JP2020179844A - Driving support system and driving support program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a driving support system capable of continuously urging safe driving to a driver by keeping strong empathy of the driver with respect to characters, and a driving support program.SOLUTION: A driving support system 4 includes a plurality of display modes. In a character mode, information for supporting driving can be provided to a driver by displaying characters on a display part 48 to enable the characters to have communication with the driver. The driving support system 4 determines a representation form of the communication according to degree of intimacy specified on the basis of a driving condition of a vehicle. The driving support system 4 outputs character information with the representation form determined on the basis of the intimacy so as to change the intimacy of the characters to a user according to the driving condition of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a driving support system for assisting a driver's driving and a driving support program.

A driving support system has been proposed in which a character displayed on a display screen communicates with a driver to assist the driver in driving. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a driving support system that assists a driver in driving by changing the facial expression and gesture of a character displayed on a display screen according to the state of the vehicle. This driving support system changes the facial expression of the character displayed on the display screen, for example, when the driver drives violently, and makes the character angry or sad. The driver sees the character angry and sad, realizes that he was driving violently, and changes the driving method. On the other hand, the driving support system changes the expression of the character displayed on the display screen when the driver drives carefully and gently, and makes the character happy or energetic. The driver is relieved to see how the character is happy and energetic, and continues to drive safely. As described above, the driving support system described in Patent Document 1 is safe for the driver by utilizing the emotions that the driver tries not to make the character uncomfortable and wants the character to be pleased. Encourage driving.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-72488

In order to make the driver feel strongly that he / she does not make the character uncomfortable or wants to be pleased, it is necessary to make the driver strongly embrace the character. However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, for example, the facial expression of the character when the driver's driving is rough or polite is uniformly determined according to the driving mode. In this way, the facial expressions and gestures of the character displayed on the display screen are monotonous and hardly change, so that the driver tends to get tired of communicating with the character. Therefore, the state in which the driver strongly embraces the character does not continue, and finally, even if the facial expression or gesture of the character changes, the driver does not feel anything. As a result, the driving support system has a problem that it cannot encourage the driver to drive safely.

An object of the present invention is to provide a driving support system and a driving support program capable of continuously encouraging a driver to drive safely by maintaining a strong emotional empathy of the driver for a character. ..

The driving support system according to the first aspect of the present invention is a driving support system in which the character communicates with the user by outputting character information and supports the driving of the user, and is an expression mode of the communication. The information indicating the above determines the expression mode corresponding to the intimacy by referring to the storage unit stored for each intimacy specified based on the driving state of the vehicle, and the character in the expression mode determines 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 as to change according to the operating state of the user. It is characterized in that the character information is output in the above expression mode.

According to the first aspect, in the driving support system, the character information is output to the user so that the user recognizes a creature such as a human or an animal as a character. Character information is output from the driving support device by various methods for appealing to the user's five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell). For example, the output of character information may be executed by displaying an image of the character on a display unit (display or the like). Further, for example, the output of character information may be executed by outputting the character's voice from a voice output unit (speaker or the like). As a result, communication is performed in which the character notifies the user of the information.

In the driving support system, the expression mode of communication by the character is changed according to the degree of intimacy between the user and the character. This makes it possible to increase the degree of emotional empathy of the user with respect to the character and make the user feel as if the character is a real object. The user will obediently respond to the character's efforts for safe driving and actively strive for safe driving so that the character's intimacy with the user is maintained in a high state and further enhanced. In this way, the driving support system maintains a high level of emotional empathy of the user with respect to the character, thereby suppressing the user from getting tired of communicating with the character and continuing safe driving for the user. Can be urged to.

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 expression mode of the communication for each intimacy and for each state of the vehicle, and the parent. It is preferable to determine the expression mode corresponding to the density and the state of the vehicle, and output the character information so that the character communicates with the user in the expression mode.

For example, the driving support system may identify appropriate notification items according to the state of the vehicle and notify the user via the character. For example, the driver assistance system may guide the driver to alert the user according to the traveling speed and to try to drive carefully with respect to sudden steering and sudden braking. As a result, the driving support system can appropriately call attention to the optimum safe driving according to the state of the vehicle.

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

The user can recognize the installation location of the traffic monitoring device through communication with the character. Traffic monitoring devices are often installed in places where traffic accidents are likely to occur or where accidents have occurred in the past. Therefore, the driving support system can notify the user of information about the installation location of the traffic monitoring device so that the user can recognize the location where a traffic accident is likely to occur and encourage the user to pay particular attention to safe driving in such a location.

In the first aspect, by receiving the radio wave transmitted from the traffic monitoring device, it is determined whether the vehicle has approached the traffic monitoring device, and when the vehicle approaches the traffic monitoring device, the character causes the said. The character information may be output 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 places where traffic accidents are likely to occur or where accidents have occurred in the past. Therefore, the driver assistance system notifies the user that the traffic monitoring device is near the vehicle so that the user is aware of the place where a traffic accident is likely to occur and encourages the user to pay particular attention to safe driving in such a place. it can.

In the first aspect, there is a function of outputting information for supporting the driving of the user by a method other than outputting the character information, a character mode for outputting the character information, and a non-character mode for not outputting the character information. It has a character mode, and it is preferable to switch between the character mode and the non-character mode based on the 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 driver assistance system is operating in the character mode. In such a case, the user wants to immediately switch from the character mode to the non-character mode.

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

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

For example, when the driving support device supplements the regional navigation satellite "MICHIBIKI", it is preferable to notify the user via the character that the "MICHIBIKI" has been captured. By doing so, the user can recognize in detail what kind of satellite is used to locate the vehicle in the driver assistance system. Since the user can know the specific movement of the driving support system in detail, it is possible to enhance the familiarity with the driving support system.

In the first aspect, the position of the vehicle is specified based on at least one of the radio waves transmitted from the global navigation satellite and the radio waves transmitted from the regional navigation satellite, and at least the radio waves from the regional navigation satellite are used. When the position of the vehicle can be specified, the user may be notified in a different notification mode from the case where the position of the vehicle can be specified without using the radio wave from the regional navigation satellite. The user can clearly recognize at a glance whether the position of the vehicle is specified by receiving the radio wave from the regional navigation satellite.

In the first aspect, when the intimacy is less than the first threshold value, the character information is output from the first output unit, and when the intimacy is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the first output unit and the said It is preferable to output the character information from a second output unit different from the first output unit. Further, in the first aspect, it is preferable that the character information includes image information and voice information, the image information is output from the first output unit, and the voice information is output from the second output unit.

When the intimacy is low, the image of the character is output, so that the user wants to start intimate communication with the character early by recognizing another expression mode (for example, voice) based on the character information. The driving support system can increase the degree of emotional transfer to the user's character by utilizing such a user's psychology.

Contrary to the above, the first output unit may be the audio output unit. The second output unit may be an image output unit. Then, it is preferable to output the voice as the character information from the first output unit. The image may be output from the second output unit as character information.

In the first aspect, the image of the character, which is the character information to be displayed on the display unit, may be different 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. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from getting bored with the image of the character. In addition, since the user has a desire to see an image of a new character, the driving support system can effectively guide the user to safe driving by using this emotion. For example, the driving support system may be controlled so that a new character image is not displayed when the user performs dangerous driving or the like. As a result, the user always keeps in mind safe driving.

In the first aspect, when the intimacy is less than the second threshold value, the image of the character is output from the display unit as the character information, the voice of the character is not output from the voice output unit, and the intimacy is the first. When it is equal to or more than two threshold values, the image of the character and the voice of the character may be output as the character information.

Since the user cannot recognize the voice of the character when the intimacy is low, the user has an expectation that he / she wants to recognize not only the image of the character but also the voice. The driving support system can increase the degree of emotional transfer to the user's character by utilizing such a user's psychology.

In the first aspect, when the character information is output so that the character communicates with the user in the expression mode in which the intimacy of the character with respect to the user increases as the intimacy increases. Good. The driver assistance system can increase the intimacy of the character to the user as the intimacy specified based on the driving state increases. By feeling that the intimacy of the character is gradually increasing, the user gradually increases the familiarity with the character and strongly embraces the character. The user will be more obedient to the notification from the character so as not to be disliked by the character. Therefore, the user will obediently respond to the character's approach to safe driving and will perform safe driving.

In the first aspect, the character information may be output so that the character communicates in a different expression mode for each time when the driving support system is activated. For example, it is preferable to switch and output the character information every activation time as if the character is a real creature. As a result, the user feels as if the character actually exists, and strongly embraces the character. The user will be more obedient to the notification from the character so as not to be disliked by the character. Therefore, the user will obediently respond to the character's approach to safe driving and will perform safe driving.

In the first aspect, when the driving support system is activated in the early morning, the character information may be output so that the character can communicate with the user in a sleepy expression mode. By seeing the character sleepy, the user feels as if the character is a real creature. In addition, the user feels sorry for waking up the character. The driving support device can further increase the degree of emotional transfer to the user's character by causing the user to have such emotions.

In the first aspect, when the driving support system is activated at midnight, the character information may be output so as to communicate with the user in the expression mode in which the character goes to bed. By watching the character go to bed, the user feels as if the character is a real creature. In addition, the user has an intimate feeling towards the character. The driving support device can further increase the degree of emotional transfer to the user's character by causing the user to have such emotions.

In the first aspect, the voice of the character and the voice of another character different from the character by the person who plays the character are stored in the storage unit as the expression mode, and the intimacy is the third threshold value. If it is less than, the voice of the other character may be output as the character information, and if the intimacy is equal to or higher than the third threshold value, the voice of the character may be output as the character information.

By listening to the voice of another character when the intimacy is less than the third threshold, for example, when another character different from the character by the person who plays the character is a character played by a familiar person, the voice is heard. At the same time as listening and relieving, for example, you want to hear the voice of the character unique to this system. When the intimacy becomes high and the character's voice can be heard in such a state, the degree of the user's emotional transfer to the character is further increased as compared with the case where the character's voice is heard from the beginning.

In the first aspect, when the intimacy is equal to or higher than the fourth threshold value larger than the third threshold value, the voice of the other character may be output. The user can hear both the voice of the character and the voice of another character when the intimacy becomes high.

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

The second attitude should be an attitude that is different from the first attitude, and the second attitude should be an attitude that has the opposite element to the first attitude. In particular, the first attitude should generally have a negative image, and the second attitude should generally have a positive image. In this way, when the intimacy exceeds the threshold value, the attitude changes suddenly, and the gap in the attitude is attracted. As a result, the driver's stronger emotional empathy for the character can be generated and maintained.

In the first aspect, the first attitude may be an attitude of treating the user strictly, and the second attitude may be an attitude of treating the user in a friendly manner. As the intimacy increases, the character's attitude gradually becomes intimate, so that the user further increases the degree of emotional transfer to the character. The user will be more obedient to the notification from the character so as not to be disliked by the character. Therefore, the user will obediently respond to the character's approach to safe driving and will perform safe driving.

In the first aspect, when the intimacy is equal to or higher than the sixth threshold value larger than the fifth threshold value, it is preferable to output the voice of the character who comes into contact with the user in a strict manner. When the intimacy is increased, the user can hear both the harsh attitude voice and the harsh attitude voice.

In the first aspect, when the user performs an operation for setting a condition for outputting the character information, the operation is accepted and the intimacy is received only when the intimacy is equal to or higher than the seventh threshold value. If is less than the seventh threshold value, the operation may not be accepted. The user cannot set the conditions for outputting the character information unless the intimacy level is above a certain level. 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 driver assistance system can increase the degree of emotional transfer to the user's character.

In the first aspect, the driving support system operates in either a character mode that outputs the character information or a non-character mode that does not output the character information, and only when the driving support system operates in the character mode. It is preferable to accept the operation for setting the condition for outputting the character information via the setting screen. The user can switch between the character mode and the non-character mode to use the driving assistance system. Further, since the user can set the condition for outputting the character information only when the driving support system is operating in the character mode, the character information is erroneously used when operating in the non-character mode. It is possible to prevent the conditions for outputting the above from being changed.

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

In the first aspect, when the user performs an operation for setting a condition for outputting the character information and the intimacy is less than the eighth threshold value, the operation is not accepted. It is preferable to notify the user by a voice having a tone different from that of the character's voice. This allows the user to clearly recognize that the condition setting has been rejected.

In the first aspect, it is preferable to notify the user that the operation is not accepted and introduce the function of the driving support system to the user. The user can recognize the function of the driving support system and know how to set it. Even if the user is not well aware of the functions of the driving support device in advance, the user will be able to gradually recognize various functions while using the driving support system.

In the first aspect, the wallpaper operation unit for selecting a wallpaper that is displayed on the display unit and the number of selectable wallpapers increases with the passage of time is displayed on the display unit, and the wallpaper operation is performed. The wallpaper selected by the user via the unit may be displayed on the display unit at least either when the driving support system is activated or during standby. The user can select a favorite wallpaper and display it on the display unit. Since the number of wallpapers that can be displayed increases with the passage of time and time, even if the driving support system is used by the user for a long time, it is possible to prevent the user from getting bored by changing the wallpaper.

In the first aspect, the display unit displays a playback operation unit for setting so that the voice of the character once output from the voice output unit as the character information can be output again at an arbitrary timing. , Designated when the user gives an instruction to re-output the once-output voice of the character after the setting for re-outputting the voice of the character is made via the playback operation unit. It is preferable to output the voice of the character. As a result, the voice of the character once reproduced can be heard over and over again at an arbitrary timing later.

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

The user will be able to display a character wearing his / her favorite clothes on the display unit. As a result, the user can switch the appearance of the character as desired, and the degree of emotional transfer to the character is further increased. In addition, the driving support system can display the character in various display modes, so that the user does not get bored.

In the first aspect, when the intimacy is less than the ninth threshold value, the image of the character wearing the selected clothing is displayed even when the clothing is selected via the clothing operation unit. May be prohibited with a predetermined probability. If the intimacy is low, the user is rarely rejected even if he / she performs an operation to change the character's clothes. As a result, the user tries to be more intimate and surely change the character's clothes. As a result, the user will follow the notification of the character more, and will try to drive safely according to the guidance to the safe driving from the driving support system. In addition, the driving support system can further increase the degree of emotional transfer of the user to the character by making the character behave as if it were a real creature.

In the first aspect, the background image of the setting screen may be changed based on the user's instruction. You can switch the background of the setting screen to your favorite state. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from getting bored because the display mode becomes one-sided.

In the first aspect, a mode operation unit for selecting either a character mode for outputting the character information or a non-character mode for not outputting the character information is displayed on the display unit, and the color of the outer frame of the mode operation unit is displayed. May be changed according to the intimacy. The user can clearly recognize the expression mode of communication by the character just by looking at the mode operation unit.

In the first aspect, an image showing the intimacy as the intimacy of the character with respect to the user may be displayed on the display unit. This allows the user to recognize the intimacy of the character at a glance.

In the first aspect, the initialization operation unit that initializes the operating state is displayed on the display unit.
When the operation for initializing the operating state is performed via the initialization operation unit, the intimacy of the user may be initialized. As a result, the user can repeatedly experience the process of gradually increasing the intimacy of the character with respect to the user by initializing the driving state.

In the first aspect, a storage unit that stores the operation state and setting information other than the operation state is provided, and when the initialization operation is input via the initialization operation unit, the operation state is initialized. It is preferable not to initialize the setting information other than the operation state. The driver assistance system can initialize the exercise state so as not to erase the setting information set by the user. As a result, the user can save the trouble of repeatedly setting the setting information for the driving support system.

In the first aspect, the vehicle and the target are acquired based on the map information in which the position information indicating the position of the vehicle is acquired and the target and the position information on the map are associated with each other and the acquired position information. It is preferable to specify the positional relationship with and to determine the character information based on the positional relationship and output it.

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 the character. As a notification item, for example, it is preferable to notify that the vehicle has approached a place where a traffic accident is likely to occur, such as a sharp curve or a place with poor visibility. In addition, it is advisable to notify that the vehicle is approaching the place where the traffic monitoring device is installed. This allows the driver assistance system to encourage the user to drive safely in a dangerous place. In particular, since the user has a strong emotional feeling toward the character, it is expected that the user will obediently respond to the notification by the character. Therefore, the driving support system can accurately guide the user to drive safely. For example, the driving support device may make the notification by the character different according to the intimacy.

In the first aspect, the character information may be output so that the character communicates with the user in the expression mode that differs depending on the distance between the vehicle and the target. Through communication with the character, the user can easily and clearly recognize the distance between the vehicle and the target at a glance. For example, when the distance between a vehicle and a place where a traffic accident is likely to occur, such as a sharp curve or a place with poor visibility, is shortened, the character may notify the user in a different manner depending on the distance. As a result, the user can recognize the distance between the dangerous place and the vehicle, and can keep in mind the appropriate driving according to 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, the character information is determined and output based on the behavior. The driver assistance system can identify appropriate notification items based on the behavior of the vehicle and notify the user via the character. As a notification item, for example, a warning for sudden steering, sudden braking, or sudden start may be given. This allows the driver assistance system to warn against dangerous driving and encourage them to drive calmly. In particular, since the user has a strong emotional feeling toward the character, it is expected that the user will obediently respond to the notification items of the character. Therefore, the driving support system can accurately guide the user to drive safely.

In the first aspect, it has a function of detecting the acceleration applied to the vehicle, and the behavior may be determined based on the detected acceleration. The driver assistance system can determine the behavior of the vehicle based on the acceleration applied to the vehicle. For example, the driver assistance system may detect vehicle behavior such as sudden steering, sudden braking, and sudden start by detecting acceleration in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

In the first aspect, the character information may be output so that the character communicates with the user in the expression mode different depending on the magnitude and direction of the acceleration. The driver assistance 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 give a notification to call attention to these. As a result, the user can drive safely by trying not to drive dangerously in response to the notification from the character.

In the first aspect, the character information may be output so that the character speaks to the user and communicates in at least one of the expression modes of the character walking in the display area of the display unit. As a result, the user feels close to the character, and the degree of emotional transfer to the character of the user is further increased. For example, it is preferable to output the character information in the above-described manner at a time zone other than the output based on the positional relationship between the vehicle and the target or the output when the acceleration satisfies a predetermined condition. As a result, the user feels as if the character is always nearby, and the degree of emotional empathy of the user with the character is further increased. For example, it is advisable to make the character's phrase different according to the intimacy.

In the first aspect, when the positional relationship between the position of the target for monitoring traffic and the vehicle satisfies a predetermined relationship, it is preferable to output an image of the character wearing the predetermined clothes as the character information. Since the appearance of the character has changed, the user can easily and clearly recognize at a glance that the positions of the object to be monitored for traffic and the vehicle satisfy a predetermined relationship. Since the target for traffic monitoring is often installed in a place where a traffic accident is likely to occur, the user accurately recognizes the place where there is a high risk of a traffic accident in advance and keeps in mind traffic safety. You can drive.

In the first aspect, as the character information, it is preferable to output the voice of the character for notifying information about the target for monitoring traffic. Even if the user is not looking at the driver assistance system, the user can be sure to recognize by voice that the position of the object to be monitored for traffic and the vehicle meets a predetermined relationship. it can.

In the first aspect, it has a function of detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle, acquires the speed limit at the traveling point of the vehicle, and the detected traveling speed exceeds the acquired speed limit. In this case, the character information may be output so that the character communicates in an expression mode that warns the user. The user can easily recognize that the traveling speed of the vehicle exceeds the speed limit. Since the degree of emotional empathy of the user with respect to the character is strong, the user obediently responds to the warning from the character and tries to drive safely.

In the first aspect, it is preferable to output the character information so as to have a function of detecting the behavior of the vehicle and to communicate with the character in a motion sickness expression mode when the behavior satisfies a predetermined condition. .. For example, when a large acceleration in the lateral direction of the vehicle is detected, it is determined that the vehicle is being driven roughly, and the character information may be output in a motion sickness expression mode. Since the degree of emotional transfer to the character of the user is large, the user feels sorry for the character's motion sickness and tries to drive politely. The driving support system can encourage the user to drive carefully by utilizing such emotions of the user.

In the first aspect, it has a function of detecting the acceleration applied to the vehicle, and when the state in which the acceleration satisfies a predetermined condition is continuous for a predetermined time or more, the character communicates with the user in an angry expression mode. As described above, the character information may be output. For example, when the acceleration in the front-rear direction or the lateral direction of the vehicle frequently increases, it is determined that the vehicle is being driven roughly, and the character information may be output in an angry expression mode. Since the degree of emotional transfer to the character of the user is large, the user reflects on the angry state of the character and tries to drive carefully. The driving support system can encourage the user to drive carefully by utilizing such feelings of the user.

In the first aspect, it is determined whether or not the user's concentration on driving is reduced, and when it is determined that the user's concentration is reduced, the character communicates with the user in an expression mode. 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 degree of emotional transfer to the character of the user is large, the user obediently responds to the alert from the character. For example, the character may communicate with the user in a manner that encourages a break. As a result, the user can surely recover his / her concentration by taking a break positively.

In the first aspect, it is determined whether or not the running state of the vehicle is in a state of poor change, and when it is determined that the state of running of the vehicle is in a state of poor change, the character communicates in an expression mode in which the character speaks to the user. It is preferable to output the character information. If the change in the running state of the vehicle is small, the user may be driving asleep. In such a case, the driving support system can eliminate the dozing state of the user by alerting the user. This allows the user to resume safe driving. Since the degree of emotional transfer to the character of the user is large, the user obediently responds to the alert from the character. For example, the character may communicate with the user in a manner that encourages a break. As a result, the user can surely recover his / her concentration by taking a break positively.

In the first aspect, when the vehicle has a function of detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle, the traveling speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and the change width of the traveling state of the vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the vehicle is in the above state. It is good to judge. The driver assistance system can accurately identify the user's condition by a simple method. This is because when these conditions are satisfied, the user's concentration tends to decrease, and the user tends to become drowsy.

In the first aspect, when the fluctuation of the running state of the vehicle for a predetermined time satisfies a predetermined condition, it may be determined that the vehicle is in the above state. The driver assistance system can accurately identify the user's condition by a simple method. For example, when the user is driving normally, the driving state fluctuates frequently, and when this fluctuation is small, it may be determined that the user is in the drowsy driving state.

In the first aspect, the position information of the vehicle is acquired, the road on which the vehicle is traveling is specified based on the acquired position information and the map information, and the type of the identified road is a predetermined condition. When the condition is satisfied, the character information may be output so that the character communicates in an expression mode in which the character speaks to the user.

For example, the driving support system may identify whether the reason the vehicle is traveling is a highway or an elevated road. This is because when the vehicle is traveling on such a road, the traveling speed tends to be high, and the driving tends to be monotonous with little steering or speed change. In such a case, the user's concentration is likely to decrease, and low-sensitivity driving, dozing driving, etc. are likely to occur. On the other hand, the driving support system can prevent a traffic accident by giving a warning to the user especially on such a road. Therefore, the driving support system can effectively prevent traffic accidents and encourage the user to drive safely.

In the first aspect, it is preferable to acquire the traveling speed of the vehicle and output the character information so that the character communicates in an expression mode in which the character speaks to the user when the acquired traveling speed satisfies a predetermined condition. .. When the running speed is high, a little carelessness of the user can easily lead to an accident. On the other hand, the driving support system can give a warning to the user particularly via the character in such a case, so that it is possible to eliminate the situation in which an accident is likely to occur and prevent an accident in advance.

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

In the first aspect, the character information may be output so that the character communicates in an expression mode in which the character repeatedly speaks at a predetermined cycle. Even if the user does not notice the warning in the initial stage of the warning, by repeatedly issuing the warning, the user finally notices the warning and tries to drive safely. In this way, the driver assistance system can surely make the user recognize the warning.

In the first aspect, it is preferable that the conversation contents when the character repeatedly speaks at a predetermined cycle are different. The driving support system can prevent the user from getting bored with the character by outputting the character information so that the character gives a warning in a different manner. As a result, the user can continuously respond to the warning of the character and try to drive safely.

In the first aspect, when the character repeatedly speaks at a predetermined cycle, the volume of the character's voice 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 the driving method in the initial stage of the warning, the user will eventually modify the driving method according to the loud voice. In this way, the driver assistance system can reliably guide the user to drive safely.

In the 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 crossed the prefectural border, and the vehicle crosses the prefectural border. When it is determined that the vehicle has passed, the character information may be output so that the character notifies the user that the vehicle has passed the prefectural border. The driver assistance system can make the user recognize which place the vehicle is traveling in general. The driving support system can prevent the user from losing concentration, dozing off, etc. by letting the user imagine a rough image of the destination.

In the first aspect, the vehicle is traveling based on the map information in which the coordinate information indicating the position of the vehicle is acquired and the target on the map and the coordinate information are associated with each other and the acquired coordinate information. It is preferable to output the character information so as to determine the prefecture of the character and notify the user of the prefecture in which the character is traveling. The driver assistance system can make the user recognize which place the vehicle is traveling in general. The driving support system can prevent the user from losing concentration, dozing off, etc. by letting the user imagine a rough image of the destination.

In the first aspect, coordinate information indicating the position of the vehicle is acquired, and based on the map information in which the object on the map and the coordinate information are associated with each other and the acquired coordinate information, the vehicle and a predetermined point are obtained. When it is determined whether or not the distance between the vehicle and the predetermined point is within the predetermined range and it is determined that the distance between the vehicle and the predetermined point is within the predetermined range, the user is informed that the predetermined point has approached. The character information may be output so as to notify.

For example, PA and SA may be assumed as predetermined points. When the driving support system detects a decrease in the user's concentration or a drowsy driving, it is recommended that the user take a break by stopping by SA or PA. As a result, 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 a predetermined point. Such places can easily lead to accidents with a little carelessness. The driving support system may suppress a decrease in the user's concentration, a drowsy driving, or the like in a dangerous place by giving a warning to the user via the character when approaching such a place. This allows the driver assistance 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, "km before". As a result, the driving support system can continue to drive safely even before reaching a dangerous place where a traffic accident is likely to occur. In this way, the driving support system can solve the decrease in concentration of the user, the drowsy driving, etc. with a margin from the front of the place where the traffic accident is likely to occur.

In the first aspect, a storage medium that stores data indicating an expression mode when the character information is output may be used as the storage unit. By acquiring the character information from the storage medium, the expression mode of the character can be changed in various ways. As a result, the driving support device can provide the user with a new expression mode so that the user does not get bored with the character.

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

In the first aspect, the driving state may be the mileage traveled by the vehicle by the driving of the user. The driving support system can specify the intimacy by the mileage. For example, in a driving support system, when the mileage is long, the intimacy may be set large, and when the mileage is short, the intimacy may be set low.

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.

It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of the driving support system 4. It is a table for demonstrating the display mode of the driving support system 4. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the screen displayed in the radar standby display mode. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the screen which is displayed in a radar standby display mode. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen which is displayed in the OBD display mode. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed in the MAP display mode-animation mode. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed in the MAP display mode-the live-action mode. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed in the MAP display mode-character mode. It is a schematic diagram which shows the information stored in the SD card 5. It is a schematic diagram which shows the information stored in a RAM 44. It is a flowchart which shows the main process. It is a flowchart which shows the constant period processing. It is a flowchart which shows the target position identification process. It is a flowchart which shows the operation state specifying process. It is a flowchart which shows the character mode processing. It is a figure which shows the example of the logo screen displayed based on the logo information 213. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the static screen which is displayed based on the static screen information 214. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the static screen which is displayed based on the static screen information 214. It is a schematic diagram which shows the start information 215. It is a schematic diagram which shows the character voice of the activation information 215. It is a schematic diagram which shows the character information 2114. It is a schematic diagram which shows the voice information of the character information 2114. It is a schematic diagram which shows the character information 2124. It is a figure which shows the character image displayed in the alarm display mode. It is a figure which shows the character image displayed in the alarm display mode. It is a figure which shows the character image displayed in the alarm display mode. It is a figure which shows the character image displayed in the alarm display mode. It is a figure which shows the character image displayed in the alarm display mode. It is a schematic diagram which shows the setting information 23. It is a figure which shows the transition of the setting screen. It is a figure which shows the main menu screen 110. It is a figure which shows the screen setting screen 120. It is a figure which shows the screen selection screen 130. It is a figure which shows the alarm display setting screen 140. It is a figure which shows the screen setting screen 120. It is a figure which shows the character setting screen 150. It is a figure which shows the static screen selection screen 160. It is a figure which shows the clothes selection screen 170. It is a figure which shows the voice selection screen 180. It is a figure which shows the system setting screen 190. It is a figure which shows the still image 200. It is a figure which shows the still image 200.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to illustrate the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The device configuration, flowcharts of various processes, and the like described are not intended to be limited thereto, but are merely explanatory examples.

The outline of the driving support system 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The driving support system 4 is installed in the vehicle. The driving support system 4 supports the driving of the driver 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 unit 41 that performs main control. The control unit 41 is composed of a microcomputer or the like including a CPU 42, an EEPROM 43, a RAM 44, and the like. Further, the control unit 41 includes a GPS receiver (GPS module) 45 that receives radio waves from GPS satellites, a microwave receiver (microwave receiver module) 46 that receives microwaves from a radar for speed measurement, and traffic control. A wireless receiver (wireless receiving module) 47 for receiving UHF band radio waves for communication, a display unit 48 composed of a color liquid crystal display for displaying various information and alarm screens, and a display unit 48 provided on the surface of the display unit 48. Touch panel 49, lamp 50 that blinks or lights up to notify, speaker 51 that emits warning sound, card reader 52 into which SD card 5 is inserted, OBD connector 53 for collecting OBD information of vehicle, and driving support An acceleration sensor 54 that detects the acceleration applied to the system 4 is connected.

The control unit 41 notifies the driver based on the 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 the information is output using an output device (display unit 48, lamp 50, speaker 51). These basic configurations are basically the same as those of the conventional device. The function of the driving support system 4 is stored in the EEPROM 43 of the control unit 41 as firmware to be executed by the CPU 42 provided in the control unit 41, and is realized by the CPU 42 executing this. The firmware stored in the EEPROM 43 can be updated by the 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 driving of the driver is alarm information for encouraging the driver to drive safely. The alarm information is output in the following cases, for example. The driving support system 4 obtains and obtains the distance between the target target position (latitude and longitude) stored in the SD card 5 as map information and the current position (latitude and longitude) of the vehicle detected by the GPS receiver 45. When the longitude is less than or equal to the predetermined distance, the output device outputs alarm information. Further, for example, in the driving support system 4, when a signal corresponding to a microwave in a frequency band emitted from a speed measuring device (a speed measuring device that emits a radar wave such as a mobile radar) is detected by the microwave receiver 46, Output alarm information from the output device. The driving support system 4 outputs warning information to make the driver recognize a dangerous place where a traffic accident is likely to occur. As a result, the driving support system 4 can encourage the driver to drive safely. The above-mentioned warning information is 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 screens of different modes on the display unit 48 according to 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 a screen showing the clock and speed (see FIG. 3), a screen showing the GPS positioning status (see FIG. 4), a screen showing the tilted state of the vehicle, a screen showing the acceleration applied to the vehicle, etc. Can be displayed on the display unit 48. In OBD display mode, instantaneous fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, fuel flow rate, vehicle speed, cooling water temperature, trip meter, national road average fuel consumption, general road average fuel consumption, highway road average fuel consumption, engine speed, engine load factor, throttle opening, etc. A screen (see FIG. 5) indicating the above can be displayed on the display unit 48. In the MAP display mode, a map near the vehicle can be displayed on the display unit 48 (see FIGS. 6 to 8).

The alarm display mode, which is the display mode when the alarm information is output, will be described. In the radar standby display mode and the OBD display mode, a telop indicating alarm 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, these are collectively referred to as a non-character mode), and a character mode. As shown in FIG. 6, in the animation mode, the animation 11 of the target object and the speed measuring device is superimposed and displayed on the map 10 as warning information, and the warning sound is output from the speaker 51. As shown in FIG. 7, in the live-action mode, the target object and the real-life (REALPHOTO) 12 of the speed measuring device are superimposed and displayed on the map 10 as warning information, and a warning sound is output from the speaker 51. As shown in FIG. 8, in the character mode, the character 14 is superimposed on the map 10 and displayed on the display unit 48. Further, the voice of the character 14 is output from the speaker 51. Then, the alarm information is notified to the driver by the behavior and voice of the character 14.

The driving support system 4 in the present embodiment is characterized by its operation in the MAP display mode-character mode (inside the thick frame in FIG. 2). In the driving support system 4, when operating in the MAP display mode-character mode, the character 14 may be displayed on the display unit 48 even in a state where it is not necessary to notify the driver of the warning information. In addition, the character 14 behaves as if it were a real person, and communicates with the driver by talking to the driver. In addition, the character 14 changes the behavior and the voice as if the intimacy with the driver is gradually deepened. As a result, the driving support system 4 guides the driver to strongly empathize with the character 14. Further, the character 14 outputs not only notification of a dangerous place where a traffic accident is likely to occur, but also warning information for dangerous driving, violent driving, driving lacking concentration, dozing driving, and the like. The driver who has deepened the degree of emotional transfer to the character 14 will obediently respond to the alert from the character and will actively try to drive safely. As described above, the driving support system 4 develops and maintains the degree of emotional empathy of the driver with respect to the character 14 to a high level, thereby suppressing the driver from getting tired of communicating with the character 14 and driving. It is possible to continuously encourage people to drive safely.

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

The details of the information stored in the SD card 5 will be described with reference to FIG. Output information 21, map information 22, and setting information 23 are stored in the SD card 5.

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, static screen information 214, activation information 215, and setting screen information 216. The event information 212 is used for various events for the driver when it is determined that the vehicle state or the driving state is a predetermined state (hereinafter, referred to as an event occurrence) based on the information input from the input device. This is the information output from the output device to notify the above. The standby information 211 is information output from the output device in a state in which no event has occurred (hereinafter, referred to as a standby state). The logo information 213, the still screen information 214, and the activation information 215 are information that is first output from the output device when the driving support system 4 is activated in the state of being set to the MAP display mode-character mode. The setting screen information 216 is information on the 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 information for each constant display mode. Specifically, the standby information 211 includes radar standby information 2111 output when operating in the radar standby display mode, OBD information 2112 output when operating in the OBD display mode, and MAP display mode-character mode. It includes character information 2114 output during operation, and non-character information 2115 output during operation in the MAP information-non-character mode. The event information 212 is output when operating in the radar standby display mode, radar standby information 2121, when operating in the OBD display mode, OBD information 2122, and when operating in the 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 target, latitude / longitude indicating the position of the target target, animation or live action displayed on the display unit 48, and sound 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) like radar and speed measuring devices that do not emit radar waves such as loop coils. Radar Orbis, H system, LH system, loop coil, etc.), speed limit switching point, control area, inspection area, ban monitoring area, N system, traffic monitoring system, intersection monitoring point, signal ignoring deterrence system, police station, accident-prone area, on-board aim Frequent areas, steep / continuous curves (highways), branching / merging points (highways), ETC lane advance guidance (highways), service areas (highways), parking areas (highways), parking areas (highways) , Highway oasis (highway), smart interchange (highway), gas station in PA / SA (highway), tunnel (highway), highway radio reception area (highway), 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 the operating conditions based on the various setting information stored as the setting information 23, and performs various processes based on the determined operating conditions. The setting information 23 is backed up in the EEPROM 43 when the power of the driving support system 4 is turned 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.

The details of the information stored in the RAM 44 will be described with reference to FIG. The RAM 44 stores the current date and time 31, vehicle position coordinates 32, mileage 33, intimacy 34, peripheral 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 the date and time data included in the radio signal from the GPS satellite received via the GPS receiver 45. The vehicle position coordinate 32 is coordinate information indicating the position of the vehicle. The vehicle position coordinates 32 are specified based on radio signals from GPS satellites received via the 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 34 will be described later. Peripheral information 35 is information indicating the type of the target object in the vicinity of 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 the 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 start, right-handed steering wheel, left-handed steering wheel, low-concentration driving, and dozing driving. The OBD information 37 is information acquired from the vehicle via the OBD connector 53. The OBD information 37 includes fuel consumption, 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.

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

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

The constant cycle processing will be described with reference to FIG. When the fixed cycle processing is started in S13 (see FIG. 11), the control unit 41 repeatedly executes the fixed cycle processing at a fixed cycle. The control unit 41 executes the main process and the fixed cycle process in parallel. First, the control unit 41 receives a radio signal transmitted from a GPS satellite (S31). The control unit 41 specifies the current date and time based on the date and time data included in the received radio wave signal (S33). The control unit 41 stores the specified current date and time as the current date and time 31 (see FIG. 10) in the RAM 44 (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 of specifying the position of the target target 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. First, the control unit 41 identifies coordinate information indicating the position of the vehicle based on the radio wave 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 target in the vicinity of the coordinates indicating the position of the vehicle specified in S51 (S55). When there is a target target in the vicinity of the vehicle (S55: YES), the control unit 41 associates the type of the target target with the distance between the target target and the vehicle, and peripheral information 35 (see FIG. 10). Is stored in the RAM 44 (S55). The process proceeds to S57. On the other hand, when the control unit 41 has no target target in the vicinity of the coordinates indicating the position of the vehicle (S55: NO), the process proceeds to S57.

Next, the control unit 41 transmits a signal via the microwave receiver 46 (see FIG. 1) when there is a signal corresponding to a microwave in a frequency band emitted from a speed measuring device that emits a radar wave such as a mobile radar. Is received (S57). In addition, the control unit 41 is a control radio, a car location radio, a digital radio, an extra small radio, a station activity radio, a police telephone, a police activity radio, a wrecker radio, a heli-tele radio, a fire heli-tele radio, a fire radio, an emergency radio, and a highway radio. , Security radio, etc. (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as car location radio) are scanned. Then, when there is a wireless signal at the scanned frequency, the signal is received via the wireless receiver 47 (see FIG. 1) (S57). The control unit 41 determines whether the signal is received via the microwave receiver 46 or the wireless receiver 47, and the reception level of the received signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined level. When the reception level of the received signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the control unit 41 has a speed measuring device that outputs the signal or a vehicle that outputs the car location radio (hereinafter referred to as a police emergency vehicle) in the vicinity of the vehicle. (S59: YES). The control unit 41 identifies the device that outputs the signal (speed measuring device or emergency vehicle for police) based on the frequency of the signal. The control unit 41 stores information indicating the specified target in the RAM 44 as peripheral information 35 (S61). The target position identification process is completed, and the process returns to the fixed cycle process (see FIG. 12). On the other hand, when the control unit 41 does not receive the signal via the microwave receiver 46 or the wireless receiver 47, or the reception level of the received signal is less than a predetermined value, the target to which the signal is output is the vehicle. It is determined that the signal is not in the vicinity of (S59: NO). The target position identification process is completed, and the process returns to the fixed cycle process (see FIG. 12).

As shown in FIG. 12, after the target position identification process (S37, see FIG. 13) is completed, the control unit 41 calculates the mileage 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 mileage 33 (see FIG. 10) by adding the calculated mileage and the total mileage so 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 identifies the intimacy based on the mileage 33 (S40). Intimacy is a parameter determined according to the mileage of the vehicle. The driving support system 4 assumes that the intimacy of the character with respect to the driver increases as the mileage of the vehicle increases, and expresses the degree of intimacy as the intimacy. The intimacy is specifically determined as follows. When the mileage of the vehicle from the time when the driving support system 4 is first activated is 100 km, the intimacy becomes 0. When the mileage of the vehicle in the state where the character mode is set is 0 km or more and less than 1000 km, the intimacy becomes 1. When the mileage of the vehicle in the state where the character mode is set is 1000 km or more and less than 2000 km, the intimacy becomes 2. When the mileage of the vehicle in the state where the character mode is set is 2000 km or more, the intimacy becomes 3. The control unit 41 stores the specified intimacy as the intimacy 34 (see FIG. 10) in the RAM 44 (S40).

Next, the control unit 41 executes a process of specifying the driving state of the vehicle (driving state specifying process, see FIG. 14) (S41). The operation state specifying process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the control unit 41 acquires the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 54 (see FIG. 1) and the vehicle speed of the OBD information 37 stored in the RAM 44 in S35 (see FIG. 12) (S71). Next, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the vehicle is in a predetermined driving state based on the acquired acceleration and vehicle speed (S73). Specifically, the control unit 41 includes (a) meandering driving, (b) sudden braking, (c) sudden start, (d) right steep steering wheel, (e) left steep steering wheel, and (f) low concentration operation. (G) It is determined based on the acceleration and the vehicle speed whether the vehicle is being driven in one of the driving states of drowsy driving. The method of judgment is as follows.

A state in which the forward acceleration of the vehicle is 0.3 G or more, the rear acceleration of the vehicle is 0.15 G or more, and the left-right acceleration of the vehicle is 0.45 G or more occurs 15 times or more within 15 minutes. When the condition is satisfied, the control unit 41 determines that (a) meandering operation is being performed. Further, the control unit 41 determines that (b) sudden braking has been performed when the forward acceleration of the vehicle is 0.3 G or more. Further, the control unit 41 determines that (c) a sudden start is performed when the acceleration in the rear direction of the vehicle becomes 0.15 G or more. Further, when the acceleration in the left direction of the vehicle becomes 0.45 G or more, the control unit 41 determines that (d) the right steering wheel 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) the left steep steering wheel has been performed. Further, when the vehicle speed is 55 km / h or more and the change width of the vehicle speed is continuously 5 km / h or more and less than 10 km / h for a predetermined time or more, the control unit 41 performs (f) concentration reduction operation. Judge that it is broken. Further, when the vehicle speed is 55 km / h or more and the change width of the vehicle speed is 10 km / h or more, the control unit 41 determines that (g) doze driving is performed. 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 by a simple method.

When the control unit 41 corresponds to any of the above and determines that the vehicle is being driven in a predetermined driving state (S73: YES), the information indicating the corresponding driving state is set as the driving state 36 (FIG. 10). It is stored in the RAM 44 (S75). The operation state specifying process is completed, and the process returns to the fixed cycle process (see FIG. 12). On the other hand, when the control unit 41 does not correspond to any of the above (S73: NO), the operation state specifying process ends, and the process returns to the constant cycle process (see FIG. 12).

As shown in FIG. 12, after the operation state identification process (S39) is completed, the control unit 41 stores peripheral information 35 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 any of them 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 fixed cycle processing ends. On the other hand, when neither the peripheral information 35 nor the operating 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. Turn off (S47). The fixed cycle processing ends.

As shown in FIG. 11, after starting the fixed cycle 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). , Determine 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 outputs information corresponding to the set display mode to the SD card 5 It is read from the output information 21 (see FIG. 9) of (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 proceeds to S23. On the other hand, when the MAP-character mode is set as the display mode (S15: YES), the control unit 41 executes a process of notifying the driver via the character (character mode process, see FIG. 15) (see FIG. 15). S19).

Character mode processing will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 41 reads out 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, for example, the logo screen 71 of FIG. 16 is displayed on the display unit 48.

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

When the current date and time and the mileage are specified in the fixed cycle processing and the current date and time 31 and the mileage 33 are stored in the RAM 44 (S83: YES), the control unit 41 sends the still screen information 214 (still screen information 214) stored in the SD card 5. (See FIG. 9) is read out and displayed on the display unit 48 (S86). As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, for example, a still screen 72 showing the appearance of the character 14 wearing a sunny dress is displayed on the display unit 48. The still screen information 214 includes a total of 12 still screens that differ from month to month. Seasonal scenes are reflected on each still screen. 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 way, the driving support system 4 prevents the driver from getting bored with the still screen by switching the still screen displayed on the display unit 48 according to the date and time. In addition, the driving support system 4 makes the driver feel the desire to see a new still screen. Here, for example, the driving support system 4 may be controlled so that a new static screen is not displayed on the display unit 48 when the driver performs dangerous driving or the like. As a result, the driver will try to drive safely 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 lapse of a predetermined time from displaying the still screen on the display unit 48, the control unit 41 reads out the activation screen included in the activation information 215 (see FIG. 9) stored in the SD card 5 and displays the activation screen on the display unit 48. Display (S87). Further, the control unit 41 reads the activation voice included in the activation 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 activation information 215 is information output to the output device at the time of activation 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 a character image) and information for outputting a character voice from the speaker 51 (hereinafter referred to as a character image). Hereinafter, it is referred to as character voice). Character images and character sounds are intimacy (0-3) and time zone (0:00 to 5:00, 5:00 to 7:00, 7:00 to 10:00, 10:00 to 17:00, It is classified by 17:00 to 22:00, 22:00 to 0:00). The time zone indicates the time when the power of the driving support system 4 is turned on. A plurality of character images and character voices are prepared for each intimacy and time zone so that the character can communicate with the driver in various expression modes.

FIG. 20 shows in detail the character voice corresponding to the time zone 7:00 to 10:00. If the intimacy 34 stored in the RAM 44 is 1, "Good morning. How are you doing?" "Now, do your best at work. I will do my best." "Good morning. Safe driving today. Please do it. ", The character voice is a little unfriendly. The character expression mode for the driver is the first face-to-face mode. On the other hand, if the intimacy 34 is 2, "Good morning. How are you doing?" "Every day, it's not all fun, but do your best." "Oh, be careful and drive today." As described above, the character voice is intimate as compared with the case where the intimacy 34 is 1. The character's representation to the driver is a normal friendship. Furthermore, if the intimacy 34 is 3, "Good morning! Hey, I've been waiting for a long time since I woke up." "Wow! I'm glad I can be with you today." "Good morning! Today It's fashionable, isn't it? I want new clothes too ~ ", and the character voice is even more intimate than when the intimacy 34 is 1 or 2. The character's expression mode for the driver is a tame-mouth friend-like mode.

As described above, the driving support system 4 increases the intimacy of the character with respect to the driver according to the intimacy 34 by outputting a more intimate character voice as the intimacy 34 increases. By feeling that the intimacy of the character is gradually increasing, the driver gradually increases the familiarity with the character and strongly embraces the character.

Further, although not shown, the character voices when the time zone is from 5:00 to 7:00 are compared for each intimacy. If the intimacy 34 is 1, character voices such as "Good morning, I'm sorry." "Good morning. I'll do my best to alert you today." "You get up early. I'm impressed." It has become. When the intimacy 34 is 2, the character voice is similar to the character voice of "Ah? Is it already morning?", "It's not good yet! It's sleepy.", "Thank you for getting up early." Furthermore, if the intimacy 34 is 3, "Good morning, I'm sorry." "Oh, I'm still sleepy. One minute left." "Good morning, I have to do my best to alert you today. Because it is a character voice such as "." By listening to the sleepy voice of the character, the driver feels as if the character is a real creature. In addition, the driver feels sorry for waking up the character. The driving support system 4 further enhances the degree of emotional transfer to the driver's character by causing the user to have such emotions.

In the above description, the character voice is switched every start time, but the character image can also be switched every start time. For example, in the time zone from 0:00 to 5:00, a character image of an expression mode in which the character is sleeping on the bed is associated. The driver has an intimate feeling toward the character by watching the character go to bed. The driving support system 4 further enhances the degree of emotional transfer to the driver's character by causing the driver to have such emotions.

As described above, the driving support system 4 switches and outputs the character voice for each activation time zone as if the character is a real creature. This makes the driver feel as if the character really exists. In this way, the driving support system 4 can increase the degree of emotional transfer to the driver's character.

In the activation information 215 of FIG. 19, the character voice is not associated with the intimacy: 0. When the intimacy is 0, the driving support system 4 displays the character image on the display unit 48 and does not output the character sound from the speaker 51. In this case, the driver recognizes not only the character image but also the character voice, and raises the expectation that he / she wants to start intimate communication with the character as soon as possible. The driving support system 4 uses such a driver's psychology to increase the degree of emotional transfer to the driver's character.

As shown in FIG. 15, after outputting the activation information 215 (S87), the control unit 41 reads the character information 2114 out of 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 the standby state. The details of the character information 2114 will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. As shown in FIG. 21, the character information 2114 includes a character image and a character voice. Character images and character sounds are classified according to intimacy. Note that "intimacy 1-3" in FIG. 21 indicates that different character images and character sounds are associated with each intimacy.

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 (1) blinking & lip-synching, (2) blinking only, (3) walking, and (4) stretching. It has been. For example, (1) When a character image corresponding to blinking & lip-syncing is displayed on the display unit 48, the character blinks and moves his / her mouth as if he / she is speaking something. Further, for example, (3) when the character image corresponding to the walk is displayed on the display unit 48, the character freely walks around in the display area of the display unit 48. Further, for example, when the character image corresponding to (4) stretching is displayed on the display unit 48, the character stretches. Further, the character voice corresponding to each expression mode is output from the speaker 51.

FIG. 22 shows in detail the character voice corresponding to (1) blinking & lip-synching. If intimacy 34 is 1, "Do you like driving? I don't hate your driving." "Oh, thank you for bringing me to your car!" Somewhat familiar character voices are associated. On the other hand, if the intimacy 34 is 2, "Hey, did you like me? I also like you!" "When you drive, you look pretty serious, huh?" As described above, a more intimate character voice is associated with the case where the intimacy 34 is 1. Furthermore, if the intimacy 34 is 3, "I'm happy every day because you talk to me!" "Hey, I really want to talk more. I want to know more about you." A more intimate character voice is associated with the case where the density 34 is 1 or 2. When the character voice is output from the speaker 51, one of a plurality of character voices associated with each of intimacy: 1, 2, and 3 is randomly selected and output. Therefore, even in a situation where the intimacy 34 is the same, a different character voice is output from the speaker 51 each time.

As described above, the driving support system 4 increases the intimacy of the character with respect to the driver according to the intimacy 34 by outputting a more intimate character voice as the intimacy 34 increases. By feeling that the character's intimacy with the character is gradually increasing, the driver gradually increases the familiarity with the character and strongly embraces 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 the standby state where no event occurs. This causes the driver assistance system 4 to make the driver feel as if the character were a real creature and always beside him. Since the driver has a feeling of familiarity with the character, the degree of emotional transfer of the driver to the character is further increased.

Further, the driving support system 4 prepares a plurality of character images and character sounds, randomly selects them, and outputs them from an output device. This prevents the communication by the character from becoming monotonous and prevents the driver from getting tired of communicating with the character.

In FIG. 21, only the character image is assigned to the intimacy: 0, and the character voice is not associated with it. Therefore, when the intimacy 34 is 0, the character image is displayed on the display unit 48, and the character sound is not output from the speaker 51. Since the driver cannot hear the character voice when the intimacy 34 is small, he / she has an expectation that he / she wants to recognize not only the character image but also the voice. The driving support system 4 uses such a driver's psychology to further increase the degree of emotional transfer to the driver's 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, which will be described later). (S93). The character information 2124 is information output to the output device when an event occurs in the driving support system 4 operating in the MAP display mode-character mode. Details of the determination method and the output information will be described later. When the control unit 41 determines that it is the timing to output the character information 2124 (S93: YES), the control unit 41 outputs the character information 2124 from the output device (S95), and the process proceeds to S97. On the other hand, when 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 of determining whether or not to output the character information 2124 and details of the output character information 2124 will be described with reference to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 shows the details of the character information 2124. The character information 2124 includes a character image and a character sound. A plurality of character images and character sounds are prepared for each expression mode. In FIG. 23, (1) go to bed, (2) get up, (3) sleep while sleeping, (4) be careful of overspeeding, (5) get drunk, (6) sudden braking, (7) sudden Start, (8) right steep steering wheel, (9) left steep steering wheel, (10) angry and disappear when the degree is over, (11) anger subsides and returns, (12) napping, (13) awakening, (14) Difficulty concentration, (15) drowsy driving, (16) orbis, crackdown, inspection warning, (17) radar, car location reception warning, and (18) character images and character sounds corresponding to other target targets are intimacy: 1 It is associated with -3. As with the character information 2114 (FIG. 21), the character voice corresponding to the intimacy: 0 is not included in the character information 2124. Therefore, when the intimacy 34 is 0, the control unit 41 outputs the character image from the output device and does not output the character sound from the speaker 51.

(1) The character information corresponding to going 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 at a timing one minute after the activation of the driving support system 4. Also, at bedtime, a voice telling the driver to go to bed ("Did you enjoy yourself today? Take me a drive tomorrow." "I will sleep. You must sleep properly. Good night." Etc.) are selected according to the intimacy 34, and are output from the speaker 51 as character voice. Further, after going to bed, the sleeping breath of the character is periodically output from the speaker 51 as the character voice.

(2) Character information corresponding to waking 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 at a timing one minute after the activation of the driving support system 4. Also, when waking up, a voice that informs the driver of waking up ("Good morning. Alarm resumes Mars", "Good morning. You can be with me today! I'm happy!", Etc.) is selected according to the intimacy 34. It is output from the speaker 51 as character voice.

(3) Character information corresponding to sleep talking while sleeping is randomly output in a cycle of 5 minutes every 10 to 30 minutes while the character is sleeping. When the character image is displayed on the display unit 48, the character moves his mouth. In addition, sleep words ("Beautiful stars", "Re, please fill up with regular tanks, etc.") are selected according to the intimacy 34, and when the character moves his mouth, the speaker is used as the character voice. It is output from 51.

As described above, in the driving support system 4, the character information is output in an expression mode as if the character is a real creature. The driver will feel as if the character is real. In this way, the driving support system 4 can increase the degree of emotional transfer to the driver's character.

(4) Character information corresponding to the caution of overspeed 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 an elevated road, the value obtained by adding 10 km / h to the speed limit on the expressway or the elevated road is compared with the vehicle speed. Further, for example, when the vehicle is traveling in the vicinity of the Orbis, the value obtained by adding 10 km / h to the speed limit of the Orbis is compared with the vehicle speed. 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 decelerate. In addition, the voice notifying the overspeed ("Hey! Isn't it speeding up? It's dangerous", "Hey, I hate people who overspeed!", Etc.) is selected according to the intimacy 34. , Is output from the speaker 51 as character voice. As a result, the driver can easily recognize that the traveling speed of the vehicle exceeds the speed limit. Since the degree of emotional empathy of the driver to the character is strong, the driver pays attention to safe driving by obediently responding to the notification from the character and decelerating.

(5) Character information corresponding to motion sickness 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. In such a case, it is highly possible that the vehicle is traveling on a road with continuous curves. When the character image is displayed on the display unit 48, the character behaves as if he / she feels sick due to motion sickness. In addition, the character's painful voice ("Hmm, hmm, I'm a little sick, I'm sorry", "I'm drunk because I'm driving like that. It is selected and output from the speaker 51 as character voice. As a result, the driver feels sorry for the character's motion sickness and tries to drive slowly and politely. In this way, the driving support system 4 can encourage the driver to drive carefully.

When the character image corresponding to (5) motion sickness is displayed on the display unit 48, the character may take a rest while lying down for 6 hours. In such a case, the mileage 33 may be modified so that the intimacy 34 becomes smaller. For example, the mileage 33 may be reduced by 300 km.

For the character information corresponding to (6) sudden braking, (7) sudden start, (8) right sudden steering wheel, and (9) left sudden steering wheel, the event flag 38 stored in the RAM 44 is turned on and the driving state. As 36, it is output when the information indicating the sudden braking, the sudden start, the right steering wheel, and the left steering wheel is stored. This is because when the driver drives by such a driving method, the vehicle is more likely to cause a traffic accident. When the character image is displayed on the display unit 48, the character loses its balance so as to stagger in the direction of the detected acceleration. In addition, a voice notifying the driving method (Sudden braking: "Kyaa! I was about to fall. I'm going to get angry next time?" "Are you driving in front of you? Hmmm, I hit my head! I saw it !? "" It's dangerous to start suddenly! You won't do it anymore? "" Hey, you didn't mistake the brake for the accelerator, right ?? " : "Turn the steering wheel a little more slowly-the eyes turn around" "Did you look forward? I thought you would fall down." "I can't believe it! Hetakuso !!!"), but intimacy 34 Is selected and output from the speaker 51 as character voice. As a result, the driver becomes aware that he / she is driving violently and dangerously, and tries to drive politely. By issuing the warning in this way, the driving support system 4 can prevent the occurrence of a traffic accident.

The character information corresponding to (10) getting angry and disappearing when the degree is too high is (4) caution for overspeed, (5) motion sickness, (6) sudden braking, (7) sudden start, (8) right steering wheel, And (9) It is output when the output of the character information corresponding to the left steering wheel continues for a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time. Alternatively, it is output when the degree of overspeed is very large in (4), for example, when the vehicle speed is higher than the value obtained by adding 30 km / h to the speed limit. When the character image is displayed on the display unit 48, the character gets angry and disappears from the display unit 48. Also, the voice that hits the driver with anger ("Don't ignore my attention." "I told you! Why do you do that?" "Moooooo! You can do it yourself. ”, Etc.) is selected according to the intimacy 34, and is output from the speaker 51 as character voice. Since the degree of emotional transfer of the driver to the character is strong, the driver will reflect on the angry state of the character and try to drive politely. In this way, the driving support system 4 can encourage the driver to drive carefully. In the above description, the driving support system 4 may modify the mileage 33 so that the intimacy 34 becomes smaller. For example, the mileage 33 may be reduced by 3000 km.

(11) The character information corresponding to the anger subsided and returned is output 24 hours after the character disappears from the display unit 48 in (10). When the character image is displayed on the display unit 48, the character asks for reconciliation. Also, a voice asking for reconciliation ("I'm sorry for the last time ... Please drive safely this time." "I'm sorry I was too angry yesterday. But I want to go out with peace of mind." "Return "I've come! If you care about me, drive safely!") Is selected according to the intimacy 34 and output from the speaker 51 as character voice. As a result, the driver further enhances the degree of emotional transfer to the character.

(12) The character information corresponding to napping is that the acceleration in the front direction of the vehicle is less than 0.05 G, the acceleration in the rear direction of the vehicle is less than 0.1 G, and the acceleration in the left-right direction of the vehicle is less than 0.1 G. It is output when the state is continuous for 10 minutes or more. When the character image is displayed on the display unit 48, the character naps. In addition, the voice ("You're good at driving. I'm relieved." "Don't speed up while I'm asleep." "I'm going to sleep a little, so I'm sick.") Is selected and output from the speaker 51 as character voice. Since the character is output in an expression mode as if it were a real creature, the driver feels as if the character actually exists. In addition, the driver is relieved to see the character sleeping and tries to continue safe driving. In this way, the driving support system 4 can increase the degree of emotional transfer to the driver's character and allow the driver to easily perform safe driving.

(13) To wake up, in the state where the character is napping in (12), the acceleration in the front direction of the vehicle is 0.1 G or more, the acceleration in the rear direction of the vehicle is 0.2 G or more, and the left-right direction of the vehicle. Is output when the acceleration of is 0.3 G or more. When the character image is displayed on the display unit 48, the character wakes up from a nap. Also, the voice ("Hmm, I'm very good at driving. I felt like a cradle." "Munya, I'm sorry I slept." "Did you see your sleeping face? It's embarrassing." Etc.) are selected according to the intimacy 34 and output from the speaker 51 as character voice. Since the character information is output in an expression mode as if the character is a real creature, the driver feels as if the character actually exists. The driver also resumes safe driving so that the character can sleep with peace of mind again. In this way, the driving support system 4 can increase the degree of emotional transfer to the driver's character and allow the driver to easily perform safe driving.

For (14) low concentration and (15) doze driving, the event flag 38 stored in the RAM 44 is turned on, and information indicating low concentration or doze driving is stored in the RAM 44 as the operating state 36. It is output when there is. When the character image is displayed on the display unit 48, the character alerts the driver, and if there is a rest facility (SA, PA, etc.) near the vehicle, stop by the rest facility to take a break. To urge the driver. Whether or not 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, the voices that call attention and take a break ("Abunai. Please concentrate properly!", "Wake up properly?", "There is SA nearby. Why don't you take a break?") Depending on the intimacy 34. Is selected and output from the speaker 51 as character voice. This allows the driver to regain his concentration and drive safely. The driver can also regain his concentration by taking proper rest. In addition, the driver can eliminate the dozing state and resume safe driving. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a traffic accident due to a decrease in concentration or a drowsy driving.

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

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

(17) As for the character information corresponding to the radar and car location reception alarm, the event flag 38 stored in the RAM 44 is turned on, and the information indicating the speed measuring device or the emergency vehicle for police is stored in the RAM 44 as the peripheral information 35. It is output when it is.

The character image corresponding to (16) Orbis, crackdown, inspection warning, or (17) radar, car location reception warning is displayed on the display unit 48 as follows. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, first, the clothes of the character 14 change 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 a distance 75 between the vehicle and information 74 indicating one of Orbis, a crackdown, an inspection, a speed measuring device, and a police emergency vehicle. And to the user. In addition, a voice to notify the driver of the displayed contents ("Emergency situation, radar orbis found 2000 meters away." "The distance is approaching 1000 meters! Radar type orbis" "500 meters remaining, take a photo "Don't do it ~" etc.) is selected according to the intimacy 34 and output from the speaker 51 as character voice.

As described above, the driving support system 4 can recognize that the target for monitoring traffic is near the vehicle by receiving the radio signal transmitted from the target. The device for monitoring traffic is often installed in a place where a traffic accident is likely to occur or in a place where an accident has 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 the place where a traffic accident is likely to occur, and driving particularly safely in such a place. You can encourage them to keep in mind.

In addition, the driver can easily and clearly recognize at a glance that the distance between the object to be monitored for traffic and the vehicle is approaching due to the change in the clothes of the character 14. The driver can accurately recognize the place where there is a high risk of a traffic accident in advance and drive with the traffic safety in mind.

In addition, since the driver is notified by the character voice that the distance between the object to be monitored for traffic and the vehicle is approaching, the driver can drive even if the driver does not look at the display unit 48. The support system 4 can surely make the driver recognize that the vehicle is approaching the Orbis or the like.

In the above description, the character 14 displayed on the display unit 48 may change the notification mode according to the target target to be notified to the driver. For example, when a target target is specified by receiving a radio signal, such as a speed measuring device and an emergency vehicle for police, as shown in FIG. 28, a ring-shaped symbol 76 that makes an image of a radio wave is used as a character 14. It may be arranged around and displayed on the display unit 48.

Further, as described above, the speaker 51 may output a character voice (for example, "henshin") for notifying the driver that the character has transformed. This allows the driver to more reliably recognize that the vehicle is approaching Orbis or the like.

(18) For character information corresponding to other target objects, the event flag 38 stored in the RAM 44 is turned on, and the prefectural border, prefecture, SA, PA, sharp curve, continuous curve, branch point, expressway, etc. It is output when the information indicating the elevated road is stored in the RAM 44 as the peripheral information 35. When the character information is displayed on the display unit 48, the character notifies the driver of the type of the target target and the distance to the target target (“km before”, etc.). Further, the character voice for notifying that the distance from the vehicle to the target target is approaching is selected according to the intimacy 34, and is output from the speaker 51.

The driving support system 4 notifies the driver that the vehicle is approaching the prefectural border, or notifies the driver of the prefecture in which the vehicle is traveling, so that the vehicle is traveling in approximately any place. Can be made to be recognized by the user. The driving support system 4 can prevent the driver from losing concentration, dozing off, etc. by letting the driver imagine a rough image of the destination.

Further, the driving support system 4 can urge the driver to take a break by notifying the driver that the vehicle is approaching the PA or SA. For example, when the driving support system 4 detects a decrease in the driver's concentration, a drowsy driving, or the like, it is recommended to encourage the driver to stop by SA or PA and recommend a break. As a result, the driving support system 4 can restore the driver's concentration and eliminate drowsiness. In the above notification, the character may notify the driver by outputting the character information. As a result, the driving support system 4 can effectively notify the driver of SA and PA.

In addition, the driving support system 4 notifies the driver of sharp curves, continuous curves, branch points, etc., and specifically notifies the distance (for example, "km before"). This makes it possible for the driver to recognize in advance a dangerous place that is likely to lead to an accident with a little carelessness. As a result, the driving support system 4 can prevent the driver from losing concentration and drowsy driving in a dangerous place. This allows the driver assistance system to more reliably prevent traffic accidents.

Whether or not the vehicle is traveling on a sharp curve, a continuous curve, a branch point, or the like may be specified based on the acceleration applied to the vehicle. For example, when an acceleration of a predetermined value or more is momentarily applied to the vehicle, it may be determined that the vehicle is traveling on a sharp curve. Further, when the acceleration of a predetermined value or more is continuously applied in the lateral direction of the vehicle, it may be determined that the vehicle is traveling on a continuous curve.

Further, the driving support system 4 notifies the driver that the vehicle is traveling on the highway or the elevated road. This is because when the vehicle is traveling on such a road, the vehicle speed tends to be high, and the driving tends to be monotonous with little steering or speed change. In such a case, the driver's concentration is likely to decrease, and low-sensitivity driving, dozing driving, etc. are likely to occur. On the other hand, the driving support system 4 can prevent a traffic accident by notifying the driver particularly on such a road by character information. Therefore, the driving support system 4 can effectively prevent traffic accidents and encourage the user to drive safely. In addition, since it is possible to produce an effect as if a passenger is in the passenger seat, it is possible to perform low-sensitivity driving due to a decrease in concentration, prevent dozing driving, and support recovery of consciousness in the event of falling into dozing driving. By constructing a character that the driver is fond of and calling out to that character, we are aiming for more than just voice.

Whether or not the vehicle is traveling on an expressway or an elevated road may be specified based on the vehicle speed. For example, when the vehicle speed is 80 km / h or more continuously for a predetermined time, it may be determined that the vehicle is traveling on the highway.

The output of the character information according to (1) to (18) described above may be repeated at a predetermined cycle (for example, at intervals of 10 seconds). As a result, even if the driver does not notice the notification in the initial stage of the notification to the driver, by repeatedly giving the notification, the driver finally notices the notification and tries to drive safely. .. In this way, the driving support system 4 can surely make the driver recognize the content of the notification.

Further, when the character information is repeatedly output as described above, the driving support system 4 may output the character information so that the character notifies in a different manner each time. This makes it possible to prevent the driver from getting bored with the character information. As a result, the driver continuously responds to the notification of the character and tries to drive safely. ..

Further, when the character voice is repeatedly output from the speaker 51, the output character voice may be gradually increased. As a result, even if the driver does not modify the driving method at the initial stage of the notification by the character voice, the driver finally corrects the driving method in response to the loud voice. In this way, the driving support system 4 can surely guide the driver to drive safely.

As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the driver has detected the setting operation in the driving support system 4 (S97). When the control unit 41 detects that the driver touches the display unit 48 (FIG. 1) in the standby state via the touch panel 49 (see FIG. 1), the control unit 41 determines that the driver has performed the setting operation (S97). : YES), the control unit 41 displays the 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 screens to be 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. 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). When the control unit 41 executes the process based on the setting information 23, the driving support system 4 operates according to the setting of the driver. The process proceeds to S101. On the other hand, if the setting operation by the driver is not detected (S97: NO), the process proceeds to S101. The control unit 41 determines whether or not the operation of turning off the power of the driving support system 4 has been detected (S101). When the control unit 41 detects the operation of turning off the power (S101: YES), the control unit 41 ends the character mode processing, and the processing returns to the main processing (FIG. 11). On the other hand, when the operation of turning off the power is in the detection paper (S101: NO), the control unit 41 returns to S91.

The details of the setting information 23 stored in the SD card 5 will be described 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 screen setting information displayed on the display unit 48. The screen setting information 61 includes static 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 the setting process described later and the setting information is input, the control unit 41 stores the input setting information as the setting information 23 in the SD card 5. Details of each 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, and the like. ing. The control unit 41 sequentially switches the screen according to the operation by the driver. This allows the driver to input the desired setting information into the driving support system 4.

When the control unit 41 detects that the driver has touched the display unit 48 in the standby state, the control unit 41 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 the screen display setting. The radar menu selection button 112 is a selection button for setting a target target, setting a radio sensitivity, setting presence / absence of notification, 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, it returns to the main screen. The processing of the control unit 41 when the radar menu selection button 112, the system selection button 113, the G sensor calibration selection button 114, and the main screen selection button 115 are selected, except for some setting items described later. , Since it is the same as the processing in a well-known device, the description is omitted. Hereinafter, the case where the screen setting selection button 111 is selected will be mainly described.

When it is detected that the screen setting selection button 111 is selected in FIG. 31, the control unit 41 displays the screen setting screen 120 (see FIG. 32) on the display unit 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 127 is provided.

The screen selection button 121 is a selection button for determining the constant display mode (see FIG. 2). When it is detected that the screen selection button 121 is selected, the control unit 41 displays the 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 back button 135. By selecting one of the selection buttons, the driver can select the MAP display mode (when the MAP screen selection button 131 is selected), the radar standby display mode (when the radar standby selection button 132 is selected), and the OBD. It is possible to operate the driving support system 4 in one of the display modes (when the OBD information selection button 133 is selected), which is the constant display mode (see FIG. 2). The constant display mode selected by the driver is stored in the SD card 5 as the 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 unit 48. When it is detected that the brightness setting button 122 is 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 an input operation via the screen. The set information is stored in the SD card 5 as the 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 it is detected that the alarm display selection button 123 has been selected, the control unit 41 displays the alarm display setting screen 140 (see FIG. 34) on the display unit 48. As shown in FIG. 34, the animation selection button 141, the character selection button 142, and the live-action selection button 143 are displayed on the alarm display setting screen 140. Of these, the character selection button 142 superimposes an image of the character's face. By selecting one of the selection buttons, the driver can use character mode (when character selection button 142 is selected), non-character mode (animation mode (when animation selection button 141 is selected), or , The driving support system 4 can be operated in any of the alarm display modes (see FIG. 2) of the live-action mode (when the live-action selection button 143 is selected). 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. As described above, the function of intuitively recognizing the character selection button 142, quickly selecting the character selection button 142, and immediately switching between the character mode and the non-character mode is particularly effective for the driver. The driver may not want others to know that the driver assistance system 4 is operating in the character mode. In such a case, by using this function, the character mode is immediately changed to the non-character mode. This is because it can be switched. The alarm display mode selected by the driver is stored in the SD card 5 as the alarm display mode information 64 of the setting information 23.

Further, when the character selection button 142 is repeatedly selected by the driver, the control unit 41 mutes the character sound output from the speaker 51. 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 is normal. Output. When it is detected that the character selection button 142 has been selected three times, the control unit 41 mutes all the character sounds. By doing so, the driver can mute the character voice output from the speaker 51 as needed. This function is particularly effective when the driver does not want others to hear the character voice. This is because the driver can mute the character voice by a simple operation.

In the above description, the control unit 41 may change the color around the character selection button 142 according to the output state of the character sound. For example, when the character selection button 142 is selected once, the color around the character selection button 142 may be blue. When the character selection button 142 is selected twice, the color around the character selection button 142 may be green. When the character selection button 142 is selected three times, the color around the character selection button 142 may be red.

Also, the following should be done. The control unit 41 sets the color around the selection button selected by the driver among the selection buttons of the animation selection button 141, the character selection button 142, and the live-action selection button 143 to be the color around the other selection buttons. Change to a different color. Further, 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 intimacy 34 stored in the RAM 44. Specifically, it is red when the intimacy is 1, yellow when the intimacy is 2, and green when the intimacy is 3. As a result, the driver can grasp the intimacy at a glance of the selection button, and can clearly recognize the expression mode of communication by the character.

As shown in FIG. 32, the character setting button 126 is a selection button selected when setting the expression mode of the character displayed on the display unit 48. Here, when the intimacy 34 is 0, the character setting button 126 is represented by an image showing a key, as shown in FIG. When 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 intimacy is low, the driver will not be able to set the character. In such a case, the driver greatly expects that the character can be set. The driving support system 4 increases the degree of emotional transfer to the driver's character by impatiently driving the driver in this way.

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 the key, the control unit 41 "denies entry to the room. Safe driving" as a character voice. If you do, 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, the tone of the character voice may 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. In this case, the driver may be notified of the nuances of the driving support system 4. As a result, the driver can recognize what kind of concept the driving support system 4 is based on.

In the above description, when the control unit 41 outputs the character voice for rejecting the character setting from the speaker 51, the control unit 41 will explain how the character can be set at the same time as the notification to the effect that the setting is rejected. You may output the voice to do. For example, a character voice such as "When the mileage becomes 100 km or more, the character can be set" may be output from the speaker 51. As a result, the driver can recognize the function of the driving support system 4 and know how to set the character. Even if the driver is not well aware of the function of the driving support system 4 in advance, the driver can gradually recognize the function while using the driving support system 4.

In addition, when the character selection button 142 is not selected on the alarm display setting screen 140 (see FIG. 34), the control unit 41 has an intimacy 34 of 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 the key, and the 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 the driving support system 4 is operating in the non-character mode, it is possible to prevent the erroneous setting from being made by erroneously setting the character.

On the other hand, when the intimacy 34 stored in the RAM 44 is 1 or more and the alarm display mode is the character mode, as shown in FIG. 35, the selection button for setting the character is the face of the character. (Character setting button 129). By selecting the character setting button 129, the driver is in a state where the character can be set. By assigning an image showing the character's face to the selection button, the driver can clearly recognize at a glance the setting button to be selected in order to set the character.

When it is detected that the character setting button 129 is selected, the control unit 41 displays the 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, a clothing selection button 152, a background selection button 153, and a voice selection button 154.

When it is detected that the still screen selection button 151 has been selected by the driver, the control unit 41 displays the 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 a selection button 161 with a name of the still screen that can be displayed on the display unit 48. By selecting any of the selection buttons 161 the driver can select the still screen displayed on the display unit 48 when the driving support system 4 is activated (see S85, FIG. 15) as desired. The still screen selected by the driver is stored in the SD card 5 as the still screen information 62 of the setting information 23.

The control unit 41 may attach all of the static screens stored as the static surface information 214 in the SD card 5 to the selection button 161 as static screens that can be selected by the driver. Good. In S85 of FIG. 15, a different static screen is automatically selected for each month and displayed on the display unit 48, especially when the driver has not set a static screen. 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 may be stored in the setting information 23. The selection button 161 of the still screen selection screen 160 may be provided with only the still screen set in this way. In this case, since the number of still screens that can be selected increases every month, a total of 12 still screens can be displayed in one year. By doing so, the driver can feel the pleasure of gradually increasing the number of still screens that can be displayed. Therefore, the driver can continue to enjoy collecting the still screens even when the driving support system 4 is used for a long time. In this way, the driving support system 4 can prevent the driver from getting tired of using the driving support system 4.

When it is detected 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 identifies the clothes associated with the selection button 171 selected by the driver, and causes the display unit 48 to display the character in a manner in which the character wears the specified clothes. The information indicating the clothing selected by the driver is stored in the SD card 5 as the character clothing information 65 of the setting information 23.

As a result, the driver can display the character wearing his / her favorite clothes on the display unit 48. Since the driver can switch the appearance of the character as desired, the degree of emotional transfer to the character is further increased. Further, the driving support system 4 can display the character in various display modes, so that the user does not get bored.

In the above description, when the intimacy 34 stored in the RAM 44 is 1, the control unit 41 displays the character wearing the selected clothes on the display unit 48 even when the clothes are selected by the driver. It is advisable to refuse to display it with a predetermined probability. As a result, the driver tries to increase the intimacy 34 and surely change the character's clothes. As a result, the driver will follow the notification of the character more, and will try to drive safely according to the guidance to the safe driving from the driving support system 4. Further, the driving support system 4 can further increase the degree of emotional transfer of the driver to the character by making the character behave as if it were a real creature.

When it is detected 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 a selection button 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. To do. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from getting bored because the display mode of the character setting screen becomes one-sided.

In the above description, the control unit 41 may be able to change the background image itself to another mode instead of the background color of the character setting screen 150, the still screen selection screen 160, and the clothing selection screen 170. For example, as a background image, a character's room, a starry sky, after the character's transformation, and a cyber tone may be prepared and selected by the driver. Further, the background image may be changed only when operating in the character mode.

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

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

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

In the above case, even if the mileage 33 and the intimacy 34 are reset, the setting information 23 stored in the SD card 5 is not reset. Therefore, the information of various settings made by the driver to the driving support system 4 is maintained as it is. Further, for example, when the driver sets a still screen that can be selected on the still screen selection screen 160, or when the driver sets a character voice that can be output on the voice selection screen 180, these setting information is obtained. , It is not reset by selecting the reset button 191. Therefore, even when the reset button 191 is selected and the mileage 33 and the intimacy 34 are reset, the driver can continuously select a desired static screen from a large number of static screens and display it on the display unit 48. It will be possible. Further, even when the reset button 191 is selected and the intimacy is reset, the driver can continuously select a desired character voice from a large number of character voices and output the desired character voice from the speaker 51. In this way, the driving support system 4 can initialize the intimacy so as not to erase the set setting information. As a result, the user can save the trouble of repeatedly setting the setting information for the driving support system 4.

By initializing the intimacy, the driver can restart the intimacy 34 from 0 while preserving the still images and character sounds that have been set up to that point. By re-doing the relationship with the character many times, it is possible to obtain a still screen or character voice that was previously unavailable. For example, after purchasing the driving support system 4, if the vehicle travels 1100 km at a stretch, the intimacy becomes 2 at a stretch. Therefore, it becomes impossible to acquire the character voice at the intimacy 1. In such a case, by initializing the intimacy 34, such a problem can be avoided. It also means emotionally starting over with the character.

When the setting process is completed as described above (S99, see FIG. 15) and the operation of turning off the power of the driving support system 4 is detected (S101: YES, see FIG. 15), the control unit 41 is shown in FIG. As shown, the setting information 23 stored in the SD card 5 and the mileage 33 and the intimacy 34 stored in the RAM 44 are stored in the EEPROM 43 (S23). This backs up the information. The main process ends. The mileage stored in the EEPROM 43 is referred to when the mileage 33 is calculated when the power of the driving support system 4 is turned on next (see S39 and FIG. 12). When the 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. As a result, the driver can continue to use the setting information once set.

As described above, the driving support system 4 causes the driver to recognize the character by outputting the character information (character image, character voice) to the driver. In the driving support system 4, the expression mode of communication by the character is changed according to the degree of intimacy of the character with respect to the driver, thereby strengthening the degree of emotional empathy of the driver with respect to the character, and the character is as if it were a real object. You can make the user feel as if there is. The driver will obediently respond to the character's efforts for safe driving so that the character's intimacy with the driver is maintained and further enhanced. In addition, the driver will be more obedient to the notification 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 various and varied character information so that the degree of emotional empathy of the driver with respect to the character is maintained at a high level. As a result, the driving support system 4 can prevent the driver from getting tired of communicating with the character and continuously encourage the driver to drive safely.

Further, the driving support system 4 appropriately determines 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 target, and drives. It is possible to call attention to a person and encourage safe driving through a character. In this way, the driving support system 4 can determine the optimum information according to the situation in order to prevent a traffic accident or the like, and notify the driver via the character.

Further, the driving support system 4 can identify appropriate notification items based on the driving state of the vehicle and notify the user via the character. As a result, the driving support system 4 can warn against dangerous driving and encourage the driver to try to drive calmly. In particular, since the driver has a strong emotional feeling toward the character, it is expected that he will obediently respond to the notification items of the character. Therefore, the driving support system 4 can accurately guide the driver to drive safely.

In addition, the driving support system can specify the state of the vehicle in detail based on the magnitude and direction of the acceleration. As a result, the driver can drive safely by trying not to drive dangerously in response to the notification from the character.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made. The driver assistance system 4 may receive a radio wave signal transmitted from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite and also receive a radio wave signal transmitted from a regional navigation satellite. Then, the driving support system 4 may specify coordinate information indicating the position of the vehicle based on both radio signals. As a result, the driving support system 4 can specify the coordinate information indicating the position of the vehicle in detail. Further, as described above, when a radio wave is received from the regional navigation satellite, information indicating that the radio signal transmitted from the regional navigation satellite has been received may be displayed on the display unit 48. The fact that the radio signal transmitted by the air of the regional navigation satellite is received may be performed via the character displayed on the display unit 48. By doing so, the driver can recognize in detail what kind of satellite is used to identify the position of the vehicle in the driving support system 4. Since the driver can know the specific movement of the driving support system 4 in detail, the driver can further enhance the 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, the driver may be notified that the radio signal has been received from the regional navigation satellite by switching the icon indicating that the radio signal transmitted from the GPS satellite is being received to another mode. The driver can clearly recognize at a glance whether the position of the vehicle is specified by receiving the radio signal transmitted from the regional navigation satellite. The regional navigation satellite should be "MICHIBIKI".

In the above description, when the intimacy is 0, the driving support system 4 displays the character image on the display unit 48 and does not output the character sound from the speaker 51. On the other hand, the driving support system 4 uses character voice (hereinafter referred to as another character voice) of a character different from the character indicated by the character image (hereinafter referred to as this character) as character information corresponding to zero intimacy. It may be stored in the SD card 5 as 2114 and 2124. Then, when the intimacy is 0, the driving support system 4 may output another character voice from the speaker 51. For example, another character voice may be a voice of a character familiar to a person (voice actor or the like) who plays the character voice of the present character (hereinafter referred to as the main character voice).

In such a case, the driver is relieved to hear the voice of another character by listening to the voice of another character, and at the same time, wants to hear the voice of this character. When the intimacy becomes 1 or more in such a state and the present character voice can be heard, the degree of emotional transfer to the driver's character is further increased as compared with the case where the present character voice is heard from the beginning. In particular, when the voice actor who plays this character is published, the fans of the voice actor expect that another character voice is output instead of the main character voice. For example, when a new driver assistance system 4 is purchased, since the intimacy is 0, another character voice is output, so that the expectation can be met first, and the driver's strong emotional empathy for the character. You can create an opportunity to do so. After that, when the intimacy becomes 1 or more, the character 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 a strong emotional transfer of the driver to the character. Further, for example, if such a mechanism is not informed, the driver can be surprised and the driver can feel that he / she wants to increase the intimacy.

Further, as described above, when the intimacy becomes 2 or more, it is preferable that both the main character voice and another character voice can be switched according to the driver's setting. When another character voice is selected, the driving support system 4 may try to communicate with the driver by outputting another character voice from the speaker 51 instead of the main character voice. As a result, the driver can hear both the main character voice and another character voice when the intimacy becomes high. In particular, it is preferable to insert the phrase of the different character voice into the phrase of the main character voice as if the main character is playing another character. As a result, the character can behave as if the character imitates another character. This character can produce an effect as if the driver was interested in another character. By doing so, it seems that the common interest of another character can be shared between the main character and the driver, and the driver's strong emotional empathy for the character can be maintained. Further, this state is preferably performed when the intimacy is n or more. By setting the intimacy n to the degree of intimacy that causes a feeling of rut or before it occurs, rut can be prevented and the driver can be given a fresh impression.

In the above description, the character image and the character voice are defined so that the character communicates with the driver in an expression mode in which the intimacy of the character with respect to the driver gradually deepens as the intimacy increases. On the other hand, the expression mode of the character may be significantly different depending on whether the intimacy is 0, 1 or 3 or 4. For example, when the intimacy is 0, 1, the character should treat the driver with a strict attitude, and when the intimacy is 2, 3, the character should treat the driver with a gentle attitude. In this way, when the intimacy becomes 2 or more, the attitude changes suddenly, and the driver is attracted to the gap in the attitude. As a result, the driver's stronger emotional empathy for the character can be generated and maintained.

Further, as described above, when the intimacy becomes 2 or more, the attitude of the character toward the driver may be switched according to the driver's setting. For example, in the driving support system 4, even when the intimacy becomes 2 or more, it is preferable that the character continuously treats the driver with a strict attitude. This allows the driver to experience both harsh and intimate attitudes when intimacy increases.

As a static screen displayed on the display unit 48 when the driving support system 4 is activated, a screen for displaying the level of intimacy of the character with respect to the driver may be displayed. Intimacy may be specified based on mileage or intimacy. For example, as in the still images 200 shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the intimacy of the character may be indicated by the number of hair ornaments 201 of the character. For example, when the intimacy of the character to the driver is high, as shown in FIG. 41, by displaying many hair ornaments 201 on the display unit 48, it is shown to the driver that the character is highly intimate to the driver. Good. On the other hand, when the intimacy of the character to the driver is low, as shown in FIG. 42, by displaying a small number of hair ornaments 201 on the display unit 48, the driver is informed that the intimacy of the character to the driver is low. It is good to show. This allows the driver to recognize the intimacy of the character at a glance.

The number of hair ornaments 201 displayed on the display unit 48 may be increased by one every time the mileage increases by 100 km. In addition, when the driver repeats dangerous driving, specifically, when the driver notifies the driver of driving such as a sharp curve, a sudden start, a sharp left / right steering wheel, or an excessive speed, the display unit 48 is displayed. It is advisable to reduce the number of displayed hair ornaments 201 by one and at the same time subtract the mileage by 100 km.

In the above description, the driving support system 4 specifies the intimacy according to the mileage, but the intimacy may be specified by a parameter other than the mileage.

In the above, 0 to 3 are set as the intimacy, but the present invention is not limited to this. The activation information 215, the character information 2214, and the character information 2124 may be based on intimacy determined by different criteria. For example, the activation information 215 may be based on intimacy 1-0 to 1-3. The character information 2114 is preferably based on intimacy 2-0 to 2-3. The character information 2124 may be based on intimacy 3-0 to 3-3. Here, the intimacy 1-0 to 1-3, 2-0 to 2-3, and 3-0 to 3-3 may be determined based on different criteria based on the mileage.

The driving support system 4 targets core users, the so-called Aniota layer, and produces a "young but caring wife-like character" when driving under highways and elevated roads, and deepens attachment to the character. At the same time, try to prevent low-sensitivity driving and drowsy driving.

If a certain evaluation is obtained from the users of the Aniota layer, the driving support system 4 will be disseminated to the users of the light animation layer and the general layer to have versatility. The light anime layer refers to a group of users who were interested in anime when they were young, watched anime with their families, and had no hesitation in watching late-night anime. For example, young people seem to have less resistance to the animation seen by the core group. This is because the number of anime contents that are broadcast at midnight is enormous, and it is thought that there are some works that are normally viewed by young people living in the night style. General users, such as sales users who travel frequently on the freeway, often buy their own cheapest model of radar, but they are only concerned about suspension of their driver's license due to speed violations. On the other hand, a decrease in concentration is a great enemy for a driver who drives for a long time, and some people may try to recover their concentration by talking (speaking / listening) with a hands-free phone. For drivers who frequently use such highways, we will provide devices with an environment for listening and speaking (one by one, such as consent and plunge) to help prevent loss of concentration while driving, and further interest.・ Give the possibility of providing high value-added products.

When spreading to the above users, be sure to differentiate from the core layer and others. The following methods can be mentioned as methods of differentiation.
・ Sell models with a limited number of prints and voices.
・ Make sure that you can only get a limited edition model.
-Distribute audio and images owned by limited users such as Web members. However, only a small part, not all, will be provided.
Depending on the restrictions of voice actors, voice self-confidence anime voices and non-anime voices may be sold separately. This enhances the premiere of the limited edition model.
Limit sales channels to sales to the core layer, and consider general sales channels other than that

The specific devices targeted as the driving support system 4 are as follows.
・ Car navigation device (with map)
・ Drive recorder (does not have a map)
・ Radar detector (does not have a map)
・ Radar detector (with map)
-In addition, in-vehicle device connected to OBD connector, map information, or GPS function

There are two types of conditions for driving in the mode of outputting character information to the user. (1) In the voice mode (road registered on the map), 55 km / h should be regarded as an expressway / elevated road after traveling for 2 minutes or more. Also, in the case of (2) voice mode (registered on the map, but may have been changed to a new road, do not have a map, not registered on the map, etc.), 55 km / h for 5 minutes. The above driving should be regarded as an expressway / elevated road.

Both may be specified by referring to the vehicle speed information of OBD data or GPS data. (1) In the voice-calling mode, it is advisable to set the voice-calling mode by accelerating / decelerating / changing in the left-right direction. Also, it is good to let the driver remember the lines of acceleration, deceleration, and left-right change. As a result, if you fall into a state of low-sensitivity running or dozing, it will help you to grasp the current situation by speaking with a voice quality that you remember in your ears and words. In some cases, it is advisable to set other modes to change the voice standard.

Depending on the device to be mounted, it may perform the following functions.
1. 1. Acceleration ・ Significant increase in fuel injection amount by OBD data, rapid increase in speed ・ Acceleration G measurement by gyro sensor ・ Rapid increase in speed by GPS data In these cases, the voice of "Fast, go steadily, wow, etc." It is good to output.

2. Deceleration ・ Fuel injection cut time by OBD data (example: 2 seconds or more), rapid decrease in speed ・ Deceleration G measurement by gyro sensor ・ Rapid decrease in speed by GPS data In these cases, "fuel cut, speed will decrease" , Brake, etc. ”should be output.

3. 3. Measurement by left / right / gyro sensor In this case, it is advisable to output voice such as "Turn right (left), still bend, long curve, etc."

In order to improve the concentration of the driver's comfort, it is advisable to use positive content and give the impression of being as positive as possible. It is advisable to prepare something that is not good, bad, or something that makes the driver moody, or something that instills a negative psychology that calls attention to danger, but that is close to the impression of acceleration, deceleration, and lateral change. The reason for not using negative expressions such as dangerous is that it is difficult to calculate it logically by the device, and it is also a reason not to use it, unless it is possible to calculate a situation that is logically dangerous in the future. Absent.

4. It is advisable to give the driver a rough image of the destination by calling out to the prefectural borders that are currently in progress, or by recognizing where they are in general. As a result, it is possible to prevent the driver from low-sensitivity driving and drowsy driving.

5. Near the parking area / service area It is advisable to call out before a certain distance. It is possible to encourage the driver to take a break by calling out or announcing the place where he / she can take a break, and to prevent the driver from being depressed or dozing.

6. Call before a sharp curve / continuous curve It is good to call before a predetermined distance. It is possible to make the driver nervous by calling out or announcing that there is a change in driving, and to prevent the driver from being depressed or dozing.

7. Call before the branch / merge point It is good to call before the specified distance. By calling out or announcing that there is a change in driving, it is possible to make the driver nervous and prevent the driver from running asleep or dozing.

Even if the conditions of 8.1 to 7 are not met, it is advisable to make regular calls. For example, it may be performed at 2-minute intervals.
・ Information that gives an image of the highway, such as scenery, lines that passengers are likely to speak, content that has consent (wants to give an aizuchi), content that is unexpected (wants to make a mistake), etc. It is advisable to utter the voice of. Also, in order to avoid the loss of concentration caused by driving alone, it is advisable to speak with interesting lines from the anime character.

4 Driving support system 5 SD card 48 Display 51 Speaker 41 Control 54 Accelerometer

Claims (10)

A driving support system for supporting driving of the vehicle by the user to display the image of the character on the display unit,
A driving support system characterized in that character information is output so that the character communicates in an expression mode in which the character repeatedly speaks at a predetermined time cycle. The driving support system according to claim 1, wherein the conversation content is different when the character repeatedly speaks at a predetermined time cycle. The driving support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the volume of the voice of the character when the character repeatedly speaks in a predetermined time cycle is gradually increased as the number of repetitions increases. Acquire position information indicating the position of the vehicle,
Based on the acquired position information and map information, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has crossed the prefectural border.
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when it is determined that the vehicle has crossed the prefectural border, the character information is output so that the character notifies the user that the vehicle has crossed the prefectural border. Driving support system. Acquire coordinate information indicating the position of the vehicle,
Based on the map information in which the object on the map and the coordinate information are associated with each other and the acquired coordinate information, the prefecture in which the vehicle is traveling is determined.
The driving support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the character information is output so that the user is notified of the prefecture in which the character is traveling. The first to fifth aspects of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the driving support system is activated in the early morning, the character information is output so that the character communicates with the user in a sleepy expression mode. The driving support system described in either. Any of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the driving support system is activated at midnight, the character information is output so as to communicate with the user in an expression mode in which the character goes to bed. Driving support system described in Crab. It has a function to detect the behavior of the vehicle.
The driving support according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the behavior satisfies a predetermined condition, the character information is output so that the character communicates in a motion sickness expression mode. system. The driving support system operates in either a character mode that outputs the character information or a non-character mode that does not output the character information.
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the operation for setting the condition for outputting the character information is accepted via the setting screen only when the character mode is operated. Driving support system. A driving support program for causing a computer to execute the function of the driving support system according to claim 1 or 9.