicle, and generates virtual content. Similarly, if the scenario information specifies an audio file, the unit reads the audio file from the storage unit 205 and generates virtual content. In addition to generating images and audio by reading them from the storage unit 205, 3D models and audio may also be generated automatically. 【0070】 Furthermore, if virtual content is output from both the virtual space management unit 211 and the UI event management unit 212, the virtual content output from each can be synchronized and superimposed to generate a single virtual content. 【0071】 The virtual content output unit 204 outputs the virtual content generated by the virtual space management unit 211 and / or the UI event management unit 212 to the virtual space display device 300. Communication with the virtual space display device 300 can be done using wireless communication or wired communication. In this embodiment, IEEE 802.11 is used. If the virtual space display device 300 displays only images, the audio portion of the virtual content may be output to another device. For example, it may be output to a smartphone owned by the user and played back through the smartphone's speaker. Alternatively, it may be output to a car and played back through the car's speaker. In this case, the output to the car may be done via the simulator communication unit 201. 【0072】The virtual vehicle information extraction unit 213 analyzes the virtual content or scenario information generated by the virtual space management unit 211 and / or the UI event management unit 212, and "extracts" virtual vehicle information from the virtual content or scenario information. Here, "extraction" includes not only the case of taking out virtual vehicle information contained in the virtual content, but also the case of generating virtual vehicle information by analyzing the virtual content. Furthermore, the former includes not only the case of taking out virtual vehicle information contained in the virtual content itself, but also the case of taking out virtual vehicle information from scenario information, image information, or audio information used in the process of generating the virtual content. 【0073】 The virtual vehicle information should preferably be information that enables the operation of various functions of a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle device 100. If the scenario information includes virtual vehicle information as shown in Figure 5, the virtual vehicle information can be extracted from the scenario information. If the scenario information does not contain virtual vehicle information, but the virtual vehicle information is associated with the image file or audio file used to generate the virtual content, the virtual vehicle information can be extracted from the image file or audio file. If the scenario information does not contain virtual vehicle information and the image file or audio file used to generate the virtual content is not associated with virtual vehicle information, the virtual vehicle information may be generated by analyzing the movement and brightness of the virtual content itself. The extracted virtual vehicle information is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 100 via the scenario management unit 202, or directly from the simulator communication unit 201 without going through the scenario management unit 202. When extracting virtual vehicle information based on scenario information, the scenario management unit 202 may also extract the virtual vehicle information as a virtual vehicle information extraction unit 213. 【0074】The storage unit 205 is a storage device capable of reading or writing various types of information. The storage unit 205 selects an appropriate device depending on the purpose of use and the content of the information to be stored. In other words, the storage unit 205 may be either an external storage device (hard disk, USB memory, CD / BD, etc.) or an internal storage device (ROM, RAM, etc.), and may be volatile or non-volatile. In this embodiment, the storage unit 205 records image files and audio files read from the virtual space management unit 211 and the UI event management unit 212. 【0075】 (3) Operation of the Simulation System 10 Next, the operation of the simulation system 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 not only shows the overall operation of the simulation system 10, but also the operation of each of the in-vehicle devices 100 and the simulation device 200 that constitute the simulation system 10. Furthermore, it shows not only the communication methods executed by the simulation system 10, the in-vehicle devices 100, and the simulation device 200, but also the processing procedures of the communication programs that can be executed by the simulation system 10, the in-vehicle devices 100, and the simulation device 200. These processes are not limited to the order shown in Figure 6. That is, the order can be changed as long as there are no constraints such as a relationship where a certain step utilizes the result of the preceding step. 【0076】 The acquisition unit 101 of the in-vehicle device 100 acquires vehicle information indicating the "operation" or "state" of the "automobile" (S101). The vehicle communication unit 102 transmits the vehicle information acquired in S101 to the simulation device 200 (S102). 【0077】The simulator communication unit 201 of the simulation device 200 receives the vehicle information transmitted in S102 from the in-vehicle device 100 (S201). The virtual space management unit 211 and the UI event management unit 212 use the vehicle information received in S201 and the scenario information indicating the "deployment" of the virtual content to be displayed on the virtual space display device 300 to generate virtual content to be displayed on the virtual space display device 300 (S202). The virtual content output unit 204 outputs the virtual content generated in S202 to the virtual space display device 300 (S203). The virtual vehicle information extraction unit 213 "extracts" virtual vehicle information indicating the "operation" or "state" of the virtual automobile assumed by the simulation device 200 from the virtual content or scenario information generated in S202 (S204). The simulator communication unit 201 transmits the virtual vehicle information extracted in S204 to the in-vehicle device 100 (S205). 【0078】 The virtual space display device 300 receives the virtual content output in S203 (S301) and displays it (S302). The vehicle communication unit 102 of the in-vehicle device 100 receives the virtual vehicle information transmitted in S205 from the simulation device 200 (S103). 【0079】 (4) Specific examples of the operation of the simulation system 10 Next, the operation of the simulation system 10 based on specific scenario information will be described in Example 1 and Example 2. 【0080】 (Example 1: Driving experience based on navigation settings) The operation of the simulation system 10 in this example will be explained using the scenario in Figure 5(a) and the flow chart in Figure 7. 【0081】[Content Selection Event] The user logs into the simulation system 10 using a device such as a smartphone owned by the user, and selects the content they want to experience (p1). In this case, the user selects content for a driving experience based on navigation settings. The scenario management unit 202 of the simulation device 200 recognizes the content selected by the user and selects the scenario information in Figure 5(a) corresponding to that content. Then, in order to execute the content selection event, it instructs the UI event management unit 212 to display image data (aaa.mp4) containing the navigation setting instructions (p2). The UI event management unit 212 reads the image data (aaa.mp4) and the corresponding audio data from the storage unit 205 and outputs them to the virtual content output unit 204. The virtual content output unit 204 then outputs the image data (aaa.mp4) and the corresponding audio data to the virtual space display device 300 (p3). 【0082】 [Navigation Setting Event] Next, the user inputs destination information and vehicle position information from the center display unit 106 based on the navigation setting instructions (p4). Thus, the navigation setting event is triggered when the user inputs destination information and vehicle position information. The input destination information and vehicle position information are transmitted as vehicle information from the vehicle communication unit 102. The simulator communication unit 201 receives this and outputs it to the scenario management unit 202. The scenario management unit 202 identifies the current position and destination of the virtual vehicle from the destination information and vehicle position information (p5). It then instructs the virtual space management unit 211 to display image data (bbb.mp4) containing the scenery outside the vehicle from the current position to the destination. The virtual space management unit 211 reads the image data (bbb.mp4) from the storage unit 105, extracts the image of the current position from it, and outputs it to the virtual content output unit 204 (p6). The virtual content output unit 204 then outputs the image of the current position to the virtual space display device 300. 【0083】[Accelerator Operation Event] Next, the user operates the accelerator (p7). Thus, the accelerator operation event is also triggered by the user's accelerator operation. Based on the user's accelerator operation, the ECU 20, which detects the accelerator operation and issues instructions to the drive system among the various control units 104, outputs accelerator information. The accelerator information may include, for example, the accelerator opening degree. The accelerator information is transmitted from the vehicle communication unit 102 as vehicle information. The simulator communication unit 201 receives this and outputs it to the scenario management unit 202. The accelerator information may also be output to the instrument panel unit 107 via the API unit 105 to display the speed. Based on the accelerator information, the scenario management unit 202 identifies that the virtual car has started driving and is currently driving (p8). It then instructs the virtual space management unit 211 to display images from the current position to the destination according to the accelerator opening degree and elapsed time. The virtual space management unit 211 calculates the distance traveled from the read image data (bbb.mp4) according to the accelerator opening and elapsed time, extracts images of intermediate locations along the traveled distance, and outputs them to the virtual content output unit 204 (p9). The virtual content output unit 204 then outputs the images of intermediate locations as the driving scenery to the virtual space display device 300. 【0084】 The scenario management unit 202 determines the speed of the virtual vehicle and the active suspension settings corresponding to the virtual vehicle's speed based on the accelerator information, and outputs them as speed information and active suspension information (p10). The simulator communication unit 201 transmits the speed information and active suspension information as virtual vehicle information. The vehicle communication unit 102 then receives these. The vehicle communication unit 102 outputs the vehicle speed information to the instrument panel unit 107. The instrument panel unit 107 displays the vehicle speed information in analog or digital notation. The vehicle communication unit 102 also outputs the active suspension information to the ECU 20, one of the various control units 104 that controls the active suspension. The various control units 104 change the suspension settings according to the active suspension information. For example, they perform control to raise the vehicle height compared to when the vehicle is stopped. 【0085】 In this embodiment, the virtual space management unit 211 issues drawing instructions to the virtual content output unit 204. Alternatively, the virtual content output unit 204 may periodically query the virtual space management unit 211 and issue drawing instructions in response. In this embodiment, accelerator information is output directly from each control unit 104 to the instrument panel unit 107. However, accelerator information output to the vehicle communication unit 102 may be transferred to the instrument panel unit 107. The same applies to other vehicle information. 【0086】 (Example 2: Driving experience using an advanced driver assistance system) The operation of the simulation system 10 in this example will be explained using the scenario in Figure 5(b) and the flowcharts in Figures 8a and 8b. 【0087】 [Content Selection Event] The user logs into the simulation system 10 using a device such as a smartphone owned by the user, and selects the content they want to experience (q1). In this case, the user selects content for a driving experience using an advanced driver assistance system. The scenario management unit 202 of the simulation device 200 recognizes the content selected by the user and selects the scenario information in Figure 5(b) that corresponds to that content. Then, in order to execute the content selection event, it instructs the virtual space management unit 211 to display image data (ccc.mp4) containing the exterior scenery of a model course starting from the current location (q2). The virtual space management unit 211 reads the image data (ccc.mp4) from the storage unit 105, extracts the image of the current location from it, and outputs it to the virtual content output unit 204 (q3). The virtual content output unit 204 then outputs the image of the current location to the virtual space display device 300. 【0088】 [Accelerator Operation Events] The accelerator operation events (q4 to q7) in this embodiment are the same as the accelerator operation events (p7 to p10) in Embodiment 1. However, in this embodiment, active suspension information from the virtual vehicle information is not transmitted. 【0089】[Night Driving Event] As an event set on the model course, at 00:30 the scenery outside the vehicle gradually darkens, and an event is executed to experience night driving (q8). Thus, the night event is not triggered by user input, but rather by a time predetermined in the scenario information. The virtual space management unit 211 extracts images from the read image data (ccc.mp4) at time 00:30 and thereafter and outputs them to the virtual content output unit 204 (q9). The virtual content output unit 204 then outputs the images from time 00:30 onwards as night driving scenery to the virtual space display device 300. When the night video is displayed, the virtual vehicle information extraction unit 213 extracts the light-on information as virtual vehicle information and notifies the scenario management unit 202. As for the method of extracting the light-on information, for example, if the scenario information includes light-on information, it can be extracted from that scenario information. If the scenario information includes sensor output values, for example the value of the illuminance sensor, the light-on information may be generated using the illuminance sensor value and an algorithm similar to that of an automobile to determine whether or not to turn on the lights. If light activation information and illuminance sensor values ​​are linked to image or audio files as metadata, then the light activation information and illuminance sensor values ​​can be extracted from those image or audio files. If the scenario information and image files do not contain light activation information or illuminance sensor values, the movement and brightness of the virtual content itself can be analyzed to generate the light activation information and illuminance sensor values. The same applies to other methods for extracting virtual vehicle information. 【0090】The scenario management unit 202 instructs the simulator communication unit 201 to transmit the light illumination information as virtual vehicle information, and the simulator communication unit 201 transmits the light illumination information (q10). The vehicle communication unit 102 then receives this information. The vehicle communication unit 102 outputs the light illumination information to the instrument panel unit 107. The instrument panel unit 107 displays the light illumination indicator light. The vehicle communication unit 102 also outputs the light illumination information to the ECU 20, one of the various control units 104 that controls the exterior lights. The various control units 104 turn on the exterior lights according to the light illumination information. The scenario management unit 202 notifies the virtual space management unit 211 of the light illumination information and instructs it to display a landscape image of what it would look like when the lights are on. The virtual space management unit 211 generates a video with increased brightness values ​​in the light illumination range from the read image data (ccc.mp4) and outputs it to the virtual content output unit 204 (q11). The virtual content output unit 204 then outputs the image of the vehicle with the lights on to the virtual space display device 300 as a scene of the vehicle driving with the lights on. In this embodiment, both control of the actual vehicle and control of the virtual vehicle (i.e., processing of the image to be displayed) are performed on the light-on information, but control of only one of them may be performed. The same applies to other virtual vehicle information. 【0091】 [Instruction Event for Automatic Lighting Function] The scenario management unit 202 notifies the UI event management unit 212 of the light lighting information and instructs it to display instructions for the automatic light lighting function (q12). The UI event management unit 212 reads the image data (ddd.mp4) to be used for the instructions for the automatic light lighting function and outputs it to the virtual content output unit 204 (q13). The virtual content output unit 204 then outputs the image data (ddd.mp4) and the corresponding audio data to the virtual space display device 300. 【0092】Other events related to advanced driver assistance systems include forward collision warning, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance assistance, and rain sensors. By preparing scenario information and the image data used for these, it is possible to provide users with the opportunity to experience these functions. 【0093】 (Other Embodiments) This embodiment can also be applied to the following virtual content: (a) Instructions for a music playback audio system are displayed using virtual content, and when a user who has seen the instructions operates the audio system in the actual vehicle, music is played in the actual vehicle, and a musical score and frequency spectrum analyzer are displayed in the virtual content. In this case, as vehicle information, musical score data, audio data, volume data, etc., can be transmitted from the in-vehicle device 100 to the simulation device 200. 【0094】 (b) Changing the driving mode: The vehicle's driving video is displayed using virtual content, and when the user changes the driving mode by operating the equipment on the actual vehicle, the display on the instrument panel 107 of the actual vehicle is changed, and the background color of the video in the virtual content is also changed. In this case, the driving mode information is transmitted from the in-vehicle device 100 to the simulation device 200 as vehicle information. 【0095】(c) Charging Experience Charging an electric vehicle takes a considerable amount of time. Therefore, as scenario information during charging mode, virtual content can be played that explains how to spend time in the car, starting from the start of charging, to allow the user to have a simulated experience. For example, consider a case where virtual content is displayed that includes a simulated experience video and instructions, showing how to recline the seat back of the actual vehicle, change the air conditioning settings, diffuse fragrance into the virtual vehicle's cabin, and lower the transmittance of the tinted glass during the charging period. In this case, the operation of the equipment that reclines the seat back, changes the air conditioning settings, diffuses fragrance into the virtual vehicle's cabin, and lowers the transmittance of the tinted glass is performed on the actual vehicle side, and it is not necessary to send vehicle information to the simulation device 200. Alternatively, when the user operates the equipment in the actual vehicle according to the instructions to recline the seat back and change the air conditioning settings, the in-vehicle device 100 transmits seat position information (position, angle, etc.) and air conditioning control information as vehicle information to the simulation device 200. Furthermore, when the simulation device 200 executes an event in which a fragrance specified in the scenario information is diffused into the passenger compartment of the actual vehicle to reduce the transmittance of the dimmable glass, the simulated experience video of this event is output to the virtual space display device 300. Simultaneously, the simulation device 200 transmits information such as the amount of fragrance sprayed and the operation information of the dimmable glass as virtual vehicle information to the in-vehicle device 100, and the actual vehicle may operate the relevant equipment according to this information. 【0096】(d) ADAS experience (object display) Object display is a function that aims to reduce the load on the user's visibility and recognition by displaying as an object other than other vehicles, people, and signs (so-called objects) in front of and around the vehicle that the actual vehicle has recognized by devices such as cameras and radar, along with the vehicle, lane information and navigation information, on the center display unit 106 or the instrument panel unit 107, thereby allowing the user to recognize the status of the vehicle. For example, instead of performing object recognition on the actual vehicle, virtual content is displayed that shows the movement of other vehicles and signs in the surrounding area as a video of the car in motion, and the display on the instrument panel unit 107 of the actual vehicle is changed. In this case, as virtual vehicle information, detection information of other vehicles, people and signs, distance information to other vehicles and signs, road shape information, etc. should be transmitted from the simulation device 200 to the in-vehicle device 100. 【0097】(5) Summary As described above, according to the simulation system 10 of this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 100 transmits vehicle information and the simulation device 200 receives vehicle information, so vehicle information can be shared between the in-vehicle device 100 and the simulation device 200. As a result, operations and behaviors performed on the actual exhibited car can be reflected in the simulation device 200. Furthermore, according to the simulation system 10 of this embodiment, the simulation device 200 transmits virtual vehicle information and the in-vehicle device 100 receives virtual vehicle information, so virtual vehicle information can be shared between the in-vehicle device 100 and the simulation device 200. As a result, events in the simulation device 200 can be reflected in the display and behavior of the actual exhibited car. Furthermore, according to the simulation system 10 of this embodiment, in addition to vehicle information, user information is transmitted from the in-vehicle device 100 to the simulation device 200, so user information can be shared between the in-vehicle device 100 and the simulation device 200. As a result, user-specific circumstances can be reflected in the simulation device 200. Furthermore, according to the simulation system 10 of this embodiment, since the vehicle information to be transmitted to the simulation device 200 is determined by referring to a routing table, only the vehicle information necessary for generating virtual content can be transmitted. As a result, the communication load between the in-vehicle device 100 and the simulation device 200 can be reduced. In addition, information related to privacy can be avoided from being transmitted. And as an incidental effect of achieving these features and technical effects, an economic effect can be expected in that it can promote automobile sales. 【0098】 4. Summary The features of the simulation systems, etc., in each embodiment of this disclosure (including examples; the same applies hereinafter) have been described above. 【0099】 The terms used in each embodiment are illustrative and may be replaced with synonymous terms or terms that include synonymous functions. 【0100】The block diagram used in describing the embodiment classifies and organizes the device configuration by function. Each block representing a function can be realized by any combination of hardware or software. Furthermore, since it represents a function, such a block diagram can also be understood as a disclosure of a method invention and a program invention that realizes said method. 【0101】 The functional blocks that can be understood as processes, flows, and methods described in each embodiment may be reordered, unless there are constraints such as a relationship where one step utilizes the results of other preceding steps. 【0102】 The terms first, second, through N (where N is an integer) used in each embodiment and claim are used to distinguish between two or more configurations or methods of the same kind, and do not imply any order or hierarchy. 【0103】 Furthermore, examples of the forms of in-vehicle devices and simulation devices in this disclosure include the following: Examples of component forms include semiconductor elements, electronic circuits, modules, and microcomputers. Examples of semi-finished products include ECUs and system boards. Examples of finished products include mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, personal computers (PCs), workstations, and servers. Other devices with communication functions include, for example, video cameras, still cameras, and car navigation systems. 【0104】 An example of the form of the data proxy service module in this disclosure is a component. An example of the form of the electronic control system in this disclosure is a semi-finished product or a finished product. 【0105】 The simulation device described herein is intended to be used, particularly on the server side, for the purpose of providing various services. In connection with the provision of such services, the simulation device described herein will be used, the communication method described herein will be used, and / or the communication program described herein will be executed. 【0106】In addition, this disclosure can be implemented not only with dedicated hardware having the configuration and functions described in each embodiment, but also as a combination of a program for implementing this disclosure recorded on a recording medium such as memory or a hard disk, and general-purpose hardware having a dedicated or general-purpose CPU and memory capable of executing this program. 【0107】 Programs stored on non-transitional physical recording media of dedicated or general-purpose hardware (e.g., external storage devices (hard disks, USB memory, CDs / BDs, etc.), or internal storage devices (RAM, ROMs, etc.)) can also be provided to the dedicated or general-purpose hardware via the recording media, or via a communication line from a server without using the recording media. This allows for the provision of the latest functionality through program upgrades. 【0108】 The simulation system described herein is intended for use with actual automobiles, but it can be applied to various types of moving objects, not just automobiles. For example, simulations using all or part of a ship or airplane may be considered.

Claims

1. An in-vehicle device (100) comprising a simulation device (200) and an in-vehicle device (100) used to allow a user wearing a virtual space display device (300) inside the cabin of an automobile to experience the driving state or in-vehicle functions of the automobile, the in-vehicle device (100) comprising: an acquisition unit (101) that acquires vehicle information indicating the operation or state of the automobile; and a vehicle communication unit (102) that transmits the vehicle information to the simulation device and receives virtual vehicle information from the simulation device indicating the operation or state of a virtual automobile assumed by the simulation device.

2. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle communication unit transmits user information, which is information relating to the user, to the simulation device in addition to the vehicle information.

3. The vehicle communication unit determines the vehicle information to be transmitted to the simulation device by referring to a routing table, which is a table that specifies at least one of the information to be transmitted to the simulation device or the information not to be transmitted to the simulation device, according to claim 1.

4. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the in-vehicle device controls the operating state of a device that controls the functions of the automobile, and the acquisition unit acquires the vehicle information to be transmitted to the simulation device.

5. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the in-vehicle device has a transfer unit (103) that transfers the virtual vehicle information received by the vehicle communication unit to a device that controls the functions of the automobile.

6. A communication program executable on an in-vehicle device that constitutes a simulation system (10) consisting of a simulation device (200) and an in-vehicle device (100), used to allow a user wearing a virtual space display device (300) inside the cabin of an automobile to experience the driving state or in-vehicle functions of the automobile, the communication program causing the in-vehicle device to execute a process that includes acquiring vehicle information indicating the operation or state of the automobile (S101), transmitting the vehicle information to the simulation device (S102), and receiving virtual vehicle information indicating the operation or state of a virtual automobile assumed by the simulation device from the simulation device (S103).

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