JP2002230587A - System for supporting virtual experience and server computer for supporting virtual experience - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a customer examining purchase of an automobile to accurately and easily check a function installed as standard or selectively on the automobile in a relation with one's own driving irrespective of existence of a real automobile in a dealer selling the automobile. SOLUTION: An image which a user virtually experiences driving of the automobile in a real or a fictional traveling environment as a driver of the automobile 60 is displayed on a screen 32 to the user. Furthermore, a change emerging in the automobile is simulated in a state that a function the user wants to check its effect (for example an antilock brake system ABS and a vehicle stability control VSC) is started in response to that the user virtually drives the automobile by responding to an image while the image is displayed, and a result of the simulation is reflected on the image.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an improvement in a technique for allowing a user to confirm the effect of a function that is standardly or selectively mounted on an automobile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a customer wants to purchase a new car, he or she selects a car to be purchased from a plurality of kinds of cars, and specifies an optional function to be mounted on the selected car. You may need to choose from among them. In this case, the customer can take advantage of features that are standard on the car
Often, you want to see the effect of an optional feature that you are trying to select.

[0003] The function and effect can be confirmed by a customer actually going to a dealer who sells the car, watching the actual car, or taking a test ride. Customers can see the functional effects through their own real experiences.

[0004] On the other hand, recently, on a communication network such as the Internet, a customer can use his / her own computer at home to check the effects of functions that are standardly or selectively mounted on a car online. You may be able to confirm. In this way, the customer may be able to check the effects of the functions of the car while staying at home without having to go to the dealer by using his own computer. Your home may be called an online showroom.

[0005]

However, in the past, it has often been difficult for the customer to confirm the functional effects to a satisfactory degree even when any of the above-described confirmation methods is employed.

For example, when a customer actually goes to a dealer and wants to confirm the function effect through his / her own real experience, an actual vehicle equipped with the function under consideration by the customer must be a dealer to which the customer has visited. Does not always exist in
It may not be possible to achieve the purpose.

[0007] On the other hand, when the customer wants to check the function effect using a so-called online showroom, unlike the above case, there is no restriction on the existence of an actual vehicle, and the customer is studying. It is difficult to imagine that information about the effect of the function cannot be obtained. However, for some functions, it is difficult for the customer to understand the effect of the function only on the catalog using text, pictures, illustrations, and the like. In particular, when the effect of the function has a dynamic property that changes with time depending on the situation, it is difficult for the customer to correctly understand the effect.

On the other hand, there is already a technique for more visually confirming the effect of a function having such a dynamic property to a customer. Specifically, this method is to display a videotape of a state in which the movement of a real automobile changes with time for a customer at a dealer.

[0009] However, in the method using a video tape, for example, when the effect of a function depends on the driving skill or driving habit of the driver, the customer can compare the effect of such function with himself / herself. Can not be confirmed correctly in the relationship.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of these circumstances, the present invention provides a method for a customer to correctly determine the functions of a vehicle, whether or not there is a real vehicle, in relation to his own driving. The present invention has been made to make it easy to confirm, and the following aspects can be obtained by the present invention. Each mode is described in the same manner as in the claims, divided into sections, each section is numbered, and described in the form of citing the numbers of other sections as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features described in the present specification and some of the combinations thereof, and the technical features and the combinations thereof described in the present specification have the following aspects. It should not be construed as limited.

(1) A virtual experience support system for supporting, by a computer, a user to virtually experience the effects of functions that are standardly or selectively mounted on an automobile, wherein the user operates the automobile. Image display means for displaying to the user at least an image out of an image and a sound for virtually experiencing that the vehicle is driven in a real or fictitious driving environment, and the user In response to driving the vehicle virtually in response to the image during display of the image, simulates a change that appears in the vehicle in a state where the function is activated, and displays the simulation result in the image. A virtual experience support system including at least a first function simulation unit that reflects at least one of a sound and a sound on an image [Claim 1]. In this system, at least an image out of images and sounds for the user to virtually experience that the vehicle is driven in a real or imaginary driving environment as a driver of the vehicle is provided to the user. Is displayed. Further, in response to the user driving the automobile virtually in response to the image while displaying the image,
A change that appears in the vehicle in a state where the above functions are activated is simulated, and the simulation result is reflected in at least the image out of the image and the sound.
Therefore, according to this system, the user can virtually experience the effect of the function desired to be confirmed at least visually and in relation to his or her virtual driving. Become. Therefore, according to this system, the user can correctly and easily confirm the functions of the vehicle in relation to his / her driving regardless of the presence or absence of the actual vehicle. (2) The image includes an image that can be seen in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle when the vehicle is assumed to be driven in the real or imaginary driving environment (1). A virtual experience support system according to claim [Claim 2]. In this system, at least an image that can be seen from the driver's seat of the vehicle in front of the vehicle when the vehicle is assumed to be driven in a real or imaginary driving environment is displayed to the user.
Therefore, according to this system, the user can view the vehicle in a higher reality than in the case where only the image of the vehicle obtained when a person looks at the vehicle from the outside of the vehicle is displayed to the user. It becomes easy to confirm the effect of the function. In this section and each of the following sections, "images that can be seen in front of the driver's seat of the car"
For example, it may include a forward image seen by the driver sitting in the driver's seat through the front windshield of the vehicle, or a driver sitting in the driver's seat that is part of the interior of the vehicle and sees while driving. (For example, cockpit, instrument panel). When the “image that can be seen from the front of the driver's seat of the car” includes both the front image and a part of the interior, the user virtually experiences the functional effect with a high sense of reality. It becomes easier. (3) The virtual experience support system according to (1) or (2), wherein the real or imaginary traveling environment is changed into a plurality of types with time. According to this system, the user virtually drives the car under a driving environment that can be changed into a plurality of types with time, so that the user can use the same function and various effects under different driving environments. Can be easily confirmed. As a result, the user can easily evaluate the effect of the same function comprehensively. (4) Further, in response to the user virtually driving the vehicle in response to the image while displaying the image, simulating a change that appears in the vehicle in a state where the function is not activated. The virtual experience support system according to any one of (1) to (3), further including a second function simulation unit for reflecting the simulation result on at least the image out of the image and the sound [Claim 3]. In this system, under the same driving environment, not only the simulation result of the change that appears in the vehicle when the function is activated but also the simulation result of the change that appears in the vehicle when the same function is not activated can be obtained by the user. Will be displayed. Therefore, according to this system, the user can check the effect of a certain function while comparing it with the case where the function is not activated. In this system, the simulation result when the function is not activated and the simulation result when the function is activated are put together in different screen areas on the same screen in time parallel with each other. It is possible to carry out in the displayed mode. By adopting this aspect, it becomes easier for the user to correctly confirm the effect of a certain function. (5) The function described in any one of (1) to (4), including an automatic function that is automatically activated on condition that necessary conditions are satisfied, irrespective of the operation of the driver of the vehicle. The virtual experience support system described in 1. The term "operation" in this section and each of the following sections includes, for example, the same meaning as driving a car, includes driving a car, and further includes functions other than the basic functions of a car such as "run,""stop," and "turn." Can be interpreted to include an operation performed by the driver to activate the function (auxiliary function). Further, the “automatic function” in this section and the following sections includes, for example, an antilock brake system AB
S, a passive occupant restraint device (for example, an airbag, a seat belt with a pretensioner), a vehicle stability control VSC, a brake assist BA that compensates for a shortage of brake operation force during sudden braking, It is possible to use an automatic brake that automatically activates the brake when the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle becomes short. (6) The functions include a manual function activated in response to an operation of a driver of the vehicle (1) to (5).
The virtual experience support system according to any one of the above items. The "manual function" in this section and each of the following sections is, for example, when a driver inputs a target arrival position to a navigation device mounted on a car, a vehicle route from the current position to the target arrival position is searched. A route search function that is activated and stopped according to a driver's command. (7) The user has a screen and is communicably connected to a client computer used by the user via a communication network, and the user virtually experiences the effect of the function normally or selectively mounted on the vehicle. An image for the user to virtually experience that the car is driven under a real or imaginary driving environment as a driver of the car. Image display means for displaying at least an image out of sound on the screen on the client computer, and the user operates an input device of the client computer to respond to the image during display of the image. In response to the fact that the function is activated in response to virtually driving the vehicle, A virtual experience support server computer comprising: a first function simulation means for simulating a change appearing in the image and reflecting the simulation result in at least one of the image and the sound. According to this server computer, a similar operation and effect can be realized according to basically the same principle as in the system according to the above mode (1). (8) The image includes an image that can be seen from the driver of the vehicle in front of the vehicle when the vehicle is assumed to be driven in the real or imaginary driving environment (7). Virtual experience support server
Computer. According to this server computer, the same operation and effect can be realized according to basically the same principle as in the system according to the above mode (2). (9) The server computer for virtual experience support according to (7) or (8), wherein the real or imaginary running environment is changed into a plurality of types with time. According to this server computer, the same operation and effect can be realized according to basically the same principle as in the system according to the above mode (3). (10) Further, in response to the user virtually driving the vehicle in response to the image while displaying the image, simulating a change that appears in the vehicle in a state where the function is not activated. And a second function simulation means for reflecting the simulation result on at least the image out of the image and the sound (7).
A server computer for virtual experience support according to any one of (1) to (9). According to the server computer, the same function and effect can be realized according to basically the same principle as in the system according to the above mode (4). (11) The functions include automatic functions that are automatically activated on the condition that necessary conditions are satisfied, regardless of the operation of the driver of the vehicle (7) to (10).
The server computer for virtual experience support according to any one of the above items. (12) The functions include a manual function activated in response to an operation of a driver of the vehicle (7) to (1).
The server computer for virtual experience support according to any one of 1) to 1).

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a more specific embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a network environment in which a virtual experience support system according to an embodiment of the present invention is constructed. The virtual experience support system is a system that uses a computer to assist a user to virtually experience the effect of a function that is standardly or selectively mounted on an automobile.

In the network environment, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of client computers 10 used by a plurality of users are connected to a server computer used by a server via the Internet 14 as a communication network. 20. A server is an entity that manufactures or sells cars, and each user is typically a potential customer of the car provided by the server. Each client computer 10 can be, for example, an individual / home computer installed in each user's home or a business computer installed in each store related to the server. In the case of a computer for use, each user can perform a virtual experience of the functional effects of a car at home, and can realize a so-called online showroom.

As shown in FIG. 1, each client computer 10 includes a computer 30, a monitor 34 having a screen 32, a speaker 36, and an input device 38. The input device 38 includes a mouse 40 as a pointing device. The input device 38 further includes a keyboard (not shown) for directly inputting character data.

On the other hand, the server computer 20
As shown in FIG. 2, a processing unit (represented by “PU” in FIG. 2) 50 and a memory 52 are connected to a bus 5.
4 are connected to each other. Memory 52
Is configured to include a recording medium such as a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. In this memory 52,
Various programs including a virtual experience support program are stored in advance. The memory 52 also stores in advance various display data described below.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart conceptually showing the contents of the virtual experience support program, and each procedure for the user's client computer 10 and its client program are temporally associated with each step of the program. Each operation of the computer 10 is represented by a flowchart.

The virtual experience support program responds to any user accessing the server computer 20 via its client computer 10 and the Internet 14 in response to the server computer 20.
Is started.

With the start of the execution, the user first has a function for checking the effect in step S11 (hereinafter simply referred to as "S11"; the same applies to other steps). The vehicle type information for specifying the type of the vehicle is input to the client computer 10 via the input device 38. The input vehicle type information is transmitted to server computer 20.

Thereafter, the server computer 20 first receives the vehicle type information in S31,
At 32, the display data stored in the memory 52 in advance in association with the vehicle of the type specified by the received vehicle type information is searched. The retrieved display data is transmitted to the current client computer 10.

The client that has received the display data
In S12, the computer 10 displays the entire image on the screen 32 based on the display data.

FIG. 4 shows the entire image as a screen image. This whole image is an image that the driver sitting in the driver's seat 62 of the automobile 60 selected by the user sees ahead of the driver during driving. In the figure, as a part of the image, an image representing the rear surface of a truck 64 as an automobile preceding the automobile 60 is displayed.

The overall image includes an individual image representing the front windshield 66 of the automobile 60 and an individual image representing the instrument panel 68. The overall image further includes an individual image representing the steering wheel 70, an individual image representing the accelerator pedal 72, and a brake pedal 7 to represent an operation system for the driver.
4 and an individual image representing the shift lever 76. This overall image is further displayed in the car 60
Also includes an individual image representing the navigation device 78 mounted on the device.

In the present embodiment, the front windshield 66, the instrument panel 68,
Each individual image representing the steering wheel 70, the accelerator pedal 72, the brake pedal 74, the shift lever 76 and the navigation device 78 represents as realistically as possible what is actually mounted on the car 60 of the type selected by the user. It is an image. Thereby, the user can perform a virtual experience for confirming the function effect with high reality.

Along with this overall image, various command buttons and various function buttons are also displayed on the screen 32.
The various command buttons include a “start” button, a “back” button, and a “close” button. On the other hand, the various function buttons include an “ABS” button indicating an anti-lock brake system, which is one of the functions mounted on the automobile 60 selected by the user, and “ABS”, indicating another function of the vehicle stability control. There is a “VSC” button and a “route search” button representing another function, the above-described route search function in the navigation device 78. In the present embodiment, the antilock brake system and the vehicle stability control are each an example of an “automatic function”, and the route search function is an example of a “manual function”.

It should be noted that, in this embodiment,
A plurality of buttons selected by the user to select a function desired to confirm the effect are displayed on the screen 32 independently of the image of the car 60, that is, the above-described entire image. In the case where an operation member actually mounted on the automobile 60 is present, the operation member can be displayed on the screen 32 as an image that realistically represents the existing operation member.

In response to the whole image, the user selects one of the various function buttons by operating the mouse 40 in S13 of FIG. Subsequently, the user selects the “start” button in S14.
The selection results are transmitted to the server computer 20.

Thereafter, the server computer 20 executes S
At step 33, the result of the selection is received.
In, it is determined whether the function represented by the function button selected by the user is a manual function or an automatic function. If the function is the manual function, a manual function effect simulation for simulating the effect of the manual function is performed in S35, whereas if the function is the automatic function, the effect of the automatic function is simulated in S36. Automatic effect simulation is performed.

FIG. 5 shows S35, that is, the procedures of the user and the client computer 10 and the server computer 2 in the manual function effect simulation.
0 are shown in a flowchart in a timely relationship with each other.

First, the server computer 20 executes S6
In 1, display data for visually explaining the effect when the manual function is activated to the user is searched in the memory 52, and the searched display data is transmitted to the client computer 10.

The client that has received the display data
In S51, the computer 10 displays an image on the screen 32 based on the display data. This image is
The moving image represents the effect when the manual function is activated. For example, when the above-described route search is selected as the manual function, the reality that the user can feel during the virtual experience of the effect is increased. Therefore, the state of the route search is displayed at the position of the screen in the navigation device 78 on the screen 32 shown in FIG. Further, in the image, at the position of the front windshield 66,
The manner in which the real or imaginary driving environment is changed to a plurality of types with time is displayed.

After that, the user inputs to the client computer 10 via the input device 38 information indicating whether or not it is necessary to perform the comparison experience in S52 of FIG. The input comparison experience necessity information is transmitted to the server computer 20.

Thereafter, the server computer 20
Receives the comparison experience necessity information in S62,
Subsequently, in S63, it is determined whether or not the received comparative experience necessity information indicates that a comparative experience is necessary. If so, the determination is YES and S64
In step S51, the memory 52 searches the memory 52 for display data for displaying an effect on the screen 32 when the same function as the function displayed on the screen 32 in S51 is not activated. The retrieved display data is transmitted to the client computer 10.

The client that has received the display data
In S53, the computer 10 displays an image on the screen 32 based on the display data. By comparing this image with the image displayed in S51, the user compares the effect of the function selected by the user with the effect of not activating the function selected by the user. You can experience a virtual experience. Thus, one execution of the manual function effect simulation is completed.

As described above, the case where the comparison experience necessity information received by the server computer 20 indicates that the comparison experience is necessary has been described. However, if the comparison experience necessity information indicates that the comparison experience is not necessary, the determination in S63 is NO. , S64 and S53 are skipped. Thus, one execution of the manual function effect simulation is completed.

FIG. 6 shows S36, that is, the procedures of the user and the client computer 10 and the server computer 2 in the automatic function effect simulation.
0 are shown in a flowchart in a timely relationship with each other.

First, the server computer 20 executes S9
In 1, display data for visually explaining the effect when the automatic function is activated to the user is searched in the memory 52, and the searched display data is transmitted to the client computer 10.

The client that has received the display data
In S71, the computer 10 displays an image on the screen 32 based on the display data. This image is
The animation represents the effect when the automatic function is activated. For example, when the above-described anti-lock brake system is selected as the automatic function, the realism that the user can feel during the virtual experience of the effect is displayed. In the position of the front windshield 66 on the screen 32 shown in FIG. 4, a change in the relative position with respect to the truck 64, which is the preceding vehicle, is displayed. The squealing sound generated by the speaker 36 is output from the speaker 36 in a pseudo manner. Further, in the image, at the position of the front windshield 66, a state in which the actual or imaginary traveling environment is changed to a plurality of types with time is displayed.

Thereafter, in S72 of FIG. 6, the user performs necessary operations on the image of the automobile 60 which is driven while changing the driving environment on the screen 32.

For example, if the inter-vehicle distance with the truck 64, which is the preceding vehicle, shown in FIG.
The user normally operates the brake pedal 7 on the screen 32.
The mouse 40 is clicked on the individual image of No. 4. Conversely, when the inter-vehicle distance with the truck 64 becomes longer and the accelerator pedal 72 can be depressed in a simulated manner, the user usually makes an individual image of the accelerator pedal 72 on the screen 32. Is clicked with the mouse 40. When a road (not shown) serving as a driving environment displayed on the screen 32 is bent and it becomes necessary to operate the steering wheel 70 in a pseudo manner, the user usually uses The mouse 40 is clicked on the individual image of the steering wheel 70 on the screen 32. In this manner, the user drives the car 60 on the screen 32 in a simulated manner as in a driving game. Operation information indicating an operation performed by the user is transmitted to the server computer 20 in real time.

After that, the server computer 20 receives the operation information in S92 of FIG.
In S93, the movement of the automobile 60 in a state where the function selected by the user can be activated is simulated in real time. Specifically, when an operation represented by the operation information is performed on the vehicle 60 displayed on the screen 32 in a state in which the function selected by the user can be activated, the movement of the vehicle 60 (For example, swinging, spinning, drifting, etc. of the automobile 60) are analyzed in real time according to the dynamic principle. Based on the analysis result, the movement of the automobile 60 is simulated in real time.

The server computer 20 then executes S
At 94, display data for displaying the simulation result on the screen 32 is created in real time.
The created display data is transmitted to the client computer 10.

The client that has received the display data
In S73, the computer 10 displays an image on the screen 32 based on the display data. As a result, the user sees a change in the movement of the automobile 60 in response to his / her operation on the screen 32, and Can visually confirm the effect of the function selected this time, that is, the effect of a certain automatic function.

S72, S92, S93, S described above
Steps 94 and S73 are repeated until a series of preset virtual running ends.

After the end of the series of virtual traveling, the user
In S74, the comparison experience necessity information indicating whether the comparison experience is necessary is input to the client computer 10 via the input device 38. The input comparison experience necessity information is transmitted to the server computer 20.

Thereafter, the server computer 20
Receives the comparison experience necessity information in S95,
Subsequently, in S96, a message indicating that it is necessary to drive the same automobile 60 again in the same driving environment in a pseudo manner is displayed on the screen 3 in order for the user to perform a comparative experience.
Display data to be displayed on the screen 2 and an image in which the same car 60 is running under the same running environment on the screen 3.
2 and display data for display on the client computer 10.

In step S75, the client computer 10 receiving the display data displays the message and the image on the screen 32 based on the display data. Thereafter, in S76, the user selects the screen 3
In response to the image of the automobile 60 displayed on 2, an operation for pseudo-driving the automobile 60 is performed via the input device 38. The operation information is input to the client computer 10, and the input operation information is transmitted to the server computer 20.

Thereafter, the server computer 20 executes S
At 98, the operation information is received.
In, the movement of the automobile 60 in a state where the function selected by the user cannot be activated is simulated in real time. Specifically, when an operation represented by the operation information is performed on the vehicle 60 displayed on the screen 32 in a state where the function selected by the user cannot be activated, the movement of the vehicle 60 (For example, swinging, spinning, drifting, etc. of the automobile 60) are analyzed in real time according to the dynamic principle. Based on the analysis result, the movement of the automobile 60 is simulated in real time.

The server computer 20 then executes S
At 100, the simulation result is displayed on screen 32.
The display data to be displayed on the top is created in real time, and the created display data is transmitted to the client computer 10.

The client that has received the display data
In step S77, the computer 10 displays an image on the screen 32 based on the display data. As a result, the user sees a change in the movement of the automobile 60 in response to his / her operation on the screen 32, and Can visually confirm the effect when the function selected this time, that is, a certain automatic function cannot be activated.

S76, S98, S99, S described above
Steps 100 and S77 are repeated until a series of preset virtual running ends. When this series of virtual running ends, one execution of the automatic function effect simulation ends.

As described above, the case where the comparison experience necessity information received by the server computer 20 indicates that the comparison experience is necessary has been described. If the comparison experience necessity information indicates that the comparison experience is not necessary, the determination in S96 is NO. , S97 to S100
And S75 to S77 are skipped. Above,
One execution of the automatic function effect simulation ends.

In any case, if any command button is selected on the screen 32 by the operation of the mouse 40 by the user in S15 of FIG. 3, the selection result is transmitted to the server computer 20. .

After that, in S37, the server computer 20 receives the selection result, and then in S38, the selection result is "close" or "return".
Is determined. If "back",
Thereafter, returning to S32, the user is given an opportunity to virtually experience the effect of another function.

On the other hand, the selection result is “close”.
In S39, a predetermined end process is performed in S39, and thereafter, in S40, display data indicating that the current virtual experience has ended is displayed on the client computer.
Sent to computer 10.

Subsequently, in S16, the display data is received by the client computer 10 and a message represented by the received display data, that is, a message indicating that the current virtual experience is completed is displayed on the screen 32. Is displayed. This completes one execution of the virtual experience support program.

As is apparent from the above description, in the present embodiment, at least a part of the server computer 20 that executes S32 in FIG. 3, S61 in FIG. 5, and S91 and S94 in FIG. An example of the “image display means” in item 1 or 2 constitutes an example, and a portion executing S93 in FIG. 6 constitutes an example of the “first function simulation means” in the claim.

Further, in this embodiment, the server
The part of the computer 20 that executes S99 in FIG. 6 constitutes an example of the “second function simulation means” in claim 3.

Further, in this embodiment, the server
The part of the computer 20 that executes S32 in FIG. 3, S61 in FIG. 5, and S91 and S94 in FIG. 6 constitutes an example of the "image display means" in claim 4, and the part that executes S93 in FIG. This constitutes an example of the "first function simulation means" in the claims.

As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, this is merely an example, and the embodiments described in the above-mentioned "Problems to be Solved by the Invention and Effects of the Invention" will be described. As a result, it is possible to implement the present invention in various modified and improved forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system diagram conceptually illustrating a network environment in which a virtual experience support system according to an embodiment of the present invention is constructed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing a hardware configuration of a server computer 20 in FIG.

3 is a flowchart conceptually showing the contents of a virtual experience support program in FIG. 2 with a temporal relationship with each procedure of a user.

4 is a front view showing an image displayed on the screen 32 of the client computer 10 by executing S12 in FIG. 3 as a screen image.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart conceptually showing execution contents of S35 in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart conceptually showing execution contents of S36 in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 client computer 14 Internet 20 server computer 32 screen 60 car 62 driver's seat 66 front windshield 68 instrument panel 70 steering wheel 72 accelerator pedal 74 brake pedal 76 shift lever 78 navigation device

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A virtual experience support system for supporting, by a computer, a user to virtually experience the effects of functions that are standardly or selectively mounted on a vehicle, wherein the user is a driver of the vehicle. Image display means for displaying to the user at least an image out of an image and a sound for virtually experiencing that the vehicle is driven under a real or imaginary driving environment; and In response to driving the vehicle virtually in response to the image during display of the image, simulate changes that appear in the vehicle in a state where the function is activated, and simulate the simulation result with the image. And a first function simulation means for reflecting at least an image of the sound on an image. 2. The image includes an image that a driver of the vehicle will see in front of the vehicle when the vehicle is assumed to be driven in the real or imaginary driving environment. Item 3. The virtual experience support system according to Item 1. 3. A change that appears in the vehicle in a state in which the function is not activated in response to the user virtually driving the vehicle in response to the image while the image is being displayed. 3. The virtual experience support system according to claim 1, further comprising: a second function simulation unit that simulates the simulation and reflects the simulation result on at least the image out of the image and the sound. 4. A computer having a screen and communicably connected to a client computer used by a user via a communication network, wherein the user can virtually enjoy the effect of a function normally or selectively mounted on a vehicle. A server computer that supports experiencing the car as a driver of the car as a driver of the car in a real or imaginary driving environment. Image display means for displaying at least the image of the image and the sound on the screen on the client computer, and the user operates an input device of the client computer to display the image during display of the image. In response to driving the automobile virtually, the function is activated in a state where the function is activated. Simulating the changes appearing in the automobile, the virtual experience assistance server computer comprising a first function simulation means for reflecting at least the image of and its simulation result the image and sound.