JP7398845B2 - Driving assistance systems and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a driving support system and a driving support program that support driving of a driver.

A driving support system has been proposed in which a character displayed on a display screen communicates with the driver to assist the driver in driving. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a driving support system that supports a driver's driving by changing the facial expressions and gestures of a character displayed on a display screen depending on the state of the vehicle. This driving support system changes the expression of a character displayed on a display screen to make the character angry or sad, for example, when the driver drives recklessly. When the driver sees that the character is angry or sad, he realizes that he has been driving recklessly and changes his driving method. On the other hand, when the driver drives carefully and calmly, the driving support system changes the expression of the character displayed on the display screen to make the character happy or energetic. When the driver sees the character being happy or energetic, the driver feels relieved and continues to drive safely. In this way, the driving support system described in Patent Document 1 uses the driver's emotions such as trying not to make the character uncomfortable and wanting the character to be happy, so that the driver can feel safe. Encourage driving.

JP2003-72488A

In order to make the driver strongly feel emotions such as trying not to make the character uncomfortable or wanting the character to be happy, it is necessary to make the driver empathize strongly with the character. However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, the facial expression of the character when the driver is driving roughly or politely is uniformly determined depending on the driving mode, for example. As described above, since the facial expressions and gestures of the characters displayed on the display screen are monotonous and lack variety, the driver tends to get bored with communicating with the characters. Therefore, the state in which the driver feels strongly emotionally attached to the character does not last, and eventually, even if the character's facial expression or gesture changes, the driver no longer feels anything. As a result, there is a problem in that the driving support system is unable to encourage the driver to drive safely.

An object of the present invention is to provide a driving support system and a driving support program that can continuously encourage the driver to drive safely by maintaining the driver's strong emotional empathy for the character. .

A driving support system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a driving support system in which the character communicates with the user and supports the user's driving by outputting character information, and the driving support system is a driving support system in which the character communicates with the user and supports the user's driving, and the communication is expressed in The expression mode corresponding to the familiarity level is determined by referring to a storage unit in which information indicating the familiarity level is stored for each familiarity level specified based on the driving state of the vehicle, and the character is displayed in the expression mode. The character information is output so as to communicate with the user, and the intimacy of the character with respect to the user is determined based on the intimacy so that it changes depending on the driving state of the user. The character information is output in the expression mode.

According to the first aspect, the driving support system allows the user to recognize living things such as people and animals as characters by outputting character information to the user. The character information is output from the driving support device using various methods to appeal to the user's five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell). For example, character information may be output by displaying an image of the character on a display unit (such as a display). Further, for example, the character information may be output by outputting the character's voice from an audio output unit (such as a speaker). As a result, communication is performed in which the character notifies the user of information.

In the driving support system, the mode of expression of communication by the character is changed depending on the degree of intimacy between the user and the character. This increases the user's level of emotional empathy with the character and makes the user feel as if the character is a real object. The user obediently responds to the character's urging for safe driving and actively tries to drive safely so that the character's intimacy with the user is maintained at a high level and further increased. In this way, the driving support system maintains the user's level of emotional empathy toward the character, thereby preventing the user from getting bored with communicating with the character, and encouraging the user to continue driving safely. can be encouraged.

In the first aspect, the storage unit has a function of detecting the state of the vehicle, and the storage unit stores information indicating the mode of expression of the communication for each of the degrees of familiarity and for each state of the vehicle, The character information may be outputted so that the expression mode corresponding to the density and the state of the vehicle is determined, and the character communicates with the user using the expression mode.

For example, the driving support system may identify appropriate notification items depending on the state of the vehicle and notify the user via a character. For example, the driving support system may warn the user according to the driving speed, or guide the driver to be careful when steering or braking suddenly. Thereby, the driving support system can appropriately call attention to optimal safe driving according to the state of the vehicle.

In the first aspect, the traffic monitoring device includes a function of specifying the location of the vehicle, and specifies the location of the traffic monitoring device by referring to a storage unit in which location information of the traffic monitoring device is stored. It is preferable that the character information is output so that the user is notified of information indicating the relationship between the position of the vehicle and the position of the vehicle.

The user can recognize the installation location of the traffic monitoring device through communication with the character. Traffic monitoring devices are often installed in locations where traffic accidents are likely to occur or where accidents have occurred in the past. Therefore, by notifying the user of information regarding the installation location of the traffic monitoring device, the driving support system can make the user aware of locations where traffic accidents are likely to occur, and encourage the user to be especially careful about safe driving in such locations.

In the first aspect, it is determined whether the vehicle approaches the traffic monitoring device by receiving radio waves transmitted from the traffic monitoring device, and when the vehicle approaches the traffic monitoring device, the character It is preferable to output the character information so that the user is notified.

Through communication with the character, the user can recognize that there is a traffic monitoring device near the vehicle. Traffic monitoring devices are often installed in locations where traffic accidents are likely to occur or where accidents have occurred in the past. Therefore, by notifying the user that a traffic monitoring device is near the vehicle, the driving assistance system can make the user aware of areas where traffic accidents are likely to occur, and encourage the user to be especially careful about driving safely in such areas. can.

In the first aspect, the function includes a function of outputting information for supporting the user's driving by a method other than outputting the character information, and includes a character mode in which the character information is output and a non-character mode in which the character information is not output. The character mode and the non-character mode may be switched based on detection of a predetermined switching operation.

The user can instantly switch between character mode and non-character mode. This function is particularly effective when the user does not want other users to know that the driving support system is operating in character mode. In such a case, the user wants to immediately switch from character mode to non-character mode.

In the first aspect, when the character information is output by outputting the character's voice from a speaker, the character's voice may be muted based on detection of a predetermined operation. The user can immediately mute the character's voice. This function is particularly effective when the user does not want other users to hear the character's voice. In such a case, the user wants to mute the character's voice with a simple operation.

In the first aspect, the driving support system specifies the position of the vehicle by receiving radio waves transmitted from a regional navigation satellite, and when receiving the radio waves transmitted from the regional navigation satellite, determines the location of the vehicle in the region. It is preferable to output the character information so that the character notifies the user of information indicating that a radio wave transmitted from a navigation satellite has been received.

For example, when the driving support device captures the regional navigation satellite "Michibiki", it is preferable to notify the user via a character that "Michibiki" has been captured. By doing so, the user can recognize in detail what kind of satellite is being used to specify the position of the vehicle in the driving support system. Since the user can know the specific movements of the driving support system in detail, the user can increase the sense of familiarity with the driving support system.

In the first aspect, the position of the vehicle is specified based on at least one of radio waves transmitted from a global navigation satellite and radio waves transmitted from a regional navigation satellite, and at least the radio waves from the regional navigation satellite are used. If the location of the vehicle can be determined using the radio waves from the regional navigation satellite, the user may be notified in a different manner from when the location of the vehicle can be determined without using radio waves from the regional navigation satellite. The user can clearly recognize at a glance whether the vehicle's position has been specified by receiving radio waves from the regional navigation satellite.

In a first aspect, when the intimacy level is less than a first threshold, the character information is output from a first output unit, and when the intimacy level is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the character information is output from the first output unit and the character information. It is preferable to output the character information from a second output section different from the first output section. In the first aspect, the character information may include image information and audio information, and the image information may be output from the first output section and the audio information may be output from the second output section.

When the degree of intimacy is low, since the image of the character is output, the user increases his or her expectations to quickly start intimate communication with the character by recognizing other forms of expression (for example, voice) based on the character information. By utilizing the user's psychology, the driving support system can increase the user's degree of emotional empathy with the character.

Note that contrary to the above, the first output section may be an audio output section. It is preferable that the second output section is an image output section. Then, it is preferable to output voice as character information from the first output section. It is preferable to output an image as the character information from the second output section.

In the first aspect, it is preferable that the image of the character, which is the character information displayed on the display section, be changed depending on the time when the image of the character is displayed. For example, a plurality of character images may be prepared for each period. This can prevent the user from getting bored with the character images. Furthermore, since the user feels a desire to see an image of a new character, the driving support system can effectively guide the user to safe driving by utilizing this emotion. For example, the driving support system may be controlled so that a new character image is not displayed when the user drives in a dangerous manner. This makes the user always keep in mind safe driving.

In the first aspect, when the familiarity level is less than a second threshold, an image of the character is output from the display unit as the character information, the voice of the character is not output from the audio output unit, and the familiarity level is lower than the second threshold. If it is two or more thresholds, it is preferable to output an image of the character and a sound of the character as the character information.

Since the user cannot recognize the character's voice in a state of low familiarity, the user has expectations of recognizing not only the character's image but also the character's voice. By utilizing the user's psychology, the driving support system can increase the user's degree of emotional empathy with the character.

In the first aspect, the character information is output so that the character communicates with the user in the expression mode such that the character's intimacy with the user increases as the intimacy level increases. good. The driving support system can increase the intimacy of the character with the user as the intimacy determined based on the driving state increases. By feeling that the intimacy of the character is gradually increasing, the user gradually becomes more familiar with the character and empathizes strongly with the character. The user will respond more obediently to notifications from the character so as not to be disliked by the character. Therefore, the user obediently responds to the character's encouragement to drive safely and drives safely.

In the first aspect, the character information may be output so that the character communicates in a different manner of expression each time the driving support system is activated. For example, character information may be switched and output at each startup time, as if the character were a real creature. As a result, the user feels as if the character is real, and the user empathizes strongly with the character. The user will respond more obediently to notifications from the character so as not to be disliked by the character. Therefore, the user obediently responds to the character's encouragement to drive safely and drives safely.

In the first aspect, when the time when the driving support system is activated is early in the morning, the character information may be outputted so that the character communicates with the user in a sleepy expression. By seeing the character in a sleepy state, the user begins to feel as if the character is a real living thing. Furthermore, the user feels sorry for the character for having woken him up. By making the user feel these emotions, the driving support device can further increase the user's level of empathy for the character.

In the first aspect, when the time when the driving support system is activated is late at night, the character information may be outputted so as to communicate with the user in an expression in which the character sleeps. By watching the character go to bed, the user feels as if the character is a real living thing. Furthermore, the user feels close to the character. By making the user feel these emotions, the driving support device can further increase the user's level of empathy for the character.

In the first aspect, the voice of the character and the voice of another character different from the character by a person playing the character are stored in the storage unit as the expression mode, and the familiarity level is set to a third threshold. If the familiarity level is less than a third threshold, the voice of the other character may be output as the character information, and if the familiarity is equal to or higher than a third threshold, the voice of the character may be output as the character information.

By listening to the voice of another character in a state where the degree of familiarity is less than the third threshold, the user can, for example, hear the voice of another character different from the character played by the person playing the character, if the character is played by a familiar person. I feel relieved when I hear this, and at the same time, I want to hear the voice of a character unique to this system, for example. In such a state, when the degree of familiarity increases and the character's voice can be heard, the user's degree of emotional empathy with the character will further increase compared to the case where the user listens to the character's voice from the beginning.

In the first aspect, when the familiarity level is equal to or higher than a fourth threshold value that is larger than the third threshold value, it is preferable that the voice of the other character is also output. When the degree of familiarity increases, the user can hear both the character's voice and the voice of another character.

In the first aspect, a voice of the character that interacts with a first attitude and a voice of the character that interacts with a second attitude are stored in the storage unit as the expression mode, and the familiarity is less than a fifth threshold. In this case, it is preferable to output the voice of the character in the first attitude as the character information, and output the voice of the character in the second attitude when the intimacy is equal to or higher than a fifth threshold.

The second attitude is preferably an attitude that is different from the first attitude, and the second attitude is preferably an attitude that has elements opposite to the first attitude. In particular, the first attitude should be an attitude that generally has a negative image, and the second attitude should be an attitude that has a generally positive image. In this way, when the degree of familiarity exceeds the threshold, the person's attitude will suddenly change, and the person will be attracted to the gap in attitude. As a result, the driver can develop and maintain stronger emotional empathy for the character.

In the first aspect, the first attitude may be an attitude of treating the user harshly, and the second attitude may be an attitude of treating the user in an accommodating manner. As the degree of intimacy increases, the character's attitude gradually becomes more intimate, and the user further increases the degree of emotional empathy for the character. The user will respond more obediently to notifications from the character so as not to be disliked by the character. Therefore, the user obediently responds to the character's encouragement to drive safely and drives safely.

In the first aspect, when the familiarity level is equal to or higher than a sixth threshold value that is larger than the fifth threshold value, it is preferable that a voice of the character approaching the user in a harsh manner is also output. When the user's intimacy level increases, the user can hear both the voice with a harsh attitude and the voice with a calm attitude.

In the first aspect, when the user performs an operation to set conditions for outputting the character information, the operation is accepted only when the degree of familiarity is equal to or higher than a seventh threshold; is less than the seventh threshold, the operation may not be accepted. Unless the degree of familiarity is above a certain level, the user cannot set conditions for outputting character information. The user expects to be able to enter conditions if the intimacy is below a certain level. By irritating the user in this way, the driving support system can increase the user's level of emotional empathy with the character.

In a first aspect, the driving support system operates in either a character mode in which the character information is output or a non-character mode in which the character information is not output, and only when operating in the character mode, It is preferable that an operation for setting conditions for outputting the character information is received via the setting screen. A user can use the driving support system by switching between character mode and non-character mode. In addition, the user can set conditions for outputting character information only when the driving support system is operating in character mode, so if the driving support system is operating in non-character mode, character information may be incorrectly output. It is possible to prevent the conditions for outputting from being changed.

In the first aspect, a setting screen for setting operating conditions of the driving support system is displayed on the display unit, and the setting screen includes a selection that is first selected when setting conditions for outputting the character information. It is preferable to include an operation section. The user can clearly recognize at a glance the operation for setting conditions for outputting character information.

In the first aspect, if the user performs an operation to set conditions for outputting the character information, and the familiarity level is less than the eighth threshold, the operation is not accepted. It is preferable that the user is notified of this using a voice with a different tone from the voice of the character. This allows the user to clearly recognize that the setting of the condition has been rejected.

In the first aspect, it is preferable to notify the user that the operation is not accepted and introduce the functions of the driving support system to the user. The user can recognize the functions of the driving assistance system and learn how to configure them. Even if the user is not well aware of the functions of the driving support device in advance, the user can gradually become aware of the various functions while using the driving support system.

In the first aspect, the wallpaper operation section for selecting wallpaper displayed on the display section, the number of which can be selected increases with the passage of time and date, is displayed on the display section, and the wallpaper operation section The wallpaper selected by the user via the driving support system may be displayed on the display unit at least either when the driving support system is activated or when the driving support system is in standby mode. The user can select a favorite wallpaper and display it on the display unit. Since the number of wallpapers that can be displayed increases as time passes, even if the user uses the driving support system for a long time, changing the wallpaper can prevent the user from getting bored.

In the first aspect, a playback operation unit is displayed on the display unit for configuring settings that enable the character's voice, which has been once outputted from the voice output unit as the character information, to be outputted again at an arbitrary timing. , after the settings for re-outputting the character's voice are made via the playback operation unit, when the user issues an instruction to re-output the character's voice that has been output, the specified It is preferable to output the voice of the character. As a result, the character's voice, once reproduced, can be heard repeatedly at any desired timing.

In the first aspect, an attire operation section for selecting an attire of the character indicated by an image of the character displayed on the display section as the character information is displayed on the display section, and the attire is displayed via the attire operation section. After the character is selected, an image of the character wearing the selected clothing may be displayed on the display unit.

The user can now display a character wearing his or her favorite outfit on the display unit. This allows the user to switch the appearance of the character as desired, thereby further increasing the degree of emotional empathy for the character. Furthermore, the driving support system can display characters in various display modes, so that the user does not get bored.

In the first aspect, if the familiarity level is less than a ninth threshold, even if the outfit is selected via the outfit operation section, an image of the character wearing the selected outfit is displayed. may be prohibited with a predetermined probability. If the user has low familiarity with the character, the user will rarely be rejected even if the user performs an operation to change the character's clothing. This allows the user to increase intimacy and ensure that the character's clothing can be changed. As a result, the user becomes more likely to follow the character's notifications, and obediently responds to the safe driving guidance from the driving support system and tries to drive safely. Further, the driving support system can further increase the degree of emotional empathy of the user with the character by making the character behave as if it were a real living thing.

In the first aspect, the background image of the settings screen may be changed based on the user's instructions. You can change the background of the settings screen to your preference. This can prevent the user from getting bored with the display mode being too monotonous.

In the first aspect, a mode operation section for selecting either a character mode that outputs the character information or a non-character mode that does not output the character information is displayed on the display section, and a color of an outer frame of the mode operation section is displayed. may be changed depending on the degree of intimacy. The user can clearly recognize the mode of communication expression by the character just by looking at the mode operation section.

In the first aspect, it is preferable that an image indicating the degree of intimacy as a degree of intimacy of the character with respect to the user is displayed on the display unit. This allows the user to recognize the degree of intimacy between the characters at a glance.

In a first aspect, an initialization operation unit that initializes the operating state is displayed on a display unit,
When an operation to initialize the driving state is performed via the initialization operation section, it is preferable to initialize the familiarity level of the user. This allows the user to repeatedly experience the process of gradually increasing the character's intimacy with the user by initializing the driving state.

In the first aspect, the operating state includes a storage unit that stores setting information other than the operating state, and when an initialization operation is input via the initialization operation unit, the operating state is initialized. It is preferable not to initialize setting information other than the operating state. The driving support system can initialize the motion state without erasing the setting information set by the user. This saves the user the trouble of repeatedly setting the setting information to the driving support system.

In the first aspect, position information indicating the position of the vehicle is acquired, and based on map information in which an object on a map and the position information are associated with each other, and the acquired position information, the vehicle and the object are The character information may be determined and output based on the positional relationship.

The driving support system can identify appropriate notification items according to the positional relationship between the vehicle and the target and notify the user via a character. As a notification matter, for example, it is preferable to notify that the vehicle approaches a place where a traffic accident is likely to occur, such as a sharp curve or a place with poor visibility. Additionally, it is preferable to notify that a vehicle approaches a location where a traffic monitoring device is installed. This allows the driving support system to encourage the user to drive safely in dangerous locations. In particular, since the user has strong emotional attachment to the character, it is assumed that the user obediently responds to the notification from the character. Therefore, the driving support system can accurately guide the user to drive safely. For example, the driving support device may provide different notifications from the characters depending on the degree of familiarity.

In the first aspect, the character information may be output so that the character communicates with the user in different expression modes depending on the distance between the vehicle and the object. Through communication with the character, the user can easily and clearly recognize the distance between the vehicle and the object at a glance. For example, when the distance between the vehicle and a place where a traffic accident is likely to occur, such as a sharp curve or a place with poor visibility, becomes short, the character may notify the user in different ways depending on the distance. This allows the user to recognize the distance between the dangerous place and the vehicle, so that the user can drive appropriately in accordance with the distance.

In the first aspect, it is preferable to have a function of detecting the behavior of the vehicle, and when the detected behavior satisfies a predetermined condition, determine and output the character information based on the behavior. The driving support system can identify appropriate notification items based on the behavior of the vehicle and notify the user via a character. As a notification item, for example, a warning against sudden steering, sudden braking, or sudden starting may be provided. This allows the driving support system to warn against dangerous driving and to encourage gentle driving. In particular, since the user has strong emotional attachment to the character, it is assumed that the user obediently responds to the character's notification matters. Therefore, the driving support system can accurately guide the user to drive safely.

In the first aspect, the vehicle may have a function of detecting acceleration applied to the vehicle, and the behavior may be determined based on the detected acceleration. A driving assistance system can determine the behavior of a vehicle based on the acceleration applied to the vehicle. For example, the driving support system preferably detects vehicle behavior such as sudden steering, sudden braking, and sudden starting by detecting acceleration in the longitudinal and lateral directions.

In the first aspect, it is preferable to output the character information so that the character communicates with the user in different expression modes depending on the magnitude and direction of the acceleration. The driving support system can specify the state of the vehicle in detail based on the magnitude and direction of acceleration. For example, the driving support system may identify sudden steering, sudden braking, sudden acceleration, etc. based on the magnitude and direction of acceleration, and issue notifications to call attention to these situations. Thereby, the user can drive safely by trying not to drive dangerously in response to the notification from the character.

In the first aspect, it is preferable to output the character information so that the character speaks to the user and the character walks around within a display area of the display unit to communicate in at least one of the following expression modes. As a result, the user feels a sense of intimacy with the character, and the degree of emotional empathy of the user with the character further increases. For example, the character information may be output in the manner described above during a time period other than when the output is based on the positional relationship between the vehicle and the object or when the acceleration satisfies a predetermined condition. This makes the user feel as if the character is always near him, which further increases the user's level of emotional empathy with the character. For example, it is preferable to change the phrases of the characters depending on the degree of familiarity.

In the first aspect, when a positional relationship between the position of the object whose traffic is monitored and the vehicle satisfies a predetermined relationship, it is preferable to output an image of the character wearing a predetermined outfit as the character information. By changing the appearance of the character, the user can easily and clearly recognize at a glance that the positions of the traffic monitoring target and the vehicle satisfy a predetermined relationship. Traffic monitoring targets are often installed in locations where there is a high possibility of traffic accidents occurring, so users need to accurately identify locations with a high risk of traffic accidents in advance and keep traffic safety in mind. Able to drive.

In the first aspect, it is preferable that the character information is the voice of the character for notifying information regarding the object whose traffic is being monitored. Even when the user is not looking at the driving assistance system, the user can reliably recognize by voice that the position of the vehicle and the subject to be monitored for traffic satisfies a predetermined relationship. can.

In the first aspect, the vehicle has a function of detecting the speed at which the vehicle is running, and the speed limit at the location where the vehicle is running is obtained, and the detected speed exceeds the speed limit. In this case, it is preferable to output the character information so that the character communicates in an expression that warns the user. The user can easily recognize that the traveling speed of the vehicle exceeds the speed limit. Since the user has a strong degree of emotional empathy with the character, the user obediently responds to warnings from the character and tries to drive safely.

In the first aspect, it is preferable to have a function of detecting the behavior of the vehicle, and output the character information so that when the behavior satisfies a predetermined condition, the character communicates in a car-sick expression. . For example, when a large acceleration in the lateral direction of the vehicle is detected, it may be determined that the vehicle is being driven recklessly, and the character information may be output in an expression of car sickness. Since the user has a high degree of emotional empathy for the character, the user feels pity for the character's car-sickness and tries to drive carefully. The driving support system can encourage the user to drive carefully by utilizing the user's emotions.

In a first aspect, the character has a function of detecting acceleration applied to a vehicle, and when the acceleration satisfies a predetermined condition continues for a predetermined period or more, the character communicates with the user in an angry manner. It is preferable to output the character information as shown in FIG. For example, if the longitudinal or lateral acceleration of the vehicle frequently increases, it may be determined that the vehicle is being driven recklessly, and the character information may be output in an angry manner. Since the user has a high degree of emotional empathy for the character, the user reflects on the character's angry state and tries to drive carefully. The driving support system can encourage the user to drive carefully by utilizing the user's emotions.

In the first aspect, it is determined whether or not the user's concentration on driving has decreased, and when it is determined that the user's concentration has decreased, the character communicates with the user in an expression mode in which the character speaks to the user. It is preferable to output the character information. The driving support system can alert the user when it is determined that the user's concentration on driving has decreased. This allows the user to regain concentration and drive safely. Since the user has a high degree of emotional empathy with the character, the user obediently responds to the character's call to attention. For example, the character may communicate with the user in a manner that encourages the user to take a break. This allows the user to reliably regain concentration by actively taking a break.

In the first aspect, it is determined whether or not the running state of the vehicle is in a state where there is little change, and when it is determined that the running state is in a state where there is little change, the character communicates with the user in an expression mode in which the character speaks to the user. It is preferable to output the character information. If there is little change in the driving state of the vehicle, the user may be drowsy while driving. In such a case, the driving support system can relieve the user from dozing off by alerting the user. This allows the user to resume safe driving. Since the user has a high degree of emotional empathy with the character, the user obediently responds to the character's call to attention. For example, the character may communicate with the user in a manner that encourages the user to take a break. This allows the user to reliably regain concentration by actively taking a break.

In the first aspect, the device has a function of detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle, and when the vehicle is in the state when the traveling speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined value and the range of change in the traveling state of the vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined value. It is good to judge. The driving support system can accurately identify the user's condition using a simple method. This is because when these conditions are met, the user's concentration tends to decrease and the user tends to become sleepy.

In the first aspect, it may be determined that the vehicle is in the above-mentioned state if a change in the running state of the vehicle over a predetermined period of time satisfies a predetermined condition. The driving support system can accurately identify the user's condition using a simple method. For example, when the user is driving normally, the driving state changes frequently, so if this fluctuation is small, it may be determined that the user is falling asleep at the wheel.

In a first aspect, positional information of the vehicle is acquired, a road on which the vehicle is traveling is specified based on the acquired positional information and map information, and the type of the specified road meets a predetermined condition. If the following is satisfied, it is preferable to output the character information so that the character communicates with the user in an expression manner in which the character speaks to the user.

For example, the driving support system may identify whether the vehicle is traveling on an expressway or an elevated road. This is because when a vehicle is traveling on such a road, the traveling speed tends to be high and the driving tends to be monotonous with poor steering and speed changes. In such a case, the user's concentration tends to decline, and the user is likely to drive sluggishly or fall asleep while driving. In contrast, driving support systems can prevent traffic accidents by warning users especially on such roads. Therefore, the driving support system can effectively prevent traffic accidents and encourage users to drive safely.

In the first aspect, it is preferable to obtain the running speed of the vehicle, and output the character information so that when the obtained running speed satisfies a predetermined condition, the character communicates with the user in an expression mode in which the character speaks to the user. . When the vehicle is running at a high speed, even a slight amount of user carelessness can easily lead to an accident. On the other hand, the driving support system can warn the user especially in such a case through a character, so that it is possible to eliminate a situation where an accident is likely to occur and prevent an accident from occurring.

In a first aspect, the character information has a function of detecting acceleration applied to the vehicle, and when the detected acceleration satisfies a predetermined condition, the character information is configured to communicate with the user in an expression mode in which the character speaks to the user. It is good to output . For example, the driving support system may detect sudden start, sudden stop, sudden steering, etc. of the vehicle from the detected acceleration. If this type of driving is repeated, the possibility that the vehicle will cause an accident increases. On the other hand, the driving support system can warn the user especially in such a case through a character, so that the occurrence of an accident can be prevented.

In the first aspect, it is preferable to output the character information so that the character communicates in an expressive manner in which the character repeatedly speaks at a predetermined period. Even if the user does not notice the warning at the initial stage, by repeatedly issuing the warning, the user will eventually notice the warning and try to drive safely. In this way, the driving support system can reliably make the user aware of the warning.

In the first aspect, it is preferable that the contents of the conversations when the character repeatedly talks to each other at a predetermined period are different. The driving support system can prevent the user from getting bored with the characters by outputting character information so that the characters give warnings in different ways. As a result, the user continuously responds to the character's warnings and tries to drive safely.

In the first aspect, when the character repeatedly speaks at a predetermined period, the volume of the voice of the character may be gradually increased as the number of repetitions increases. Since the output character's voice gradually becomes louder, even if the user does not modify his driving method at the initial stage of the warning, the user will eventually modify his driving method in response to the loud voice. In this way, the driving support system can reliably guide the user to drive safely.

In a first aspect, position information indicating the position of the vehicle is acquired, and based on the acquired position information and map information, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has passed through a prefectural border. When it is determined that the prefectural border has been passed, the character information may be output so that the character notifies the user that the prefectural border has been passed. The driving support system can make the user aware of approximately where the vehicle is traveling. A driving support system can prevent a user from losing concentration, falling asleep while driving, etc. by letting the user imagine a rough image of how to get to the destination.

In the first aspect, coordinate information indicating the position of the vehicle is acquired, and based on map information in which an object on a map and the coordinate information are associated with each other, and the acquired coordinate information, the vehicle is traveling. Preferably, the character information is output so as to notify the user of the prefecture in which the character is running. The driving support system can make the user aware of approximately where the vehicle is traveling. A driving support system can prevent a user from losing concentration, falling asleep while driving, etc. by letting the user imagine a rough image of how to get to the destination.

In a first aspect, coordinate information indicating the position of the vehicle is acquired, and based on map information in which an object on a map and the coordinate information are associated with each other, and the acquired coordinate information, the vehicle and a predetermined point are determined. determine whether the distance between the vehicle and the predetermined point has become within a predetermined range, and if it is determined that the distance between the vehicle and the predetermined point has become within a predetermined range, notify the user that the predetermined point has approached. It is preferable to output the character information so as to notify the user.

For example, PA and SA may be assumed as the predetermined points. When the driving support system detects a decrease in the user's concentration or drowsiness while driving, the driving support system may recommend that the user take a break by stopping at the SA or PA. Thereby, the driving support system can restore the user's concentration and eliminate drowsiness. Further, for example, a sharp curve, a continuous curve, or a branch point may be assumed as the predetermined point. In places like this, even the slightest bit of carelessness can easily lead to an accident. The driving support system preferably warns the user via a character when approaching such a place, thereby preventing the user from losing concentration or falling asleep while driving in a dangerous place. This allows the driving support system to more reliably prevent traffic accidents.

In the first aspect, the character information may be output so that the character notifies the user of the distance from the vehicle to the predetermined point. For example, the driving support system may specifically notify the distance to a predetermined point, for example, "kilometers ahead." This allows the driving support system to continue to ensure safe driving even before the driver reaches a dangerous location where a traffic accident is likely to occur. In this way, the driving support system can eliminate the user's loss of concentration, drowsy driving, etc., well in advance of a location where a traffic accident is likely to occur.

In the first aspect, it is preferable that a storage medium storing data indicating an expression mode when outputting the character information is used as the storage section. By acquiring character information from a storage medium, the expression mode of the character can be changed in various ways. Thereby, the driving support device can prevent the user from getting bored with the characters by providing the user with a new expression mode.

In the first aspect, the driving state may be a driving frequency of the vehicle by the user, and the familiarity may be determined based on the driving frequency. The driving support system can identify the familiarity level of the driver based on the driving frequency of the driver. For example, the driving support system may set the familiarity level to be high when the driving frequency is high, and set the familiarity level to be low when the driving frequency is low.

In the first aspect, the driving state may be a distance traveled by the vehicle due to driving by the user. The driving support system can identify familiarity based on mileage. For example, the driving support system may set a high degree of familiarity when the distance traveled is long, and set a low degree of familiarity when the distance traveled is short.

The driving support program according to the second aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute each function of the driving support system described above.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the driving support system 4. FIG. 3 is a table for explaining display modes of the driving support system 4. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of a screen displayed in radar standby display mode. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second example of a screen displayed in radar standby display mode. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in OBD display mode. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in MAP display mode-animation mode. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in MAP display mode--live-action mode. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in MAP display mode-character mode. 5 is a schematic diagram showing information stored in an SD card 5. FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing information stored in RAM 44. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing main processing. It is a flowchart which shows fixed periodic processing. It is a flowchart which shows target position specification processing. It is a flowchart which shows driving state identification processing. 5 is a flowchart showing character mode processing. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a logo screen displayed based on logo information 213. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of a still screen displayed based on still screen information 214. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a still screen displayed based on still screen information 214. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing startup information 215. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating character voices among activation information 215. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing character information 2114. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing voice information of character information 2114. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing character information 2124. FIG. It is a figure which shows the character image displayed in alarm display mode. It is a figure which shows the character image displayed in alarm display mode. It is a figure which shows the character image displayed in alarm display mode. It is a figure which shows the character image displayed in alarm display mode. It is a figure which shows the character image displayed in alarm display mode. 3 is a schematic diagram showing setting information 23. FIG. It is a figure which shows the transition of a setting screen. 3 is a diagram showing a main menu screen 110. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen setting screen 120. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen selection screen 130. FIG. It is a diagram showing an alarm display setting screen 140. 3 is a diagram showing a screen setting screen 120. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a character setting screen 150. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a still screen selection screen 160. FIG. It is a diagram showing an outfit selection screen 170. 18 is a diagram showing an audio selection screen 180. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a system setting screen 190. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a still image 200. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a still image 200. FIG.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The described configuration of the apparatus, flowcharts of various processes, etc. are not intended to be limiting, but are merely illustrative examples.

An overview of the driving support system 4 will be explained with reference to FIG. The driving support system 4 is installed within the vehicle. The driving support system 4 supports the driver's driving by outputting various information. An example of the driving support system 4 is a radar detector. The driving support system 4 is provided with a control section 41 that performs main control. The control unit 41 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 42, an EEPROM 43, a RAM 44, and the like. The control unit 41 also includes a GPS receiver (GPS module) 45 that receives radio waves from a GPS satellite, a microwave receiver (microwave reception module) 46 that receives microwaves from a radar for speed measurement, and a traffic enforcement device. A wireless receiver (wireless receiving module) 47 that receives UHF band radio waves for communication, a display section 48 consisting of a color liquid crystal display that displays various information and alarm screens, and a display section 48 provided on the surface of the display section 48. A touch panel 49, a lamp 50 that flashes or lights up to notify you, a speaker 51 that emits a warning sound, a card reader 52 into which the SD card 5 is inserted, an OBD connector 53 that collects vehicle OBD information, and driving support. An acceleration sensor 54 is connected to detect acceleration applied to the system 4.

The control unit 41 notifies the driver based on information input from various input devices (GPS receiver 45, microwave receiver 46, wireless receiver 47, touch panel 49, OBD connector 53, acceleration sensor 54). Information is created and output using output devices (display unit 48, lamp 50, speaker 51). These basic configurations are basically the same as conventional devices. The functions of the driving support system 4 are stored in the EEPROM 43 of the control unit 41 as firmware executed by the CPU 42 provided in the control unit 41, and are realized by the CPU 42 executing the firmware. The firmware stored in the EEPROM 43 can be updated with new firmware stored in the SD card 5.

The main information output from the output device of the driving support system 4 to support the driver's driving is alarm information to encourage the driver to drive safely. Warning information is output in the following cases, for example. The driving support system 4 calculates and calculates the distance between the target object position (latitude and longitude) stored as map information in the SD card 5 and the current position (latitude and longitude) of the vehicle detected by the GPS receiver 45. When the distance reached is less than a predetermined distance, the output device outputs alarm information. For example, when the driving support system 4 detects a signal corresponding to a microwave in a frequency band emitted from a speed measuring device (a speed measuring device that emits radar waves such as a mobile radar) by the microwave receiver 46, Output alarm information from the output device. The driving support system 4 makes the driver aware of dangerous places where traffic accidents are likely to occur by outputting warning information. Thereby, the driving support system 4 can encourage the driver to drive safely. Note that the above-mentioned warning information is just an example, and in reality, various other warning information is also output to the driver. Details will be described later.

FIG. 2 shows the display mode of the driving support system 4. The driving support system 4 displays different types of screens on the display unit 48 depending on the set display mode. The driving support system 4 includes a radar standby display mode, an OBD display mode, and a MAP display mode as constant display modes. In the radar standby display mode, in addition to the screen showing the clock and speed (see Figure 3), the screen showing the GPS positioning status (see Figure 4), the screen showing the tilt state of the vehicle, the screen showing the acceleration applied to the vehicle, etc. can be displayed on the display section 48. In OBD display mode, instant fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, fuel flow rate, vehicle speed, coolant temperature, trip meter, national road average fuel consumption, general road average fuel consumption, highway average fuel consumption, engine speed, engine load factor, throttle opening, etc. A screen showing the following (see FIG. 5) can be displayed on the display section 48. In the MAP display mode, a map of the vicinity of the vehicle can be displayed on the display unit 48 (see FIGS. 6 to 8).

The alarm display mode, which is a display mode when alarm information is output, will be explained. In the radar standby display mode and the OBD display mode, a telop indicating warning information is superimposed on the screen corresponding to each constant display mode, and a warning sound is output from the speaker 51. On the other hand, in the MAP display mode, the output mode of the alarm information can be switched to an animation mode, a live-action mode (hereinafter collectively referred to as non-character mode), and a character mode. As shown in FIG. 6, in the animation mode, an animation 11 of a target object or a speed measuring device is displayed as warning information superimposed on the map 10, and a warning sound is output from the speaker 51. As shown in FIG. 7, in the live-photo mode, a real photo (REALPHOTO) 12 of the target object and the speed measuring device is displayed as warning information superimposed on the map 10, and a warning sound is output from the speaker 51. As shown in FIG. 8, in the character mode, the character 14 is displayed on the display unit 48 in an overlapping manner on the map 10. Further, the voice of the character 14 is output from the speaker 51. Warning information is then notified to the driver through the behavior and voice of the character 14.

The driving support system 4 in this embodiment is characterized by its operation in the MAP display mode-character mode (inside the thick frame line in FIG. 2). When the driving support system 4 operates in the MAP display mode-character mode, the character 14 may be displayed on the display unit 48 even when there is no need to notify the driver of warning information. Furthermore, the character 14 attempts to communicate with the driver by acting as if he were a real person and talking to the driver. Furthermore, the character 14 changes its behavior and voice as if it is gradually becoming more familiar with the driver. Thereby, the driving support system 4 induces the driver to strongly empathize with the character 14. Furthermore, the character 14 outputs not only notifications of dangerous places where traffic accidents are likely to occur, but also alerts against dangerous driving, rough driving, unconcentrated driving, drowsy driving, etc. as warning information. A driver who has deepened the degree of emotional empathy for the character 14 obediently responds to warnings from the character and actively tries to drive safely. As described above, the driving support system 4 develops and maintains the degree of emotional empathy of the driver toward the character 14 at a high level, thereby suppressing the driver from getting bored with communication with the character 14, and driving the driver. It is possible to continuously encourage people to drive safely.

Note that the above-mentioned display modes (constant display mode and alarm display mode) are merely examples, and the present invention may operate in other display modes. For example, the character may be displayed on the display section 48 in the radar standby display mode or the OBD display mode.

Details of the information stored in the SD card 5 will be explained with reference to FIG. 9. The SD card 5 stores output information 21, map information 22, and setting information 23.

The output information 21 is various information output from the output device. The output information 21 includes standby information 211, event information 212, logo information 213, still screen information 214, startup information 215, and setting screen information 216. The event information 212 provides various events to be sent to the driver when it is determined that the vehicle condition or driving condition is in a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as "when an event occurs") based on information input from an input device. This is the information output from the output device to notify the user. The standby information 211 is information output from the output device in a state where no event has occurred (hereinafter referred to as a standby state). Logo information 213, still screen information 214, and startup information 215 are information that is first output from the output device when driving support system 4 is started with the MAP display mode-character mode set. The setting screen information 216 is information on a screen displayed on the display unit 48 when the driver performs a setting input operation on the driving support system 4.

The standby information 211 and the event information 212 include image information displayed on the display unit 48 and audio information output from the speaker 51. The standby information 211 and the event information 212 include a plurality of pieces of information for each constant display mode. Specifically, the standby information 211 includes radar standby information 2111 output when operating in radar standby display mode, OBD information 2112 output when operating in OBD display mode, and MAP display mode - character mode. It includes character information 2114 that is output during operation, and non-character information 2115 that is output when operating in MAP information-non-character mode. Event information 212 includes radar standby information 2121 that is output when operating in radar standby display mode, OBD information 2122 that is output when operating in OBD display mode, and output when operating in MAP display mode - character mode. It includes character information 2124 and non-character information 2125 that is output when operating in the MAP display mode-non-character mode.

The map information 22 is information in which information indicating the type of the target object, latitude and longitude indicating the position of the target object, animation or live-action to be displayed on the display unit 48, and audio output from the speaker 51 are associated with each other. Target targets include fixed speed measuring devices (including speed measuring devices that emit radar waves (microwaves) such as radar and speed measuring devices that do not emit radar waves such as loop coils.Radar type Orbis, H system, (LH system, loop coil, etc.), speed limit switching point, enforcement area, inspection area, parking monitoring area, N system, traffic monitoring system, intersection monitoring point, signal disregard prevention system, police station, accident-prone area, vehicle targeting Frequent areas, sharp/continuous curves (expressways), branching/merging points (expressways), advance ETC lane guidance (expressways), service areas (expressways), parking areas (expressways), parking areas (expressways) , Highway Oasis (expressway), Smart Interchange (expressway), Gas station in PA/SA (expressway), Tunnel (expressway), Highway radio reception area (expressway), Prefectural border announcement, Roadside station, Viewpoint There is parking etc.

The setting information 23 is information indicating various operating conditions of the driving support system 4. The control unit 41 determines operating conditions based on various setting information stored as the setting information 23, and performs various processes based on the determined operating conditions. Note that the setting information 23 is backed up to the EEPROM 43 when the driving support system 4 is powered off. Further, when the SD card 5 is newly inserted into the card reader 52, the setting information backed up in the EEPRM 43 is stored in the SD card 5 as the setting information 23.

Details of the information stored in the RAM 44 will be explained with reference to FIG. 10. The RAM 44 stores the current date and time 31, vehicle position coordinates 32, mileage 33, familiarity 34, surrounding information 35, driving state 36, OBD information 37, and event flag 38.

The current date and time 31 is information indicating the current date and time. The current date and time 31 is specified based on date and time data included in a radio signal from a GPS satellite received via the GPS receiver 45. The vehicle position coordinates 32 is coordinate information indicating the position of the vehicle. Vehicle position coordinates 32 are specified based on radio signals from GPS satellites received via GPS receiver 45 . The mileage 33 is information indicating the mileage of the vehicle. The mileage 33 is calculated based on the history of changes in the vehicle position coordinates 32. The intimacy level 34 will be described later. The surrounding information 35 is information indicating the type of target object around the vehicle and the distance between the vehicle and the target object. The type and distance of the target object are determined based on the map information 22 and vehicle position coordinates 32 stored in the SD card 5. The driving state 36 is information indicating the driving state of the vehicle. Driving conditions include meandering driving, sudden braking, sudden starting, sharp steering to the right, sudden steering to the left, impaired concentration, and drowsy driving. The OBD information 37 is information obtained from the vehicle via the OBD connector 53. The OBD information 37 includes fuel efficiency, fuel flow rate, vehicle speed, cooling water temperature, engine speed, throttle opening, and the like. The event flag 38 is turned ON when an event occurs.

Processing executed in the control unit 41 of the driving support system 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15. The main process starts when the control unit 41 executes a program stored in the EEPROM 43.

When the main process is started, the control unit 41 first determines whether an operation to turn on the power of the driving support system 4 has been detected (S11). If an operation to turn on the power of the driving support system 4 is not detected (S11: NO), the process returns to S11. If an operation to turn on the power of the driving support system 4 is detected (S11: YES), the control unit 41 starts a fixed periodic process (see FIG. 12), which is an interrupt process that starts at a predetermined period (S13).

The periodic processing will be explained with reference to FIG. 12. When the control unit 41 starts the periodic processing in S13 (see FIG. 11), it repeatedly executes the periodic processing at a constant period. The control unit 41 executes main processing and periodic processing in parallel. First, the control unit 41 receives a radio signal transmitted from a GPS satellite (S31). The control unit 41 identifies the current date and time based on the date and time data included in the received radio signal (S33). The control unit 41 stores the specified current date and time in the RAM 44 (see FIG. 10) as the current date and time 31 (see FIG. 10) (S33). The control unit 41 acquires OBD information from the vehicle via the OBD connector 53 (S35). The control unit 41 stores the acquired OBD information in the RAM 44 as OBD information 37 (see FIG. 10) (S35). Next, the control unit 41 executes a process for specifying the position of the target object with respect to the vehicle (target position specifying process, see FIG. 13) (S37).

The target position specifying process will be described with reference to FIG. 13. First, the control unit 41 identifies coordinate information indicating the position of the vehicle based on the radio signal received from the GPS satellite (S51). The control unit 41 stores the specified coordinate information in the RAM 44 as vehicle position coordinates 32 (see FIG. 10) (S51). The control unit 41 refers to the map information 22 (see FIG. 9) stored in the SD card 5. The control unit 41 determines whether or not there is a target object near the coordinates indicating the position of the vehicle identified in S51 (S55). If there is a target near the vehicle (S55: YES), the control unit 41 associates the type of the target with the distance between the target and the vehicle, and creates surrounding information 35 (see FIG. 10). It is stored in the RAM 44 as (S55). The process advances to S57. On the other hand, when the control unit 41 determines that there is no target object near the coordinates indicating the position of the vehicle (S55: NO), the process proceeds to S57.

Next, when there is a signal corresponding to a microwave in the frequency band emitted from a speed measurement device that emits radar waves such as a mobile radar, the control unit 41 transmits the signal via the microwave receiver 46 (see FIG. 1). is received (S57). The control unit 41 also includes a police radio, a car location radio, a digital radio, a small radio, a police radio, a police telephone, a police radio, a tow radio, a helicopter radio, a fire helicopter radio, a fire radio, an emergency radio, and a highway radio. , security radio, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as car location radio). Then, if there is a wireless signal at the scanned frequency, the signal is received via the wireless receiver 47 (see FIG. 1) (S57). When the control unit 41 receives a signal via the microwave receiver 46 or the wireless receiver 47, the control unit 41 determines whether the reception level of the received signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined level. If the reception level of the received signal is above a predetermined level, the control unit 41 determines that the speed measuring device that outputs the signal or the vehicle that outputs the car location radio (hereinafter referred to as a police emergency vehicle) is in the vicinity of the vehicle. (S59: YES). The control unit 41 identifies the device (speed measuring device or police emergency vehicle) that outputs the signal based on the frequency of the signal. The control unit 41 stores information indicating the identified target in the RAM 44 as the surrounding information 35 (S61). The target position specifying process ends, and the process returns to the regular cycle process (see FIG. 12). On the other hand, if the control unit 41 does not receive the signal via the microwave receiver 46 or the wireless receiver 47, or if the reception level of the received signal is less than a predetermined level, the control unit 41 determines that the object that outputs the signal is a vehicle. It is determined that it is not in the vicinity of (S59: NO). The target position specifying process ends, and the process returns to the regular cycle process (see FIG. 12).

As shown in FIG. 12, after the target position specifying process (S37, see FIG. 13) ends, the control unit 41 calculates the travel distance of the vehicle based on the history of changes in the vehicle position coordinates 32 stored in the RAM 44. (S39). The control unit 41 calculates the running distance 33 (see FIG. 10) by adding the calculated running distance and the total running distance thus far stored in the EEEPROM 43 (see FIG. 1). The control unit 41 stores the calculated mileage 33 in the RAM 44 (S39).

The control unit 41 specifies the degree of intimacy based on the mileage 33 (S40). The degree of familiarity is a parameter determined according to the distance traveled by the vehicle. The driving support system 4 assumes that the character's intimacy with the driver increases as the distance traveled by the vehicle increases, and expresses the degree of intimacy as a degree of intimacy. Specifically, the degree of intimacy is determined as follows. If the distance traveled by the vehicle from the time when the driving support system 4 is activated for the first time is 100 km, the degree of familiarity is 0. If the travel distance of the vehicle with the character mode set is 0 km or more and less than 1000 km, the familiarity is 1. If the distance traveled by the vehicle with the character mode set is 1000 km or more and less than 2000 km, the familiarity level is 2. If the distance traveled by the vehicle with the character mode set is 2000 km or more, the familiarity level is 3. The control unit 41 stores the specified degree of intimacy in the RAM 44 as the degree of intimacy 34 (see FIG. 10) (S40).

Next, the control unit 41 executes a process for specifying the driving state of the vehicle (driving state specifying process, see FIG. 14) (S41). The driving state identification process will be described with reference to FIG. 14. First, the control unit 41 acquires the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 54 (see FIG. 1) and the vehicle speed from the OBD information 37 stored in the RAM 44 in S35 (see FIG. 12) (S71). Next, the control unit 41 determines whether the vehicle is in a predetermined driving state based on the acquired acceleration and vehicle speed (S73). Specifically, the control unit 41 controls (a) meandering driving, (b) sudden braking, (c) sudden starting, (d) sharp right steering, (e) sudden left steering, (f) reduced concentration driving, (g) Determine whether the vehicle is being driven in any of the following driving states, based on acceleration and vehicle speed. The judgment method is as follows.

A situation in which the acceleration of the vehicle in the forward direction is 0.3G or more, the acceleration in the rearward direction of the vehicle is 0.15G or more, and the acceleration in the left-right direction of the vehicle is 0.45G or more occurs 15 times or more within 15 minutes. If this condition is met, the control unit 41 determines that (a) meandering operation is being performed. Further, when the forward acceleration of the vehicle becomes 0.3 G or more, the control unit 41 determines that (b) sudden braking has been performed. Further, the control unit 41 determines that (c) a sudden start has been performed when the rearward acceleration of the vehicle is 0.15G or more. Further, when the acceleration of the vehicle in the left direction exceeds 0.45 G, the control unit 41 determines that (d) a sharp right steering has been performed. Further, when the acceleration of the vehicle in the right direction becomes 0.45 G or more, the control unit 41 determines that (e) a sharp left steering has been performed. Furthermore, if the vehicle speed is 55 km/h or more and the range of change in vehicle speed is 5 km/h or more and less than 10 km/h for a predetermined period of time or more, the control unit 41 determines that (f) driving with reduced concentration is performed. It is determined that the Further, if the vehicle speed is 55 km/h or more and the range of change in vehicle speed is 10 km/h or more, the control unit 41 determines that (g) the driver is drowsy driving. As described above, the driving support system 4 can determine the driving state of the vehicle based on the acceleration applied to the vehicle and the vehicle speed. . Further, the driving support system 4 can accurately identify the driving state of the vehicle using a simple method.

When the control unit 41 determines that any of the above applies and the vehicle is being driven in a predetermined driving state (S73: YES), the control unit 41 sets information indicating the corresponding driving state as the driving state 36 (FIG. 10). It is stored in the RAM 44 (S75). The operation state identification process ends, and the process returns to the regular cycle process (see FIG. 12). On the other hand, if the control unit 41 does not fall under any of the above conditions (S73: NO), the driving state identification process ends, and the process returns to the periodic process (see FIG. 12).

As shown in FIG. 12, after the driving state identification process (S39) is completed, the control unit 41 determines whether the peripheral information 35 is stored in the RAM 44 in S55 (see FIG. 13) and S61 (see FIG. 13), or In S75 (see FIG. 14), it is determined whether the operating state 36 is stored in the RAM 44. If either one is stored in the RAM 44, it is determined that an event for notifying the driver has occurred (S43: YES). The control unit 41 turns on the event flag 38 (S45). The periodic process ends. On the other hand, if neither the peripheral information 35 nor the driving state 36 is stored in the RAM 44 (S43: NO), the event for notifying the driver has not occurred, so the control unit 41 sets the event flag 38 to It is turned off (S47). The periodic process ends.

As shown in FIG. 11, after starting the periodic processing (see FIG. 12) in S13, the control unit 41 refers to the setting information 23 (see FIG. 9) stored in the SD card 5 (see FIG. 9). , determines the set display mode (S15). When a display mode other than the MAP display mode-character mode (see FIG. 2) is set as the display mode (S15: NO), the control unit 41 stores information corresponding to the set display mode on the SD card 5. (see FIG. 9) is read from the output information 21 (see FIG. 9) and output from the output device. As a result, the control unit 41 performs a well-known normal operation (S21). The process advances to S23. On the other hand, if the MAP-character mode is set as the display mode (S15: YES), the control unit 41 executes a process (character mode process, see FIG. 15) for notifying the driver via a character ( S19).

Character mode processing will be described with reference to FIG. 15. The control unit 41 reads the logo information 213 (see FIG. 9) stored in the SD card 5 and displays it on the display unit 48 (see FIG. 1) (S81). As a result, the logo screen 71 shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the display section 48, for example.

The control unit 41 determines whether the current date and time and the mileage 33 have already been specified and the current date and time 31 and the mileage 33 have been stored in the RAM 44 in the periodic processing (see FIG. 12) started in S13 (see FIG. 11). (S83). This is because in fixed-cycle processing, the current date and time and distance traveled are determined by receiving radio signals from GPS satellites, so depending on the radio wave environment, it takes time to determine the current date and time and distance traveled. If the current date and time 31 and the mileage 33 are not stored in the RAM 44, this means that the current date and time and the mileage have not been specified yet (S83: NO). In this case, the control unit 41 displays the wallpaper screen 73 on which the character 14 is lying down on the display unit 48 as shown in FIG. 17 (S85), and the process returns to S83.

When the current date and time and the mileage 33 are specified in the regular cycle process and the current date and time 31 and the mileage 33 are stored in the RAM 44 (S83: YES), the control unit 41 stores the still screen information 214 ( (see FIG. 9) is read out and displayed on the display section 48 (S86). As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, for example, a still screen 72 showing the character 14 wearing casual clothes is displayed on the display unit 48. Note that the still screen information 214 includes a total of 12 still screens that differ from month to month. Each still screen reflects the scenery of the season. The control unit 41 refers to the current date and time 31 stored in the RAM 44, selects the still screen of the corresponding month from the still screen information 214, and displays it on the display unit 48.

In this manner, the driving support system 4 switches the still screen displayed on the display unit 48 depending on the date and time, thereby preventing the driver from getting bored with the still screen. The driving support system 4 also makes the driver want to see a new still screen. Here, for example, the driving support system 4 may control so that a new still screen is not displayed on the display unit 48 when the driver performs dangerous driving or the like. As a result, the driver becomes conscious of safe driving in order to display a new still image on the display unit 48. In this way, the driving support system 4 can effectively guide the driver to safe driving.

After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the static screen was displayed on the display unit 48, the control unit 41 reads out the startup screen included in the startup information 215 (see FIG. 9) stored in the SD card 5, and displays it on the display unit 48. Display (S87). The control unit 41 also reads out the startup sound included in the startup information 215 and outputs it from the speaker 51 (S87).

The activation information 215 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. The startup information 215 is information that is output to the output device at the time of startup in the MAP display mode-character mode. As shown in FIG. 19, the activation information 215 includes information for displaying a character image on the display unit 48 (hereinafter referred to as character image), and information for outputting the character's voice from the speaker 51 ( (hereinafter referred to as character voices). Character images and character voices are based on familiarity level (0-3) and time zone (0:00-5:00, 5:00-7:00, 7:00-10:00, 10:00-17:00, 17:00-22:00, 22:00-0:00). The time period indicates the time when the driving support system 4 was powered on. A plurality of character images and character voices are prepared for each familiarity level and time period so that the character can communicate with the driver in various expressions.

FIG. 20 shows in detail the character voices corresponding to the time period 7:00 to 10:00. If the intimacy level 34 stored in the RAM 44 is 1, the following messages will appear: ``Good morning. How are you doing?'' ``Good luck with your work. I'll do my best, too.'' ``Good morning. The character's voice sounds a little aloof, like, "Please do that." The manner of expression of the character to the driver is as if they were meeting each other for the first time. On the other hand, if the familiarity level 34 is 2, messages such as "Good morning. How are you doing?" "Every day is not always fun, but do your best." "Good morning. Please drive carefully today." As such, the character voice is more intimate than when the intimacy level 34 is 1. The mode of expression of the character to the driver becomes a normal friend mode. Furthermore, if intimacy level 34 is 3, "Good morning! Hey, I've been waiting for you ever since I woke up." "Wow! I'm happy to be with you again today." "Good morning! Today. "Isn't it fashionable? I want new clothes, too~" is a character voice that is more intimate than when intimacy level 34 is 1 or 2. The character's expression to the driver is similar to that of a casual friend.

In this manner, the driving support system 4 increases the intimacy of the character with respect to the driver according to the intimacy level 34 by outputting a more intimate character voice as the familiarity level 34 increases. By sensing that the intimacy of the character is gradually increasing, the driver gradually becomes more familiar with the character and becomes strongly empathetic towards the character.

Also, although not shown, character voices in the time period from 5:00 to 7:00 are compared for each familiarity level. If the intimacy level 34 is 1, character voices such as "Good morning. Excuse me." "Good morning. I'll do my best to warn you today as well." "You're an early riser. I'm impressed." It becomes. When the intimacy level 34 is 2, the character voice is similar to the character voices such as "Huh? Is it already morning?", "Not yet! I'm sleepy", and "Thank you for getting up early." Furthermore, if the familiarity level 34 is 3, "Good morning~ Hua~~, sorry." "Hello, I'm still sleepy. One minute left." "Good morning. I have to do my best to warn you today. The character voice says something like, ``For this purpose.'' By listening to the sleepy voice of the character, the driver begins to feel as if the character is a real living thing. Furthermore, the driver feels sorry for the character for causing the accident. By making the user feel these emotions, the driving support system 4 further increases the degree of emotional empathy of the driver towards the character.

Note that although the above description has been given with reference to an example in which the character voice is switched at each startup time, the character image is also switched at each startup time. For example, the time period 0:00 to 5:00 is associated with a character image in which the character is shown sleeping on a bed. The driver feels close to the character by watching the character go to bed. By making the driver feel these emotions, the driving support system 4 further increases the degree of emotional empathy the driver has with the character.

As described above, the driving support system 4 switches and outputs the character voice for each activation time period as if the character were a real living thing. This makes the driver feel as if the character is real. In this way, the driving support system 4 can increase the degree of emotional empathy of the driver towards the character.

Note that in the activation information 215 in FIG. 19, no character voice is associated with intimacy: 0. When the degree of familiarity is 0, the driving support system 4 displays the character image on the display unit 48 and does not output the character voice from the speaker 51. In this case, the driver recognizes not only the character image but also the character voice, and has high expectations for starting intimate communication with the character as soon as possible. The driving support system 4 uses the driver's psychology to increase the degree of emotional empathy the driver has with the character.

As shown in FIG. 15, after outputting the activation information 215 (S87), the control unit 41 reads out the character information 2114 from the standby information 211 of the SD card 5 and outputs it from the output device (S91). The character information 2114 is information output from the output device when the driving support system 4 operating in the MAP display mode-character mode is in a standby state. Details of the character information 2114 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. As shown in FIG. 21, character information 2114 includes a character image and character voice. Character images and character voices are classified by degree of familiarity. Note that "familiarity 1-3" in FIG. 21 indicates that different character images and character voices are associated with each intimacy level.

A plurality of character images and character voices are prepared for each expression mode so that the character can communicate with the driver in various expression modes. Specifically, the character information 2114 includes character images and character sounds corresponding to the following expression modes: (1) blinking and lip-syncing, (2) blinking only, (3) walking, and (4) stretching. It is. For example, (1) when a character image corresponding to blinking and lip-syncing is displayed on the display unit 48, the character blinks and moves its mouth as if speaking something. Further, for example (3) when a character image corresponding to a walk is displayed on the display section 48, the character freely walks around within the display area of the display section 48. For example, if (4) a character image corresponding to stretching is displayed on the display unit 48, the character stretches. Further, character voices corresponding to each expression mode are output from the speaker 51.

FIG. 22 shows in detail the character voices corresponding to (1) blink and lip sync. If intimacy level 34 is 1, things like, "Do you like driving? I don't hate your driving." "Thank you for taking me to your car!" A somewhat familiar character voice is associated with it. On the other hand, if intimacy level 34 is 2, "Hey, do you like me? I like you too!" "You look pretty serious when you're driving, huh?" As in the case where the intimacy level 34 is 1, character voices that are more intimate are associated with each other. Furthermore, if intimacy level 34 is 3, parents may say things like, "I'm happy every day because you listen to me!" or "You know, I actually want to talk more. I want to know more about you." Compared to the case where the density 34 is 1 or 2, more intimate character voices are associated. Note that when the character voice is output from the speaker 51, one of the plurality of character voices associated with familiarity levels of 1, 2, and 3 is randomly selected and output. Therefore, even in a situation where the familiarity level 34 is the same, a different character voice is output from the speaker 51 each time.

In this manner, the driving support system 4 increases the intimacy of the character with respect to the driver according to the familiarity level 34 by outputting a more intimate character voice as the familiarity level 34 increases. By feeling that the character's intimacy with himself is gradually increasing, the driver gradually becomes more familiar with the character and becomes strongly empathetic towards the character.

Further, the driving support system 4 constantly displays the character on the display unit 48, and outputs the character voice from the speaker 51 so that the character speaks to the driver even in a standby state where no event occurs. As a result, the driving support system 4 makes the driver feel as if the character were a real living thing and as if the character were always nearby. Since the driver feels a sense of affinity with the character, the degree of emotional empathy of the driver with the character further increases.

Furthermore, the driving support system 4 prepares a plurality of character images and character voices, randomly selects these, and outputs them from the output device. This prevents communication using the characters from becoming monotonous and prevents the driver from becoming bored with communication with the characters.

Note that in FIG. 21, familiarity level: 0 is associated only with a character image, but not with a character voice. Therefore, when the familiarity level 34 is 0, the character image is displayed on the display section 48 and the character voice is not output from the speaker 51. Since the driver cannot hear the character's voice when the familiarity level 34 is low, he/she has expectations that he/she would like to recognize not only the character's image but also the voice. The driving support system 4 utilizes the driver's psychology to further increase the degree of emotional empathy the driver has with the character.

As shown in FIG. 15, after the character information 2114 corresponding to the standby state is output from the output device in S91, the control unit 41 determines whether it is the timing to output the character information 2124 (see FIG. 23, described later). (S93). The character information 2124 is information that is output to the output device when an event occurs in the driving support system 4 that operates in the MAP display mode-character mode. Details of the determination method and the information to be output will be described later. If the control unit 41 determines that it is the timing to output the character information 2124 (S93: YES), it outputs the character information 2124 from the output device (S95), and the process proceeds to S97. On the other hand, if the control unit 41 determines that it is not the timing to output the character information 2124 (S93: NO), the process proceeds to S97.

A method for determining whether or not to output character information 2124 and details of character information 2124 to be output will be described with reference to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 shows details of the character information 2124. Character information 2124 includes a character image and character voice. A plurality of character images and character voices are prepared for each expression mode. In Figure 23, (1) going to bed, (2) getting up, (3) talking in your sleep, (4) being careful about speeding, (5) getting car sick, (6) braking suddenly, and (7) suddenly Starting off, (8) Steering sharply to the right, (9) Steering sharply to the left, (10) Gets angry and disappears when it gets too much, (11) Anger subsides and returns, (12) Doze off, (13) Wake up, (14) Character images and character voices corresponding to loss of concentration, (15) drowsy driving, (16) Orbis, police control, checkpoint warning, (17) radar, car location reception warning, and (18) other targets have a familiarity level of 1. -3. Note that, similar to the character information 2114 (FIG. 21), the character information 2124 does not include character voices corresponding to familiarity: 0. Therefore, when the familiarity level 34 is 0, the control unit 41 outputs the character image from the output device and does not output the character voice from the speaker 51.

Character information corresponding to (1) Go to bed is output when the driving support system 4 is activated between 22:00 and 0:00. When the character image is displayed on the display unit 48, the character goes to bed one minute after the driving support system 4 is activated. Also, when it's time to go to bed, a voice informs the driver that it's time to go to bed (``Did you have fun today? Please take me for a drive again tomorrow.'' ``I'm going to sleep. You need to get some sleep too. Good night.'' etc.) is selected according to the familiarity level 34 and output from the speaker 51 as character voice. Further, after sleeping, the character's breathing is periodically output from the speaker 51 as the character's voice.

Character information corresponding to (2) Wake up is output when the driving support system 4 is activated between 5:00 and 7:00. When the character image is displayed on the display unit 48, the character wakes up one minute after activation of the driving support system 4. In addition, when waking up, a voice that informs the driver of the wake-up (such as "Good morning. Warning has resumed Mars", "Good morning. I'm happy to be with you today!", etc.) is selected according to the familiarity level 34. The character voice is output from the speaker 51.

(3) Character information corresponding to sleep talking during sleep is output randomly at a 5-minute cycle every 10 to 30 minutes while the character is sleeping. When the character image is displayed on the display section 48, the character moves its mouth. In addition, words spoken in sleep (such as "The stars are beautiful." "Regular, please.") are selected according to the familiarity level 34, and when the character moves their mouth, they are heard as the character's voice on the speaker. 51.

As described above, in the driving support system 4, character information is output in an expression manner as if the character were a real living thing. The driver feels as if the character is real. In this way, the driving support system 4 can increase the degree of emotional empathy of the driver towards the character.

Character information corresponding to (4) Caution against speeding is output when the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit. The vehicle speed is specified based on the OBD information 37 (see FIG. 10) stored in the RAM 44. The speed limit is determined based on the vehicle position coordinates 32 stored in the RAM 44 and the map information 22 stored in the SD card 5. For example, when a vehicle is traveling on an expressway or elevated road, the vehicle speed is compared with a value obtained by adding 10 km/h to the speed limit on the expressway or elevated road. For example, when a vehicle is traveling near an Orbis, the vehicle speed is compared with a value obtained by adding 10 km/h to the Orbis speed limit. When the character image is displayed on the display unit 48, the character notifies the driver of the current vehicle speed and speed limit, and urges the driver to slow down. In addition, the voice that notifies you of speeding (``Hey! Aren't you speeding? It's dangerous'', etc.) is selected depending on the familiarity level 34. , is output from the speaker 51 as a character voice. This allows the driver to easily recognize that the speed of the vehicle exceeds the speed limit. Since the driver has a strong degree of emotional empathy with the character, the driver obediently responds to notifications from the character and slows down, thereby paying attention to safe driving.

(5) Character information corresponding to ``I get car sick'' is output when the event flag 38 stored in the RAM 44 is turned on and information indicating meandering driving is stored as the driving state 36. This is because in such a case, there is a high possibility that the car is traveling on a road with continuous curves. When the character image is displayed on the display section 48, the character behaves as if he is feeling sick due to car sickness. In addition, the character's distressed sounds (``N-nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn), I'm feeling a little sick, sorry.'' ``I'm already drunk because I'm driving like that. Ugh.'') will change depending on familiarity level 34. It is selected and output from the speaker 51 as character voice. As a result, the driver feels sorry for the character's car-sick condition and tries to drive at a slower speed and more carefully. In this way, the driving support system 4 can encourage the driver to drive carefully.

Note that when the character image corresponding to (5) Gets car sick is displayed on the display unit 48, the character may lie down and take a rest for 6 hours. Furthermore, in such a case, the mileage 33 may be corrected so that the intimacy 34 becomes smaller. For example, the traveling distance 33 may be reduced by 300 km.

The character information corresponding to (6) sudden braking, (7) sudden start, (8) sudden right steering, and (9) sudden left steering means that the event flag 38 stored in the RAM 44 is ON and the driving state is 36 is output when information indicating sudden braking, sudden start, sudden steering to the right, and sudden steering to the left is stored. This is because if a driver drives in these driving methods, there is a high possibility that the vehicle will cause a traffic accident. When the character image is displayed on the display section 48, the character loses its balance and staggers in the direction of the detected acceleration. There are also voices informing you of how to drive (sudden braking: "Hey! I almost fell. I'll get mad if you do it again!", "Are you driving while looking ahead? Don't look away!", etc., sudden start: "I almost fell over. "Hey! I hit my head! Did you see that!?" "Sudden starts are dangerous! You don't do that anymore, right?" "Hey, you don't mistake the brake for the accelerator, do you?" etc., right and left curves. : "Turn the steering wheel a little slower - I'm dizzy!" "Oh no! Did you really look ahead? I thought you were going to fall off." "I can't believe it! You're so bad!" etc.), but the intimacy level is 34. , and output from the speaker 51 as a character voice. As a result, drivers become aware that they are driving aggressively and dangerously, and try to drive more carefully. By issuing a warning in this manner, the driving support system 4 can prevent traffic accidents from occurring.

The character information corresponding to (10) gets angry and disappears if it gets too much is (4) be careful of excessive speed, (5) car sickness, (6) sudden braking, (7) sudden start, (8) sharp right steering, and (9) the character information corresponding to the sharp left steering wheel is output when the character information corresponding to the steering wheel is output for a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time. Alternatively, in (4), the signal is output when the degree of overspeeding is extremely large, for example when the vehicle speed becomes greater than the value obtained by adding 30 km/h to the speed limit. When the character image is displayed on the display section 48, the character becomes angry and disappears from the display section 48. Also, voices expressing their anger at the driver (``Please don't ignore my warnings.'' ``I said no! Why would you do that??'' ``Moooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! You can just do whatever you want. "Hmmmm" etc.) are selected according to the intimacy level 34 and output from the speaker 51 as the character voice. Since the driver's level of emotional empathy toward the character is strong, the driver reflects on the character's angry state and tries to drive carefully. In this way, the driving support system 4 can encourage the driver to drive carefully. Note that in the above description, the driving support system 4 may modify the mileage 33 so that the familiarity level 34 becomes smaller. For example, the traveling distance 33 may be reduced by 3000 km.

(11) The character information corresponding to "Returns after anger subsides" is output 24 hours after the character disappears from the display section 48 in (10). When the character image is displayed on the display section 48, the character makes a request for reconciliation. There are also voices asking for reconciliation (``I'm sorry for what happened earlier...Um, please drive safely next time.'' ``I'm sorry for being too angry yesterday. But I want to go out in peace forever.'' ``I want to go back.'' "I came for you! If you care about me, drive safely!", etc.) are selected according to the familiarity level 34 and output from the speaker 51 as the character voice. This further increases the degree of emotional empathy the driver has for the character.

(12) Character information corresponding to napping is that the acceleration in the forward direction of the vehicle is less than 0.05G, the acceleration in the rearward direction of the vehicle is less than 0.1G, and the acceleration in the left and right direction of the vehicle is less than 0.1G. Output when the condition continues for 10 minutes or more. When the character image is displayed on the display section 48, the character takes a nap. In addition, the voice (``You're good at driving, don't worry.'' ``Don't speed up while I'm dozing off.'' ``I'm going to take a nap, so you can relax.'') has a familiarity level of 34. , and output from the speaker 51 as a character voice. Since the characters are output in a manner as if they were real living things, the driver feels as if the characters are real. Also, the driver feels relieved when he sees the character sleeping, and tries to continue driving safely. In this way, the driving support system 4 can increase the degree of emotional empathy of the driver with the character and allow the driver to easily drive safely.

(13) Waking up is when the character is napping in (12), and the acceleration in the front direction of the vehicle is 0.1G or more, the acceleration in the rear direction of the vehicle is 0.2G or more, and the character is in the left-right direction of the vehicle. It is output when the acceleration of is 0.3G or more. When the character image is displayed on the display section 48, the character wakes up from a nap. In addition, the voice (``Hmm, you're very good at driving. It felt like a cradle.'' ``Mmm, were I sleeping? I'm sorry.'' ``Oh no, I saw you sleeping? That's right? It's embarrassing.'' etc.) are selected according to the familiarity level 34 and output from the speaker 51 as the character voice. Since the character information is output in a manner that makes the characters appear as if they were real living things, the driver feels as if the characters are real. The driver also resumes safe driving so that the character can sleep in peace again. In this way, the driving support system 4 can increase the degree of emotional empathy of the driver with the character and allow the driver to easily drive safely.

(14) Decreased concentration and (15) Dozing off while driving means that the event flag 38 stored in the RAM 44 is turned ON, and information indicating decreased concentration or drowsy driving is stored in the RAM 44 as the driving state 36. Output if there is. When the character image is displayed on the display unit 48, the character alerts the driver, and at the same time, if there is a rest facility (SA, PA, etc.) near the vehicle, the character stops at the rest facility and takes a break. encourage drivers to Whether there is a rest facility near the vehicle is determined based on the vehicle position coordinates 32 stored in the RAM 44 and the map information 22 stored in the SD card 5. In addition, voices that alert you and encourage you to take a break (such as "It's dangerous. Please concentrate!" "Are you awake?" "There's a SA nearby. Why don't you take a break?") will be heard depending on the familiarity level of 34. is selected and output from the speaker 51 as a character voice. This allows the driver to regain concentration and drive safely. In addition, the driver can regain concentration by taking an appropriate rest. Furthermore, the driver can recover from the drowsy state and resume safe driving. This makes it possible to prevent traffic accidents from occurring due to decreased concentration, drowsy driving, and the like.

Further, the driving support system 4 can accurately identify the driver's condition using a simple method. This is because when these conditions are met, the driver's concentration tends to decline and the driver tends to become drowsy.

(16) The character information corresponding to Orbis, crackdown, and inspection warning has the event flag 38 stored in the RAM 44 turned ON, and the character information corresponds to radar type Orbis, H system, LH system, and loop coil (hereinafter collectively referred to as these). information indicating the distance between the Orbis and the vehicle is stored in the RAM 44 as the surrounding information 35, and is output when the information indicating the distance between the Orbis and the vehicle is 2100 m, 1100 m, and 600 m. Alternatively, it is output when the event flag 38 stored in the RAM 44 is turned on and information indicating a crackdown or inspection is stored as the peripheral information 35.

(17) The character information corresponding to the radar and car location reception warning is such that the event flag 38 stored in the RAM 44 is turned ON, and information indicating a speed measuring device or a police emergency vehicle is stored in the RAM 44 as the peripheral information 35. Output if the

The character image corresponding to (16) Orbis, enforcement, inspection warning, or (17) radar, car location reception warning is displayed on the display section 48 as follows. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, first, the clothing of the character 14 changes from white (FIG. 24) to black (FIG. 25). This change means that the character 14 has transformed. As shown in FIG. 27, the transformed character 14 (see FIG. 26) has information 74 indicating one of the following: an Orbis, a police, an inspection, a speed measuring device, and a police emergency vehicle, and a distance 75 between the vehicle and the vehicle. and to the user. In addition, voices to notify the driver of the display contents (``Emergency situation, Radar Orbis detected 2,000 meters away'', ``We're close to 1,000 meters! Radar Orbis'', ``500 meters left!'', take a photo) "Don't be fooled!" etc.) are selected according to the intimacy level 34 and output from the speaker 51 as the character voice.

As described above, the driving support system 4 can recognize that the target for traffic monitoring is near the vehicle by receiving the radio signal transmitted from the target. Traffic monitoring devices are often installed in locations where traffic accidents are likely to occur or where accidents have occurred in the past. Therefore, the driving support system 4 notifies the driver that the object to be monitored for traffic is near the vehicle, thereby making the driver aware of areas where traffic accidents are likely to occur, and promoting safe driving especially in such areas. You can encourage them to be careful.

In addition, the driver can easily and clearly recognize at a glance that the distance between the vehicle and the object to be monitored for traffic is getting closer due to the change in the clothing of the character 14. Drivers can accurately recognize in advance locations with a high risk of traffic accidents and drive with traffic safety in mind.

Furthermore, since the character voice notifies the driver that the distance between the traffic monitoring target and the vehicle is getting closer, even if the driver is not looking at the display unit 48, The support system 4 can reliably make the driver aware that the vehicle is approaching an Orbis or the like.

In addition, in the above description, the character 14 displayed on the display unit 48 may change the notification mode depending on the target object to be notified to the driver. For example, when a target object is identified by receiving a radio signal, such as a speed measuring device or a police emergency vehicle, a ring-shaped pattern 76 reminiscent of radio waves is displayed on the character 14, as shown in FIG. It may be arranged around the display unit 48 and displayed on the display unit 48.

Further, in the above description, the speaker 51 may output a character voice (for example, "Hentai") to notify the driver that the character has transformed. This allows the driver to more reliably recognize that the vehicle is approaching an Orbis or the like.

(18) Other target objects The character information corresponding to the event flag 38 stored in the RAM 44 is ON, and the prefectural border, prefecture, SA, PA, sharp curve, continuous curve, branch point, expressway, It is output when the information indicating the elevated road is stored in the RAM 44 as the surrounding information 35. When the character information is displayed on the display unit 48, the character notifies the driver of the type of the target object and the distance to the target object (eg, "kilometers ahead"). Further, a character voice for notifying that the distance from the vehicle to the target object is approaching is selected according to the familiarity level 34 and output from the speaker 51.

The driving support system 4 determines approximately where the vehicle is traveling by notifying the driver that the vehicle is approaching a prefectural border and notifying the driver of the prefecture in which the vehicle is traveling. It is possible to make the user aware of the The driving support system 4 can prevent the driver from losing concentration, falling asleep while driving, etc. by letting the driver imagine a rough image of how to get to the destination.

Furthermore, the driving support system 4 can prompt the driver to take a break by notifying the driver that the vehicle is approaching the PA or SA. For example, if the driving support system 4 detects a decrease in the driver's concentration or drowsiness while driving, it may prompt the driver to stop by a SA or PA and recommend a break. Thereby, the driving support system 4 can restore the driver's concentration and eliminate drowsiness. Note that the above-mentioned notification may be preferably notified to the driver by the character by outputting character information. Thereby, the driving support system 4 can effectively notify the driver of SA and PA.

Further, the driving support system 4 notifies the driver of sharp curves, continuous curves, branch points, etc., and specifically notifies the distance (for example, "Kilometers ahead"). This makes it possible for the driver to be aware in advance of dangerous places where even slight carelessness can easily lead to an accident. Thereby, the driving support system 4 can prevent the driver from losing concentration or falling asleep while driving in a dangerous location. This allows the driving support system to more reliably prevent traffic accidents.

Note that whether the vehicle is traveling through a sharp curve, a continuous curve, a branch point, etc. may be determined based on the acceleration applied to the vehicle. For example, if an acceleration of a predetermined value or higher is instantaneously applied to the vehicle, it may be determined that the vehicle is traveling around a sharp curve. Furthermore, if acceleration of a predetermined value or higher is continuously applied in the lateral direction of the vehicle, it may be determined that the vehicle is traveling on a continuous curve.

The driving support system 4 also notifies the driver that the vehicle is traveling on an expressway or elevated road. This is because when a vehicle is traveling on such a road, the vehicle speed tends to be high and the driving tends to be monotonous with poor steering and speed changes. In such a case, the driver's concentration is likely to decline, and he or she is likely to drive sluggishly or fall asleep while driving. On the other hand, the driving support system 4 can prevent traffic accidents by notifying the driver using character information especially on such roads. Therefore, the driving support system 4 can effectively prevent traffic accidents and encourage the user to drive safely. Furthermore, since it is possible to make it appear as if there is a fellow passenger in the front passenger seat, it is possible to prevent sluggish driving and drowsy driving due to a decline in concentration, and to support recovery of consciousness in the event that the driver falls asleep while driving. By creating a character that the driver has a strong attachment to, and having that character speak to the driver, the aim is to create an effect that goes beyond mere voice.

Note that whether the vehicle is traveling on an expressway or an elevated road may be determined based on the vehicle speed. For example, if the vehicle speed is continuously 80 km/h or more for a predetermined period of time, it may be determined that the vehicle is traveling on an expressway.

Note that it is preferable that the output of character information according to (1) to (18) described above be repeated at a predetermined period (for example, every 10 seconds). As a result, even if the driver does not notice the notification at the initial stage of notification, by repeatedly providing the notification, the driver will eventually notice the notification and drive safely. . In this way, the driving support system 4 can make the driver reliably recognize the content of the notification.

Further, when repeatedly outputting the character information as described above, the driving support system 4 may output the character information so that the character gives notification in a different manner each time. This can prevent the driver from getting bored with the character information. As a result, the driver continuously responds to the character's notifications and tries to drive safely. .

Furthermore, when the character voice is repeatedly output from the speaker 51, it is preferable to gradually increase the output character voice. As a result, even if the driver does not modify the driving method at the initial stage of the notification using the character voice, the driver will eventually modify the driving method in response to the loud voice. In this way, the driving support system 4 can reliably guide the driver to drive safely.

As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 41 determines whether a setting operation on the driving support system 4 by the driver has been detected (S97). If the control unit 41 detects through the touch panel 49 (see FIG. 1) that the driver has touched the display unit 48 (see FIG. 1) in the standby state, it determines that the driver has performed a setting operation (S97). :YES), the control unit 41 displays a setting screen on the display unit 48 based on the setting screen information 216 (see FIG. 9) stored in the SD card 5. Further, the control unit 41 sequentially switches the setting screen displayed on the display unit 48 according to the content of the setting operation by the driver (FIGS. 31 to 40 (described later)). The setting screen changes as shown in FIG. 30. The control unit 41 sets the setting information by storing the setting information set by the setting operation in the SD card 5 (see FIG. 9) as the setting information 23 (see FIG. 9) (S99). The control unit 41 executes processing based on the setting information 23, so that the driving support system 4 operates according to the settings set by the driver. The process advances to S101. On the other hand, if no setting operation by the driver is detected (S97: NO), the process proceeds to S101. The control unit 41 determines whether an operation to turn off the power of the driving support system 4 has been detected (S101). When the control unit 41 detects an operation to turn off the power (S101: YES), the character mode process is ended, and the process returns to the main process (FIG. 11). On the other hand, if the control unit 41 detects that the operation to turn off the power is within the detected paper (S101: NO), the process returns to S91.

Details of the setting information 23 stored in the SD card 5 will be explained with reference to FIG. 29. The setting information 23 includes screen setting information 61 and system setting information 67. The screen setting information 61 is setting information for the screen displayed on the display unit 48. The screen setting information 61 includes still screen information 62, constant display mode information 63, alarm display mode information 64, and character clothing information 65. The system setting information 67 is setting information other than the screen setting information 61. When the driver performs a setting process to be described later and inputs setting information, the control unit 41 stores the input setting information in the SD card 5 as the setting information 23 . Details of each piece of information will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 30, the setting screen information 216 (see FIG. 9) includes a main menu screen 110, a screen setting screen 120, a screen selection screen 130, an alarm display screen 140, a character setting screen 150, a system setting screen 190, etc. ing. The control unit 41 sequentially switches screens according to operations by the driver. This allows the driver to input desired setting information into the driving support system 4.

When the control unit 41 detects that the driver touches the display unit 48 in the standby state, it first displays the main menu screen 110 (see FIG. 31) on the display unit 48. As shown in FIG. 31, the main menu screen 110 is provided with a screen setting selection button 111, a radar menu selection button 112, a system selection button 113, a G-sensor calibration selection button 114, and a main screen selection button 115. .

The screen setting selection button 111 is a selection button for changing screen display settings. The radar menu selection button 112 is a selection button for setting a target, setting radio sensitivity, setting whether or not to notify, and the like. The system selection button 113 is a selection button for performing operations such as touch panel correction, OBD data setting, setting initialization, and deletion of registered points. The G sensor calibration selection button 114 is a selection button for calibrating the acceleration sensor 54 (see FIG. 1). When the main screen selection button 115 is selected, the screen returns to the main screen. Note that the processing of the control unit 41 when the radar menu selection button 112, system selection button 113, G-sensor calibration selection button 114, and main screen selection button 115 are selected is the same, except for some setting items described later. Since the processing is the same as that in a well-known device, the explanation is omitted. The following description will focus on the case where the screen setting selection button 111 is selected.

When detecting that the screen setting selection button 111 in FIG. 31 has been selected, the control section 41 displays the screen setting screen 120 (see FIG. 32) on the display section 48. As shown in FIG. 32, the screen setting screen 120 includes a screen selection button 121, a brightness setting button 122, an alarm display selection button 123, a sub display selection button 124, a main screen selection button 125, a character setting button 126, and a return button. A button 127 is provided.

The screen selection button 121 is a selection button for determining the constant display mode (see FIG. 2). When detecting that the screen selection button 121 has been selected, the control unit 41 displays a screen selection screen 130 (see FIG. 33) on the display unit 48. As shown in FIG. 33, the screen selection screen 130 is provided with a MAP screen selection button 131, a radar standby selection button 132, an OBD information selection button 133, a main screen selection button 134, and a return button 135. By selecting one of the selection buttons, the driver can select the MAP display mode (if the MAP screen selection button 131 is selected), the radar standby display mode (if the radar standby selection button 132 is selected), or OBD. It becomes possible to operate the driving support system 4 in any one of the display modes (when the OBD information selection button 133 is selected) and the constant display mode (see FIG. 2). Note that the constant display mode selected by the driver is stored in the SD card 5 as constant display mode information 63 of the setting information 23.

As shown in FIG. 32, the brightness setting button 122 is a button for adjusting the brightness of the display section 48. When detecting that the brightness setting button 122 has been selected, the control unit 41 displays on the display unit 48 a screen for making settings for adjusting the brightness of the display unit 48. The driver can adjust the brightness of the display unit 48 by performing input operations via the screen. Note that the set information is stored in the SD card 5 as system setting information 67 of the setting information 23.

The alarm display selection button 123 is a selection button for determining the alarm display mode (see FIG. 2). When detecting that the alarm display selection button 123 has been selected, the control unit 41 displays an alarm display setting screen 140 (see FIG. 34) on the display unit 48. As shown in FIG. 34, an animation selection button 141, a character selection button 142, and a live-action selection button 143 are displayed on the alarm display setting screen 140. Among these, the character selection button 142 displays an image of the character's face superimposed on the character selection button 142. By selecting one of the selection buttons, the driver can select character mode (when character selection button 142 is selected), non-character mode (anime mode (when animation selection button 141 is selected), or , live-action mode (when the live-action selection button 143 is selected)), the driving support system 4 can be operated in any of the alarm display modes (see FIG. 2). Further, since the image of the character's face is superimposed on the character selection button 142, the driver can intuitively recognize the selection button for selecting the character mode. In this way, the ability to intuitively recognize and quickly select the character selection button 142 and instantly switch between character mode and non-character mode is particularly effective for the driver. There are cases where the driver does not want others to know that the driving support system 4 is operating in character mode, and in such cases, by using this function, you can immediately switch from character mode to non-character mode. This is because it can be switched. Note that the alarm display mode selected by the driver is stored in the SD card 5 as alarm display mode information 64 of the setting information 23.

Further, the control unit 41 mutes the character sound output from the speaker 51 when the character selection button 142 is repeatedly selected by the driver. The details are as follows. When it is detected that the character selection button 142 has been selected once, the control unit 41 outputs the character voice from the speaker 51 as usual. When it is detected that the character selection button 142 has been selected twice, the control unit 41 mutes the character sound output from the speaker 51 in the standby state, and the character sound output from the speaker 51 when an event occurs remains as usual. Output. If it is detected that the character selection button 142 has been selected three times, the control unit 41 mutes all character sounds. By doing so, the driver can mute the character voice output from the speaker 51 as necessary. This function is particularly effective when the driver does not want other people to hear the character voice. This is because the driver can mute the character voice by a simple operation.

Note that in the above description, the control unit 41 may change the color around the character selection button 142 depending on the output state of the character voice. For example, when the character selection button 142 is selected once, the color around the character selection button 142 may be set to blue. When the character selection button 142 is selected twice, it is preferable to change the color around the character selection button 142 to green. When the character selection button 142 is selected three times, the color around the character selection button 142 may be changed to red.

You can also do the following: The control unit 41 sets the color around the selection button selected by the driver among the animation selection button 141, the character selection button 142, and the live-action selection button 143 to be different from the surrounding colors of the other selection buttons. change to different colors. Furthermore, when the character selection button 142 is selected, the control unit 41 changes the color around the character selection button 142 according to the value of the familiarity level 34 stored in the RAM 44. Specifically, the color is red when the intimacy level is 1, yellow when the intimacy level is 2, and green when the intimacy level is 3. This allows the driver to grasp the level of familiarity with just a glance at the selection button, allowing the driver to clearly recognize the mode of expression of communication by the characters.

As shown in FIG. 32, the character setting button 126 is a selection button that is selected when setting the expression mode of the character displayed on the display section 48. Here, when the familiarity level 34 is 0, the character setting button 126 is represented by an image showing a key, as shown in FIG. If it is detected that the driver has selected the character setting button 126 in this state, the control unit 41 rejects the character setting and returns to the main menu. If the familiarity level is low, the driver will not be able to set the character. In such a case, the driver has high expectations for being able to set a character. By irritating the driver in this way, the driving support system 4 increases the degree of emotional empathy the driver has with the character.

In addition, when the control unit 41 detects that the character setting button 126 is selected while the character setting button 126 is represented by an image showing a key, the control unit 41 outputs a character voice saying "Entry is refused. Please drive safely. If you do so, I will allow you to enter the room.'' is output from the speaker 51. This allows the driver to clearly recognize that the character setting has been rejected. In this case, it is preferable that the tone of the character's voice be different from the tone normally uttered by the character. This allows the driver to more clearly recognize that the character setting has been rejected. Further, in this case, it is preferable to notify the driver of the nuances of the driving support system 4 as well. This allows the driver to recognize the concept on which the driving support system 4 was created.

In addition, in the above description, when the control unit 41 outputs a character voice rejecting the character setting from the speaker 51, the control unit 41 notifies the user of the rejection of the setting and at the same time explains how the character can be set. It is also possible to output audio for doing so. For example, the speaker 51 may output a character voice such as "When the distance traveled is 100 km or more, you will be able to set the character." This allows the driver to recognize the functions of the driving support system 4 and learn how to set the character. Even if the driver is not well aware of the functions of the driving support system 4 in advance, the driver gradually becomes aware of the functions while using the driving support system 4.

In addition, if the character selection button 142 is not selected on the alarm display setting screen 140 (see FIG. 34), the control unit 41 determines that the familiarity level 34 is 1 or more because the alarm display mode is not the character mode. Also, as shown in FIG. 32, the character setting button 126 is displayed with an image showing a key, and character setting is rejected. The driver can set the character only when the driving support system 4 is operating in the character mode. Therefore, when operating in the non-character mode, the driving support system 4 can prevent erroneous character settings from being made.

On the other hand, when the familiarity level 34 stored in the RAM 44 is 1 or more and the alarm display mode is character mode, the selection button for character setting is (character setting button 129). By selecting the character setting button 129, the driver becomes able to set the character. By assigning an image showing the character's face to the selection button, the driver can clearly recognize at a glance which setting button should be selected to configure the character.

When detecting that the character setting button 129 has been selected, the control unit 41 displays a character setting screen 150 (see FIG. 36) on the display unit 48. As shown in FIG. 36, the character setting screen 150 is provided with a still screen selection button 151, an outfit selection button 152, a background selection button 153, and an audio selection button 154.

When detecting that the still screen selection button 151 has been selected by the driver, the control unit 41 displays a still screen selection screen 160 (see FIG. 37) on the display unit 48. As shown in FIG. 37, the still screen selection screen 160 is provided with selection buttons 161 labeled with the names of still screens that can be displayed on the display unit 48. By selecting one of the selection buttons 161, the driver can select as desired the still screen displayed on the display unit 48 when the driving support system 4 is activated (S85, see FIG. 15). Note that the still screen selected by the driver is stored in the SD card 5 as still screen information 62 of the setting information 23.

Note that the control unit 41 may assign all of the still screens stored in the SD card 5 as the still screen information 214 to the selection button 161 as still screens that can be selected by the driver. good. In S85 of FIG. 15, especially if the driver has not set a still screen, a different still screen is automatically selected for each month and displayed on the display unit 48. Here, the driver may be able to set the still screen displayed on the display unit 48 as a still screen that can be selected via the still screen selection screen 160. The set still image is preferably stored in the setting information 23. The selection button 161 on the still screen selection screen 160 may be provided with only the still screens set in this manner. In this case, the number of selectable still screens increases every month, so a total of 12 still screens can be displayed in one year. By doing so, the driver can enjoy gradually increasing the number of displayable still screens. Therefore, even if the driver uses the driving support system 4 for a long time, the driver can continue to enjoy collecting still images. In this way, the driving support system 4 can prevent the driver from getting tired of using the driving support system 4.

When detecting that the clothing selection button 152 (see FIG. 36) has been selected by the driver, the control unit 41 displays the clothing selection screen 170 (see FIG. 38) on the display unit 48. As shown in FIG. 38, the clothing selection screen 170 is provided with a selection button 171 for selecting clothing to be worn by the character. The control unit 41 specifies the clothing associated with the selection button 171 selected by the driver, and causes the display unit 48 to display the character wearing the specified clothing. Note that information indicating the clothing selected by the driver is stored in the SD card 5 as character clothing information 65 of the setting information 23.

This allows the driver to display a character wearing his/her favorite clothing on the display section 48. Since the driver can change the appearance of the character as desired, the degree of emotional empathy for the character is further increased. Furthermore, the driving support system 4 can display the characters in various display modes, and can prevent the user from getting bored.

In the above description, when the familiarity level 34 stored in the RAM 44 is 1, the control unit 41 displays a character wearing the selected outfit on the display unit 48 even if the outfit is selected by the driver. It is preferable to refuse display with a predetermined probability. As a result, the driver tries to increase the familiarity level 34 and reliably change the character's clothing. As a result, the driver becomes more likely to follow the character's notifications, and obediently responds to the safe driving guidance from the driving support system 4 and tries to drive safely. Further, the driving support system 4 can further increase the degree of emotional empathy of the driver toward the characters by making the characters behave as if they were real living creatures.

When detecting that the background selection button 153 (see FIG. 36) has been selected by the driver, the control unit 41 displays a background selection screen (not shown) on the display unit 48. The background selection screen is provided with selection buttons for selecting the background color of the character setting screen 150 (see FIG. 36), the still screen selection screen 160 (see FIG. 37), and the clothing selection screen 170 (see FIG. 38). . When the control unit 41 detects that the driver has selected a specific color as the background color, the control unit 41 changes the background color of the character setting screen 150, the still screen selection screen 160, and the clothing selection screen 170 according to the selected color. do. With this, it is possible to prevent the user from getting bored with the display mode of the character setting screen being too monotonous.

Note that in the above description, it is preferable that the control unit 41 be able to change not the background color of the character setting screen 150, the still screen selection screen 160, and the clothing selection screen 170, but the background images themselves to other modes. For example, a character's room, a starry sky, a character after transformation, and a cyber tone may be prepared as background images, and the driver may select one. Further, it is preferable that the background image can be changed only when operating in character mode.

When detecting that the audio selection button 154 (see FIG. 36) has been selected by the driver, the control unit 41 displays the audio selection screen 180 (see FIG. 39) on the display unit 48. As shown in FIG. 39, the audio selection screen 180 is provided with a selection button 181 labeled with the content of the character audio that can be output from the speaker 51. When detecting that the driver has selected one of the selection buttons 181, the control unit 41 outputs the selected character voice from the speaker 51. The driver can hear the desired character voice.

Note that the control unit 41 may assign all of the character voices stored in the SD card 5 as character information 2114, 2124 (see FIG. 9) to the selection button 181 as character voices selectable by the driver. , for example, do as follows. When a character voice is output from the speaker 51, the driver may be able to set the output character voice as a selectable character voice via the voice selection screen 180. The set character voice is preferably stored in the setting information 23. The content of the character voice set in this manner may be attached to the selection button 181 on the voice selection screen 180. In this case, the longer the driving support system 4 is used, the more character voices will be output from the speaker 51, so the driver can enjoy gradually increasing the number of character voices that can be output. can. Further, since the character voice is randomly selected and output according to the degree of familiarity and the situation of the vehicle, it is difficult to listen again to the character voice of the same phrase as the character voice that has been output. On the other hand, since the driving support system 4 can set the character voice once output as a selectable character voice on the voice selection screen 180, the driver can set the character voice once reproduced as the character voice. You can listen to it over and over again at any time.

On the other hand, when the system selection button 113 in FIG. 31 is selected, the control unit 41 displays a system setting screen 190 shown in FIG. 40 on the display unit 48. Among the selection screens provided on the system setting screen 190, a selection button unique to the present invention is a reset button 191. The reset button 191 is used to reset the mileage 33 and intimacy level 34 stored in the RAM 44. When the reset button 191 is selected, the control unit 41 resets the mileage and familiarity by storing 0 in the mileage 33 and 0 in the familiarity 34 stored in the RAM 44 . The driving support system 4 comes to operate in a state where the degree of familiarity is zero. This allows the driver to repeatedly experience the process of gradually increasing the character's intimacy with the driver over and over again by initializing the intimacy.

Note that in the above case, even if the mileage 33 and the intimacy level 34 are reset, the setting information 23 stored in the SD card 5 is not reset. Therefore, information on various settings made by the driver to the driving support system 4 is maintained as is. Furthermore, for example, as described above, when the driver sets a selectable still screen on the still screen selection screen 160 or when the driver sets a character voice that can be output on the audio selection screen 180, these setting information , it is not reset by selecting the reset button 191. Therefore, even when the reset button 191 is selected and the mileage 33 and familiarity level 34 are reset, the driver can continue to select a desired still screen from a large number of still screens and display it on the display unit 48. It becomes possible. Further, even when the reset button 191 is selected and the familiarity level is reset, the driver can continue to select a desired character voice from a large number of character voices and output it from the speaker 51. In this way, the driving support system 4 can initialize the familiarity without erasing the set setting information. This saves the user the trouble of repeatedly setting the setting information in the driving support system 4.

By initializing the familiarity level, the driver can restart the familiarity level 34 from 0 while preserving the still images and character voices that have been set up to that point. By replaying the relationship with the character many times, you can obtain still images and character voices that were previously unavailable. For example, after purchasing the driving support system 4, if you drive 1100 km at once, the familiarity level will suddenly become 2. For this reason, it becomes impossible to obtain the character voice at familiarity level 1. In such a case, such a problem can be avoided by initializing the intimacy level 34. It also has the meaning of starting over with the character emotionally.

When the setting process ends as described above (S99, see FIG. 15), and an operation to turn off the power of the driving support system 4 is detected (S101: YES, see FIG. 15), the control unit 41 performs the process shown in FIG. As shown, the setting information 23 stored in the SD card 5 and the mileage 33 and familiarity level 34 stored in the RAM 44 are stored in the EEPROM 43 (S23). This will back up your information. The main processing ends. Note that the mileage stored in the EEPROM 43 is referenced when calculating the mileage 33 when the driving support system 4 is powered on next time (S39, see FIG. 12). Further, when a new SD card 5 is inserted into the card reader 52, the setting information 23 stored in the EEPROM 43 is stored in the SD card 5. This allows the driver to continue using the setting information once set.

As described above, the driving support system 4 allows the driver to recognize the character by outputting character information (character image, character voice) to the driver. In the driving support system 4, by changing the expression mode of communication by the character according to the degree of intimacy of the character with the driver, the degree of emotional empathy of the driver with the character is strengthened, and the character becomes as if it were a real object. It is possible to make the user feel as if there is. The driver obediently responds to the character's encouragement to drive safely so that the character's intimacy with the driver is maintained at a high level and further increased. Furthermore, the driver responds more obediently to notifications from the character so as not to be disliked by the character. By encouraging the driver to drive safely in such a state, the driving support system 4 can easily guide the driver to actively drive safely. Further, the driving support system 4 outputs diverse and varied character information so that the driver's degree of emotional empathy with the character is maintained at a high level. Thereby, the driving support system 4 can prevent the driver from getting bored with communication with the characters and can continuously encourage the driver to drive safely.

In addition, the driving support system 4 appropriately judges the information to be notified to the driver according to the state of the vehicle (sudden braking, sudden start, sudden steering, etc.) and the positional relationship between the vehicle and the target object, and Characters can be used to alert people and encourage them to drive safely. In this way, the driving support system 4 can determine the optimal information depending on the situation to prevent traffic accidents and the like, and can notify the driver via the character.

Further, the driving support system 4 can specify appropriate notification items based on the driving state of the vehicle and notify the user via a character. Thereby, the driving support system 4 can warn against dangerous driving and urge the driver to try to drive calmly. In particular, since the driver has strong emotional attachment to the character, it is assumed that the driver obediently responds to the character's notification matters. Therefore, the driving support system 4 can accurately guide the driver to drive safely.

Furthermore, the driving support system can specify the state of the vehicle in detail based on the magnitude and direction of acceleration. This allows the driver to drive safely by trying not to drive dangerously in response to the notification from the character.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. The driving support system 4 preferably receives radio signals transmitted from GPS (global navigation) satellites as well as radio signals transmitted from regional navigation satellites. The driving support system 4 may then specify coordinate information indicating the position of the vehicle based on both radio signals. This allows the driving support system 4 to specify coordinate information indicating the position of the vehicle in detail. Further, in the above, when radio waves are received from a regional navigation satellite, information indicating that a radio signal transmitted from the regional navigation satellite has been received may be displayed on the display unit 48. It is preferable to indicate that the radio signal transmitted by the regional navigation satellite has been received through a character displayed on the display section 48. By doing so, the driver can recognize in detail what kind of satellite is being used in the driving support system 4 to specify the position of the vehicle. Since the driver can know the specific movements of the driving support system 4 in detail, the driver can further increase his/her sense of familiarity with the driving support system 4.

On the other hand, apart from the notification via the character, for example, an icon indicating that a radio signal has been received from a regional navigation satellite may be newly displayed on the display unit 48. Alternatively, it is preferable to notify the driver that a radio signal has been received from a regional navigation satellite by switching an icon indicating that a radio signal transmitted from a GPS satellite is being received to another mode. The driver can clearly recognize at a glance whether the vehicle's location has been determined by receiving radio signals transmitted from regional navigation satellites. The regional navigation satellite should preferably be ``Michibiki''.

In the above description, when the degree of intimacy is 0, the driving support system 4 displays the character image on the display unit 48 and does not output the character voice from the speaker 51. On the other hand, the driving support system 4 uses the character voice (hereinafter referred to as another character voice) of a character different from the character shown by the character image (hereinafter referred to as the main character) as the character information corresponding to the familiarity level of 0. It is preferable to store them in the SD card 5 as 2114 and 2124. The driving support system 4 may output another character's voice from the speaker 51 when the familiarity level is 0. For example, the other character voice may be the voice of a character that is familiar to the person (such as a voice actor) who performs the character voice of the main character (hereinafter referred to as main character voice).

In such a case, by hearing the voice of another character, the driver feels relieved and at the same time wants to hear the voice of the main character. In such a state, when the familiarity level reaches 1 or more and the character's voice can be heard, the driver's degree of emotional empathy for the character will further increase compared to the case where the driver listens to the character's voice from the beginning. In particular, when the voice actor who plays the character has been announced, fans of that voice actor expect that the voice of another character will be output instead of the voice of the character. For example, if you purchase a new driving support system 4, the familiarity level is 0, so a different character's voice will be output, so you can first meet their expectations and increase the driver's strong emotional empathy for the character. You can create an opportunity to do so. Thereafter, when the familiarity level reaches 1 or more, the character's voice can be heard for the first time. As a result, the voice actor's new character voice can be heard, and fans of the voice actor can enjoy two types of voices of the voice actor with one product. Therefore, it is possible to cause the driver to have strong emotional empathy for the character. Furthermore, for example, if such a mechanism is not known to the driver, the driver can be surprised, and the driver can be made to feel that the driver wants to increase the intimacy level.

Furthermore, in the above description, when the familiarity level is 2 or more, it is preferable that both the main character voice and the other character voice be switched according to the driver's settings. When the different character voice is selected, the driving support system 4 may communicate with the driver by outputting the different character voice from the speaker 51 instead of the main character voice. This allows the driver to hear both the main character's voice and the other character's voice when the degree of familiarity increases. In particular, it is preferable to insert a phrase of another character's voice into a phrase of the voice of the main character, as if the main character were playing another character. This allows the character to behave as if it were imitating another character. This character can perform an effect as if the driver were interested in another character. By doing this, it feels like the main character and the driver share a common interest in another character, and it is possible to maintain the driver's strong emotional empathy towards the character. Further, this state is preferably performed when the degree of intimacy is n or more. By setting the intimacy level n to a level at which a feeling of rut occurs or before it occurs, rut can be prevented and a fresh impression can be given to the driver.

In the above description, the character image and the character voice are determined so that the character communicates with the driver in an expression manner that gradually deepens the character's intimacy with the driver as the intimacy level increases. On the other hand, the manner of expression of the character may be made to be significantly different between the case where the degree of intimacy is 0 or 1 and the case where the degree of intimacy is 3 or 4. For example, if the intimacy level is 0 or 1, the character should treat the driver in a strict manner, and if the intimacy degree is 2 or 3, the character should treat the driver in a gentle manner. In this way, when the familiarity level reaches 2 or more, the driver's attitude will suddenly change, and the driver will be attracted to the gap in attitude. As a result, the driver can develop and maintain stronger emotional empathy for the character.

Furthermore, in the above, when the intimacy level is 2 or more, it is preferable that the character's attitude towards the driver can be switched in accordance with the driver's settings. For example, the driving support system 4 may allow the character to continue to interact with the driver in a harsh manner even when the intimacy level is 2 or higher. This allows the driver to experience both a strict attitude and a relaxed attitude when the intimacy level increases.

As the still screen displayed on the display unit 48 when the driving support system 4 is activated, a screen that displays the level of intimacy of the character with the driver may be displayed. Familiarity may be determined based on mileage or familiarity. For example, as in the still images 200 shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the intimacy of a character may be indicated by the number of hair ornaments 201 of the character. For example, when the character's intimacy with the driver is high, many hair ornaments 201 are displayed on the display section 48 as shown in FIG. good. On the other hand, when the character's intimacy with the driver is low, a small number of hair ornaments 201 are displayed on the display section 48 as shown in FIG. It would be good to show it. This allows the driver to recognize the intimacy of the characters at a glance.

Note that the number of hair accessories 201 displayed on the display unit 48 may be increased by one every time the traveling distance increases by 100 km. In addition, if the driver repeatedly engages in dangerous driving, specifically, if the driver is notified by the character of driving such as sharp curves, sudden starts, sharp left/right steering, excessive speed, etc., the display unit 48 It is preferable to reduce the number of displayed hair ornaments 201 one by one and at the same time to subtract the mileage by 100 km.

In the above description, the driving support system 4 specified the degree of familiarity according to the distance traveled, but the degree of familiarity may be specified using a parameter other than the distance traveled.

In the above description, 0 to 3 are set as the intimacy level, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is preferable that the activation information 215, the character information 2214, and the character information 2124 are based on intimacy levels determined based on different criteria. For example, the activation information 215 may be based on familiarity levels of 1-0 to 1-3. The character information 2114 is preferably based on intimacy levels 2-0 to 2-3. The character information 2124 is preferably based on intimacy levels 3-0 to 3-3. Here, the familiarity levels 1-0 to 1-3, 2-0 to 2-3, and 3-0 to 3-3 may be determined using different criteria based on the distance traveled.

Driving Support System 4 targets the core group of users, the so-called anime fan group, and creates a ``young but caring wife-like character'' when driving under expressways and elevated roads, thereby deepening their attachment to the character. At the same time, efforts will be made to prevent sluggish driving and drowsy driving.

If the driving support system 4 receives a certain level of evaluation from users in the anime geek class, it will be expanded to users in the light anime and general class to provide versatility. The light anime group refers to a group of users who have characteristics such as being interested in anime when they were young, watching anime with their families, and being comfortable watching anime late at night. For example, young people seem to have less resistance to the anime that core groups watch. This is because the amount of anime content that is broadcast late at night is enormous, and it is thought that there are some works that young people who live a night-owl lifestyle would normally view. Ordinary users, such as those in sales jobs who frequently travel on expressways, often purchase the cheapest model of radar on their own, but this is only because they are concerned about having their driver's license suspended for speeding. On the other hand, a decline in concentration is a major enemy for drivers who drive for long periods of time, and some people may try to regain their concentration by having conversations (talking and listening) using a hands-free phone. We provide drivers who frequently use such expressways with devices that allow them to listen to and speak voices (monologues such as consent and thrusting), to help prevent loss of concentration while driving and to increase interest.・Have the possibility of providing products with high added value.

If you want to expand your reach to the above users, be sure to differentiate yourself from the core layer. The following methods can be cited as methods of differentiation.
- Selling models with limited numbers of printing, audio, etc.
- Make it impossible to obtain anything other than limited edition models.
・Distribute audio and images owned by limited users such as web members. However, we will only provide a small portion of the information, not all of it.
Depending on the restrictions of the voice actor, it may be possible to sell voice confidence separately for anime voices and non-anime voices. This increases the premium quality of the limited edition model.
Limit sales channels for sales to core customers, and consider general sales channels for others.

The specific devices targeted as the driving support system 4 are as follows.
・Car navigation device (with map)
・Drive recorder (no map)
・Radar detector (no map)
・Radar detector (with map)
・Other in-vehicle devices connected to the OBD connector or with map information or GPS functions

There are two types of conditions for driving in a mode that outputs character information to the user. (1) In the case of voice mode (roads registered on the map), driving at 55 km/h for 2 minutes or more is considered to be an expressway/elevated road. (2) In the case of calling mode (the road is registered on the map, but it may have been changed to a new road, you do not have a map, it is not registered on the map, etc.), drive at 55km/h for 5 minutes. It is best to consider it as an expressway/elevated road if you drive above.

In either case, it is preferable to specify by referring to vehicle speed information in OBD data or GPS data. (1) In the voice call mode, it is recommended to set the voice to always be heard when accelerating, decelerating, or changing left/right direction. It is also a good idea to have the driver memorize the lines to use when accelerating, decelerating, and changing left/right direction. As a result, if you fall into a state of low alertness or dozing off, it helps you understand the current situation by calling out to you with familiar voices and lines. In some cases, it may be a good idea to set another mode and change the calling criteria.

Depending on the device attached, the following functions may be performed.
1. A large increase in fuel injection amount based on acceleration/OBD data, a rapid increase in speed, acceleration G measurement using a gyro sensor, and a rapid increase in speed based on GPS data. It is good to output it.

2. Deceleration, fuel injection cut time based on OBD data (e.g. 2 seconds or more), rapid decrease in speed, deceleration G measurement using gyro sensor, rapid decrease in speed based on GPS data. , brakes, etc.” may be output.

3. Measurement using left and right gyro sensors In this case, it is best to output a voice such as "Turn to the right (left), keep turning, the curve is long, etc."

In order to increase the driver's concentration through comfort, it is a good idea to use lines that are positive and create as much of a favorable impression as possible. It is best to prepare something that is similar to the impressions of acceleration, deceleration, and left/right direction changes, rather than something that is bad, bad, or otherwise makes the driver uncomfortable, or something that instills negative psychology such as calling attention to danger. The reason why negative expressions such as dangerous are not used is that it is difficult to logically calculate them depending on the equipment, and as long as it is possible to logically calculate a dangerous situation in the future. do not have.

4. At the prefectural border, it is a good idea to give the driver a general idea of how to get to the destination by calling out the prefecture where the journey is currently underway, or by recognizing the general location. This can prevent the driver from driving with reduced alertness or falling asleep while driving.

5. Near the parking area/service area It is best to call out a certain distance ahead. By calling out to the driver or announcing a place where they can take a break, it is possible to encourage the driver to take a break and prevent the driver from driving sluggishly or falling asleep while driving.

6. Call out before making a sharp curve/continuous curve.It is best to call out a certain distance before making a sharp turn/continuous curve. By calling out to the driver or announcing a change in driving, it is possible to make the driver nervous and prevent the driver from driving sluggishly or falling asleep while driving.

7. Call out before the branch/merging point. It is best to call out a certain distance before the branch/merging point. By calling out to the driver or announcing that there is a change in driving, it is possible to make the driver nervous and prevent him from driving sluggishly or falling asleep while driving.

8. Even if conditions 1 to 7 are not met, it is a good idea to communicate regularly. For example, it is good to do this at 2 minute intervals.
・Information that creates an image related to the expressway, such as scenery, lines that sound like a passenger would say, agreeable content (makes you want to chime in), surprising content (makes you want to tsukkomi), etc. It is a good idea to say this to the driver. Also, to avoid losing concentration due to driving alone, it is a good idea to use interesting lines from anime characters to encourage the driver.

4 Driving support system 5 SD card 48 Display section 51 Speaker 41 Control section 54 Acceleration sensor

Claims (4)

A system having a function of outputting character information when an event occurs, which is a case where a vehicle state or driving state is determined to be a predetermined state ,
A driving support system characterized by having a function of not shifting to a process of outputting character information when the event occurs when a radio signal is being received from a GPS satellite whose current date and time cannot yet be determined. The driving support according to claim 1, characterized in that the output of the character information includes a case in which a character voice and a character image are outputted, and a case in which a character image is outputted and a character voice is not outputted. system. 3. The driving support system according to claim 1, further comprising a function of outputting audio in two stages: when the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit and when the degree of overspeeding is large. A program for causing a computer to implement the functions of the driving support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images