Vehicle control system and vehicle control method

Abstract

Provided are a vehicle control system and a vehicle control method that can suppress a situation in which the vehicle continues to travel in a state in which an inappropriate travel mode is selected. The vehicle control system (10) includes: a travel mode appropriateness determination unit (24) that determines whether a travel mode set by a travel mode setting unit (22) is appropriate for a travel environment; and a travel mode inappropriateness response unit (25) that performs travel mode inappropriateness response processing when the travel mode set by the travel mode setting unit is determined by the travel mode appropriateness determination unit (24) to be inappropriate for the travel environment, the travel mode inappropriateness response processing being at least either of: processing that performs notification that urges a change in the travel mode; and processing that changes the travel mode set by the travel mode setting unit (22) to a travel mode that is appropriate for the travel environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle control systems and vehicle control methods. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a structure was proposed in a vehicle control device that controls the rotational speed of the vehicle's driving force source and the gear ratio of the transmission, in which motion degree is calculated as an indicator of driving state, and based on motion degree, the required rotational speed of the driving force source or the required gear ratio of the transmission is controlled (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-207465 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] One vehicle control method involves switching between driving modes such as Normal and SNOW based on the user's selected operation. This method allows the user to choose their desired driving mode according to the driving environment. However, there are situations where the selected driving mode is unsuitable for the actual driving conditions. Furthermore, in such cases, adverse effects may occur, such as the vehicle behaving contrary to the user's intentions or reduced fuel efficiency.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of this background, and its object is to provide a vehicle control system and a vehicle control method that can suppress the continuous driving of a vehicle when an inappropriate driving mode is selected.

[0009] means for solving problems

[0010] As a first method to achieve the above-mentioned objective, a vehicle control system is provided, wherein the vehicle control system includes: a driving mode setting unit that sets the driving mode of the vehicle according to the user's operation; a driving environment recognition unit that recognizes the driving environment of the vehicle; a driving mode suitability determination unit that determines whether the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is suitable for the driving environment; and a driving mode unsuitability response unit that, when the driving mode suitability determination unit determines that the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is unsuitable for the driving environment, performs a driving mode unsuitability response process, which includes performing at least one of the following processes: urging the user to change the driving mode; and changing the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit to a driving mode suitable for the driving environment.

[0011] In the above-mentioned vehicle control system, it can also be configured such that when the driving mode suitability determination unit determines that the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is unsuitable for the driving environment for a period of time or more, the driving mode unsuitability response unit performs the driving mode unsuitability response processing.

[0012] In the aforementioned vehicle control system, the driving environment recognition unit may also be configured to receive driving mode setting information sent from other vehicles driving around the vehicle, thereby recognizing the driving mode set in the other vehicles and thus recognizing the driving environment.

[0013] In the above-described vehicle control system, it can also be configured such that, in a driving environment where the proportion of other vehicles set to the first driving mode among a plurality of other vehicles driving around the vehicle is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold, the driving mode suitability determination unit determines that the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is unsuitable for the driving environment if the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is a driving mode other than the first driving mode. The unsuitable driving mode response unit then notifies the surrounding vehicles that they are driving in the first driving mode as a response to the unsuitable driving mode.

[0014] In the above-described vehicle control system, it can also be configured such that, in a driving environment where the proportion of other vehicles set to the first driving mode among a plurality of other vehicles driving around the vehicle is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the driving mode suitability determination unit determines that the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is unsuitable for the driving environment when the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is a driving mode other than the first driving mode. The unsuitable driving mode response unit then performs the following steps: notifying other vehicles in the vicinity that they are driving in the first driving mode, and changing the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit back to the first driving mode, as a response to the unsuitable driving mode.

[0015] In the above-described vehicle control system, the vehicle control system may also be configured such that it has a driving mode correction information providing unit. After the driving mode is changed to the first driving mode by the driving mode setting unit through the driving mode unsuitability handling process, when the driving mode setting unit changes the driving mode to a second driving mode other than the first driving mode according to the user's operation, the driving mode correction information providing unit sends information related to the second driving mode to other vehicles driving around the vehicle.

[0016] In the above-mentioned vehicle control system, the vehicle control system may also be configured to have a forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit, which receives driving mode setting information sent from other vehicles traveling in front of the vehicle, thereby identifying the driving mode set in the other vehicle, and performing a vehicle distance widening process to increase the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle when the driving mode set in the other vehicle is not suitable for the driving environment.

[0017] In the above-mentioned vehicle control system, it can also be configured such that after the driving mode unsuitability response unit performs the driving mode unsuitability response processing, it prohibits the execution of the driving mode unsuitability response processing until a second predetermined time has elapsed or the driving environment recognition unit recognizes that the driving environment has changed.

[0018] As a second way to achieve the above objective, a vehicle control system is provided, wherein the vehicle control system includes: a driving environment recognition unit that recognizes the driving environment of the vehicle; and a forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit that receives driving mode setting information sent from other vehicles traveling in front of the vehicle, thereby recognizing the driving mode set in the other vehicles, and performing a vehicle distance widening process to increase the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicles when the driving mode set in the other vehicles is not suitable for the driving environment.

[0019] As a third approach to achieving the aforementioned objective, a vehicle control method is provided, executed by a computer, wherein the vehicle control method includes the following steps: a driving mode setting step, setting the driving mode of the vehicle according to the user's operation; a driving environment identification step, identifying the driving environment of the vehicle; a driving mode suitability determination step, determining whether the driving mode set by the driving mode setting step is suitable for the driving environment; and a driving mode unsuitability response step, wherein when the driving mode suitability determination step determines that the driving mode set by the driving mode setting step is unsuitable for the driving environment, a driving mode unsuitability response process is executed, which performs at least one of the following processes: a notification prompting the user to change the driving mode; and a process of changing the driving mode set by the driving mode setting step to a driving mode suitable for the driving environment.

[0020] The effects of the invention

[0021] According to the vehicle control system described above, it is possible to suppress situations where the vehicle continues to drive even when an inappropriate driving mode has been selected. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the vehicle control system and the vehicle equipped with the vehicle control system.

[0023] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates how driving mode setting information is sent and received between vehicles.

[0024] Figure 3 This is the first flowchart for handling situations where the driving mode is unsuitable.

[0025] Figure 4 This is the second flowchart for handling situations where the driving mode is unsuitable.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the monitoring and processing of the driving mode of the vehicle ahead.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0028] 1…Vehicle (this vehicle), 10…Vehicle control system, 20…Processor, 21…Vehicle control unit, 22…Driving mode setting unit, 23…Driving environment recognition unit, 24…Driving mode suitability determination unit, 25…Driving mode unsuitability response unit, 26…Driving mode correction information providing unit, 27…Forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit, 30…Memory, 31…Control program, 40…Camera, 41…Radar, 42…Speed ​​sensor, 43…Yaw rate sensor, 44…Brake pedal sensor, 45…Accelerator pedal sensor, 46…Rudder angle sensor, 47…Driving mode switch, 48…Display, 50…Communication unit, 60…Navigation device, 70…Drive unit, 71…Transmission unit, 72…Brake unit, 73…Suspension unit, V1~V3…Other vehicles. Detailed Implementation

[0029] [1. Vehicle control system and vehicle structure]

[0030] Reference Figure 1 The structure of the vehicle control system 10 and the vehicle 1 equipped with the vehicle control system 10 according to this embodiment will be described. The vehicle 1 includes a camera 40, a radar 41, a speed sensor 42, a yaw rate sensor 43, a brake pedal sensor 44, an accelerator pedal sensor 45, a rudder angle sensor 46, a driving mode switch 47, a display 48, and a communication unit 50, all connected to the vehicle control system 10. Hereinafter, the vehicle 1 will be referred to as "this vehicle 1".

[0031] Camera 40 captures images of the surroundings of vehicle 1 and outputs the captured images to vehicle control system 10. Radar 41 detects the positions of objects present in the vicinity of vehicle 1 and outputs position detection signals to vehicle control system 10. Speed ​​sensor 42 detects the speed of vehicle 1 and outputs speed detection signals to vehicle control system 10. Yaw rate sensor 43 detects the yaw rate (rotational angular velocity about the vertical axis) of vehicle 1 and outputs yaw rate detection signals to vehicle control system 10.

[0032] Brake pedal sensor 44 detects the amount of brake pedal (not shown) operation and outputs the operation amount detection signal to vehicle control system 10. Accelerator pedal sensor 45 detects the amount of accelerator pedal (not shown) operation and outputs the operation amount detection signal to vehicle control system 10. Steering wheel angle sensor 46 detects the steering wheel angle (not shown) and outputs the steering wheel angle detection signal to vehicle control system 10.

[0033] The driving mode switch is used to indicate the switching of the driving mode of the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, it can switch between ECO mode, NORMAL mode, SPORT mode, SNOW mode, TRAIL mode, and TOW mode (vehicle traction mode). In addition, if the vehicle 1 is a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle, it can also switch between 4WD mode and 2WD mode.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the communication unit 50 communicates with other vehicles V1 to V3 traveling around the vehicle 1 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication or a communication network (not shown). Figure 2 The text shows the status of this vehicle 1 receiving and transmitting driving mode setting information Dmi, which indicates the driving mode set in each vehicle, with other vehicles V1 to V3.

[0035] Furthermore, vehicle 1 has a navigation device 60, a drive unit 70, a transmission unit 71, a braking unit 72, and a suspension unit 73 connected to the vehicle control system 10. The navigation device 60 has a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor 61 that detects the current position of vehicle 1 and map data 62, and provides route guidance to the destination, etc.

[0036] The drive unit 70 has an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or other components as the driving force source for the vehicle 1, and various sensors that detect the state of the driving force source. The drive unit 70 operates according to control signals output from the vehicle control system 10, and the detection signals from the sensors in the drive unit 70 are input to the vehicle control system 10.

[0037] The transmission unit 71 includes a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or similar transmission, and changes the gear ratio of the drive force of the drive unit 70 according to the control signal input from the vehicle control system 10. Furthermore, the transmission unit 71 includes a sensor that detects the operating state of the transmission and outputs the detection signal of the transmission's operating state to the vehicle control system 10.

[0038] The braking unit 72 includes a braking mechanism (not shown) and an adjustment mechanism for setting the braking force of the braking mechanism. The braking force of the braking mechanism is changed according to a control signal input from the vehicle control system 10. Furthermore, the braking unit 72 includes a sensor for detecting the operating state of the braking mechanism and outputs a detection signal of the operating state of the braking mechanism to the vehicle control system 10.

[0039] The suspension unit 73 includes a suspension (not shown) and a suspension characteristic modification mechanism, which sets the suspension characteristics (damping characteristics, etc.) based on control signals input from the vehicle control system 10. Furthermore, the suspension unit 73 includes a sensor for detecting the operating state of the suspension, and outputs a detection signal of the suspension's operating state to the vehicle control system 10.

[0040] The vehicle control system 10 is a control unit consisting of a processor 20, a memory 30, and interface circuits (not shown). The processor 20 reads and executes the control program 31 stored in the memory 30, thereby functioning as a vehicle control unit 21, a driving mode setting unit 22, a driving environment recognition unit 23, a driving mode suitability determination unit 24, a driving mode unsuitability response unit 25, a driving mode correction information provision unit 26, and a forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit 27. The processor 20 is equivalent to the computer disclosed herein.

[0041] Here, the processing performed by the driving mode setting unit 22 is equivalent to the driving mode setting step in the vehicle control method of this disclosure, and the processing performed by the driving environment recognition unit 23 is equivalent to the driving environment recognition step in the vehicle control method of this disclosure. Furthermore, the processing performed by the driving mode suitability determination unit 24 is equivalent to the driving mode suitability determination step in the vehicle control method of this disclosure, and the processing performed by the driving mode unsuitability response unit 25 is equivalent to the driving mode unsuitability response step in the vehicle control method of this disclosure.

[0042] The vehicle control unit 21 controls the operation of the vehicle 1 by controlling the drive unit 70, transmission unit 71, braking unit 72, and suspension unit 73 based on the driver's operations identified by the detection signals from the brake pedal sensor 44 and accelerator pedal sensor 45. Furthermore, the vehicle control unit 21 changes the control specifications of the drive unit 70, transmission unit 71, braking unit 72, and suspension unit 73 according to the set driving mode, corresponding to the driver's operations.

[0043] For example, in ECO mode, the control specification prioritizes fuel efficiency compared to NORMAL mode; in SPORT mode, it increases the output of drive unit 70 compared to NORMAL mode. Furthermore, in SNOW mode, it reduces the driving force required to adjust the accelerator pedal opening.

[0044] Furthermore, the vehicle control unit 21 executes driver support controls such as ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) based on the images captured by the camera 40 and the detection signals of objects detected by the radar 41. ACC is a function that maintains an appropriate distance from the vehicle in front and follows the vehicle in front.

[0045] The driving mode setting unit 22 sets the driving mode according to the operation of the driving mode switch 47. The driving environment recognition unit 23 recognizes the driving environment of the vehicle 1. The driving environment includes weather, terrain, road conditions, etc. The driving environment recognition unit 23 recognizes the driving environment of the vehicle 1 by means of images captured by the camera 40, detection signals from a rain sensor (not shown), road conditions of the road that the vehicle 1 is driving on as identified by the navigation device 60, weather information obtained from a weather information server (not shown) via communication with the communication unit 50, and driving mode setting information obtained through communication between the communication unit 50 and other vehicles.

[0046] The driving mode suitability determination unit 24 determines whether the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit 22 is suitable based on the driving environment identified by the driving environment recognition unit 23. The driving mode unsuitability response unit 25 performs driving mode unsuitability response processing when the driving mode suitability determination unit 24 determines that the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit 22 is unsuitable for the driving environment.

[0047] If the driving mode is not suitable, the response unit 25 performs at least one of the following processes 1 and 2 as a driving mode unsuitability response process. (Process 1) A display output urging the driver to change to a driving mode suitable for the driving environment is sent to the display 48. (Process 2) The driver switches to a driving mode suitable for the driving environment.

[0048] After switching the driving mode through the above-described process 2, the driving mode correction information providing unit 26 sends information related to the driving mode set by the switch (second driving mode) to other vehicles around the vehicle 1 when the user performs the operation of switching the driving mode. The forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit 27 determines the driving mode of the vehicle in front of the vehicle 1 (in... Figure 2 In the example, it is to determine whether the driving mode set in other vehicles (V1) is suitable for the driving environment.

[0049] Then, if the driving mode set in the vehicle ahead of this vehicle 1 is not suitable for the driving environment, the forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit 27 performs a distance widening process to increase the distance between this vehicle 1 and the vehicle ahead. Details of the distance widening process will be described later.

[0050] [2. Handling an unsuitable driving mode]

[0051] according to Figures 3-4 The flowchart shown illustrates the execution steps for handling situations where the driving mode is unsuitable. Figures 3-4 The flowchart shows the process by which the driving environment recognition unit 23 identifies the driving environment of the vehicle 1 based on driving mode setting information received from other vehicles.

[0052] exist Figure 3 In step S1, the driving environment recognition unit 23 receives driving mode setting information from other vehicles driving around the vehicle 1. In the next step S2, the driving environment recognition unit 23 identifies the driving modes set in other vehicles based on the driving mode setting information. In the next step S3, the driving environment recognition unit 23 identifies the driving environment corresponding to the driving mode (first driving mode) with the highest proportion set in other vehicles as the driving environment of the vehicle 1.

[0053] In the next step S4, the driving mode suitability determination unit 24 calculates the proportion Pdv of other vehicles whose driving modes are set to the first driving mode. In the next step S5, the driving mode suitability determination unit 24 determines whether a second predetermined time has elapsed since the previous execution of the driving mode unsuitability response process, or whether the road environment identified by the driving environment recognition unit 23 has changed. Then, if the second predetermined time has elapsed or the road environment has changed, the driving mode suitability determination unit 24 proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the second predetermined time has not elapsed and the driving environment has not changed, the driving mode suitability determination unit 24 proceeds to step S8, prohibiting the execution of the driving mode unsuitability response process. Thus, the situation where the frequent display of notifications in steps S11 and S21 (described later) can be suppressed, thus preventing user annoyance.

[0054] In the next step S6, the driving mode suitability determination unit 24 determines whether Pdv is above the first threshold and below the second threshold. Then, if Pdv is above the first threshold and below the second threshold, the driving mode suitability determination unit 24 causes the process to proceed to step S10, and if Pdv is below the first threshold or above the second threshold, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0055] In step S10, the driving mode unsuitability response unit 25 determines whether the driving mode set in the vehicle 1 is the first driving mode. Then, if the driving mode unsuitability response unit 25 sets the driving mode in the vehicle 1 to the first driving mode and it is suitable for the driving environment, the process proceeds to step S7. In this case, the driving mode unsuitability response unit 25 does not perform the driving mode unsuitability response process.

[0056] On the other hand, when the driving mode set in vehicle 1 is not the first driving mode and is unsuitable for the driving environment, the driving mode unsuitability response unit 25 causes the process to proceed to step S11. In step S11, the driving mode unsuitability response unit 25... Figure 2As shown, a notification 100 urging the user to switch to the first driving mode is displayed on the display 48, causing the process to proceed to step S8. Thus, when the Pvd is relatively high and the driving environment identified based on the driving mode set in other vehicles is relatively reliable, the user of this vehicle 1 can be urged to switch to the first driving mode, preventing the vehicle 1 from continuing to drive in a driving mode that is not suitable for the driving environment.

[0057] In step S7, the driving mode suitability determination unit 24 determines whether Pvd is above the second threshold. Then, if Pvd is less than the second threshold, the driving mode suitability determination unit 24 causes the process to proceed to step S8. In this case, since Pvd is low, the reliability of the driving environment identified based on the driving mode set in other vehicles is low. Therefore, the driving mode suitability determination unit 24 does not determine whether the driving mode set in this vehicle 1 is suitable for the driving environment.

[0058] On the other hand, when Pvd is above the second threshold, the driving mode suitability determination unit 24 causes the process to proceed from step S7 to step S20. In step S20, the driving mode suitability determination unit 24 determines whether the driving mode set in the vehicle 1 is the first driving mode. Then, if the driving mode set in the vehicle 1 is the first driving mode, the driving mode suitability determination unit 24 causes the process to proceed to step S8; if the driving mode set in the vehicle 1 is not the first driving mode, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0059] In step S21, the display shows on the screen 48 that the driving mode unsuitability response unit 25 will switch to the first driving mode. In the next step S22, the driving mode is switched to the first driving mode, and processing begins. Figure 4 Step S23. Therefore, when the Pvd is higher and the reliability of the driving environment identified based on the driving mode set in other vehicles is high, after notifying the user of vehicle 1 of the switch to the first driving mode, the driving mode of vehicle 1 is switched to the first driving mode. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent vehicle 1 from continuously driving in a driving mode unsuitable for the driving environment.

[0060] exist Figure 4 In step S23, when the driving mode correction information providing unit 26 changes the driving mode of the vehicle 1 from the first driving mode to a second driving mode other than the first driving mode through the operation of the driving mode switch 47, the process proceeds to step S30. On the other hand, when there is no change from the first driving mode to the second driving mode, the driving mode correction information providing unit 26 proceeds to step S30. Figure 3 Step S8.

[0061] In step S30, the driving mode correction information providing unit 26 sends driving mode correction information indicating that the driving mode has been changed to the second driving mode to other vehicles driving around the vehicle 1. Among the other vehicles that receive the driving mode correction information, the users of the other vehicles can investigate whether the second driving mode is more suitable for driving in the driving environment than the first driving mode.

[0062] [3. Monitoring and processing of the driving patterns of vehicles ahead]

[0063] according to Figure 5 The flowchart shown illustrates the execution steps of the forward vehicle driving mode monitoring and processing. Here, in Figure 2 The example shown illustrates a scenario where a vehicle V1 traveling in front of this vehicle 1 (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle in front V1) is used as the object to perform the vehicle in front driving mode monitoring process.

[0064] exist Figure 5 In step S50, the forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit 27 receives driving mode setting information sent from the forward vehicle V1. In the next step S51, the forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit 27 identifies the driving mode set in the forward vehicle V1 based on the received driving mode setting information. In the next step S52, the driving environment recognition unit 23 identifies the driving environment of the vehicle 1.

[0065] In the next step S53, the forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit 27 determines whether the driving mode set in the forward vehicle V1 is suitable for the driving environment. For example, if the road environment identified by the driving environment recognition unit is snowing, the SNOW mode becomes the suitable driving mode. Of course, the driving modes of other vehicles (V2, V3, ...) besides the forward vehicle V1 can also be used to determine whether the driving mode of the forward vehicle V1 is suitable. Then, if the forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit 27 determines that the driving mode set in the forward vehicle V1 is suitable for the driving environment, the process proceeds to step S54; if the driving mode set in the forward vehicle V1 is not suitable for the driving environment, the process proceeds to step S60.

[0066] In step S60, the forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit 27 determines whether ACC control is being executed by the vehicle control unit 21. Then, if ACC control is being executed, the forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit 27 causes the process to proceed to step S61; if ACC control is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S70.

[0067] In step S70, the forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit 27 expands the distance D between the current vehicle 1 and the forward vehicle V1 set in the ACC control (refer to...). Figure 2The process proceeds to step S54. Furthermore, in step S70, the forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit 27 displays a notification on the display 48 urging an increase in the distance between itself and the forward vehicle V1, causing the process to proceed to step S54. By increasing the distance D between the vehicle 1 and the forward vehicle V1 through the processes of steps S61 and S70, it is possible to prepare for situations where the forward vehicle V1 may take unexpected actions due to an unsuitable driving mode set in the forward vehicle V1 for the driving environment.

[0068] [4. Other Implementation Methods]

[0069] In the above embodiment, a driving mode correction information providing unit 26 is included. When the user changes the driving mode after the driving mode has been changed by the driving mode unsuitability response unit 25 performing the above-described processing 1, the changed driving mode information is sent to other vehicles. As another embodiment, the driving mode correction information providing unit 26 may be omitted.

[0070] In the above embodiment, a forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit 27 is included, which performs processing to increase the distance D between the vehicle 1 and the forward vehicle V1 when the driving mode set in the forward vehicle V1 is not suitable for the driving environment. Alternatively, the forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit 27 may be omitted in another embodiment.

[0071] In the above embodiment, a structure is shown in which the vehicle control system 10 is mounted on the vehicle 1. However, it is also possible to configure the vehicle control system 10 to be placed in a server system that communicates with the vehicle 1 and other vehicles V1 to V3. In this case, driving mode setting information is sent from the vehicle 1 and other vehicles V1 to V3 to the server system, and control information based on unsuitable driving mode is sent from the server system to the vehicle 1. Alternatively, a portion of the structure of the vehicle control system 10 may be incorporated into the server system.

[0072] In the above embodiments, Figure 3 In step S21, the system notifies the user to switch to the first driving mode. In step S22, the driving mode of the vehicle is changed to the first driving mode. However, step S21 can also be omitted.

[0073] in addition, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the vehicle 1 and the vehicle control system 10 by distinguishing the main processing contents for ease of understanding of the invention. The structure of the vehicle control system 10 can also be configured by other distinctions. Furthermore, the processing of each structural element can be performed by one hardware unit or by multiple hardware units. Figures 3-5 The processing of each structural element shown can be performed by one program or by multiple programs.

[0074] [5. Structures supported by the above embodiments]

[0075] The above-described embodiments are specific examples of the following structures.

[0076] (Structure 1) A vehicle control system, comprising: a driving mode setting unit that sets a driving mode of the vehicle according to a user's operation; a driving environment recognition unit that recognizes the driving environment of the vehicle; a driving mode suitability determination unit that determines whether the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is suitable for the driving environment; and a driving mode unsuitability response unit that, when the driving mode suitability determination unit determines that the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is unsuitable for the driving environment, performs a driving mode unsuitability response process, wherein the driving mode unsuitability response process performs at least one of the following processes: a notification to urge the user to change the driving mode; and a process of changing the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit to a driving mode suitable for the driving environment.

[0077] According to the vehicle control system of Structure 1, it is possible to suppress the situation where the vehicle continues to drive when an inappropriate driving mode is selected.

[0078] (Structure 2) According to the vehicle control system of Structure 1, when the driving mode suitability determination unit determines that the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is not suitable for the driving environment for a period of time or more, the driving mode unsuitability response unit performs the driving mode unsuitability response processing.

[0079] According to the vehicle control system of structure 2, if it is determined that the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is not suitable for the driving environment to a certain extent, the driving mode unsuitability processing is executed, thereby suppressing the vehicle from continuing to drive in the inappropriate driving mode.

[0080] (Structure 3) According to the vehicle control system of Structure 1 or 2, the driving environment recognition unit receives driving mode setting information sent from other vehicles driving around the vehicle to identify the driving mode set in the other vehicles, thereby identifying the driving environment.

[0081] According to the vehicle control system described in Structure 3, the driving environment of the vehicle can be identified based on the driving modes set in other vehicles in the vicinity that are driving in the same driving environment as the vehicle.

[0082] (Structure 4) According to the vehicle control system of Structure 3, in the case where the driving environment identification unit identifies that the proportion of other vehicles set to the first driving mode among a plurality of other vehicles driving around the vehicle is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold, the driving mode suitability determination unit determines that the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is not suitable for the driving environment when the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is a driving mode other than the first driving mode, and the driving mode unsuitability response unit notifies the surrounding other vehicles that they are driving in the first driving mode as the driving mode unsuitability response processing.

[0083] According to the vehicle control system of structure 4, when the driving mode suitable for the driving environment is inferred to be the first driving mode based on the proportion of other vehicles driving in the first driving mode, the system can determine that the driving mode of the vehicle is inappropriate when the vehicle is set to a driving mode other than the first driving mode, and notify other surrounding vehicles that they are set to the first driving mode.

[0084] (Structure 5) According to the vehicle control system of Structure 4, in the case where the driving environment identification unit identifies that the proportion of other vehicles set to the first driving mode among a plurality of other vehicles driving around the vehicle is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the driving mode suitability determination unit determines that the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is unsuitable for the driving environment when the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit is a driving mode other than the first driving mode. The unsuitable driving mode response unit performs the following processes as the unsuitable driving mode response: notifying other vehicles in the vicinity that they are driving in the first driving mode and changing the driving mode set by the driving mode setting unit to the first driving mode.

[0085] According to the vehicle control system of structure 5, when the proportion of other vehicles driving in the first driving mode is above the second threshold and the accuracy of the first driving mode being the most suitable driving mode for the driving environment increases, when the vehicle is set to a driving mode other than the first driving mode, it can report that other vehicles in the vicinity are set to the first driving mode and switch the vehicle's driving mode to the first driving mode.

[0086] (Structure 6) According to the vehicle control system of Structure 5, the vehicle control system has a driving mode correction information providing unit. After the driving mode is changed to the first driving mode by the driving mode setting unit through the driving mode unsuitability handling, when the driving mode setting unit changes the driving mode to a second driving mode other than the first driving mode according to the user's operation, the driving mode correction information providing unit sends information related to the second driving mode to other vehicles driving around the vehicle.

[0087] According to the vehicle control system described in Structure 6, when the driver changes the vehicle's driving mode from the first driving mode to the second driving mode, it is presumed that the second driving mode is more suitable for the driving environment than the first driving mode. Therefore, in this case, information about the second driving mode is sent to other vehicles, thereby prompting users of other vehicles to switch to the second driving mode, which is more suitable for the driving environment.

[0088] (Structure 7) The vehicle control system according to any one of Structures 1 to 6, wherein the vehicle control system has a forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit that receives driving mode setting information sent from other vehicles traveling in front of the vehicle, thereby identifying the driving mode set in the other vehicle, and performing a vehicle distance widening process to increase the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle when the driving mode set in the other vehicle is not suitable for the driving environment.

[0089] According to the vehicle control system of structure 7, in cases where the actions of other vehicles may be inappropriate due to other vehicles traveling in front of the vehicle driving in a driving mode unsuitable for the driving environment, processing is performed to increase the distance between the other vehicles and the vehicle, thereby preventing the vehicle from approaching the other vehicles.

[0090] (Structure 8) The vehicle control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein after the driving mode unsuitability response unit performs the driving mode unsuitability response processing, it prohibits the execution of the driving mode unsuitability response processing until a second predetermined time has elapsed or the driving environment recognition unit recognizes that the driving environment has changed.

[0091] According to the vehicle control system of structure 8, it is possible to suppress situations where users become annoyed by frequent notifications urging them to change driving modes.

[0092] (Structure 9) A vehicle control system, wherein the vehicle control system comprises: a driving environment recognition unit that recognizes the driving environment of the vehicle; and a forward vehicle driving mode monitoring unit that receives driving mode setting information sent from other vehicles traveling in front of the vehicle, thereby recognizing the driving mode set in the other vehicles, and performing a vehicle-to-vehicle distance widening process to increase the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicles when the driving mode set in the other vehicles is not suitable for the driving environment.

[0093] According to the vehicle control system of structure 9, in situations where other vehicles traveling in front of this vehicle may be acting inappropriately due to driving in a mode unsuitable for the driving environment, processing is performed to increase the distance between this vehicle and the other vehicle. This enables the other vehicle to recognize that this vehicle is taking measures to prevent approach. Consequently, it prompts the other vehicle to switch to an appropriate driving mode and prevents the other vehicle from continuing to drive in an inappropriate mode.

[0094] (Structure 10) A vehicle control method executed by a computer, wherein the vehicle control method includes the following steps: a driving mode setting step, setting a driving mode of the vehicle according to the user's operation; a driving environment identification step, identifying the driving environment of the vehicle; a driving mode suitability determination step, determining whether the driving mode set by the driving mode setting step is suitable for the driving environment; and a driving mode unsuitability response step, wherein when the driving mode suitability determination step determines that the driving mode set by the driving mode setting step is unsuitable for the driving environment, a driving mode unsuitability response process is executed, wherein the driving mode unsuitability response process performs at least one of the following processes: a process of notifying the user to change the driving mode; and a process of changing the driving mode set by the driving mode setting step to a driving mode suitable for the driving environment.

[0095] By executing the vehicle control method of structure 10 by a computer, the same effect as the vehicle control system of structure 1 described above can be obtained.

Claims

1. A vehicle control system, wherein the vehicle control system has: a travel mode setting section that sets a travel mode of a host vehicle in accordance with an operation by a user; a travel environment recognition section that recognizes a travel environment of the host vehicle; a travel mode appropriateness determination section that determines whether or not the travel mode set by the travel mode setting section is appropriate for the travel environment; and a travel mode inappropriateness coping section that, when it is determined by the travel mode appropriateness determination section that the travel mode set by the travel mode setting section is not appropriate for the travel environment, executes travel mode inappropriateness coping processing that performs at least either of: processing that makes an announcement urging the user to change the travel mode; and processing that changes the travel mode set by the travel mode setting section to a travel mode that is appropriate for the travel environment, the travel environment recognition section receives setting information of a travel mode transmitted from other vehicles traveling in the vicinity of the host vehicle, recognizes the travel mode set in the other vehicles, and thereby recognizes the travel environment.

2. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein the travel mode inappropriateness coping section executes the travel mode inappropriateness coping processing when a state in which it is determined by the travel mode appropriateness determination section that the travel mode set by the travel mode setting section is not appropriate for the travel environment continues for a first prescribed time or more.

3. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein in a case where the travel environment recognition section recognizes the travel environment in which the proportion of other vehicles set to a first travel mode among a plurality of other vehicles traveling in the vicinity of the host vehicle is a first threshold value or more and less than a second threshold value, the travel mode appropriateness determination section determines that the travel mode set by the travel mode setting section is not appropriate for the travel environment when the travel mode set by the travel mode setting section is a travel mode other than the first travel mode, the travel mode inappropriateness coping section performs, as the travel mode inappropriateness coping processing, processing that makes an announcement that the other vehicles in the vicinity are traveling in the first travel mode.

4. The vehicle control system according to claim 3, wherein in a case where the travel environment recognition section recognizes the travel environment in which the proportion of other vehicles set to the first travel mode among a plurality of other vehicles traveling in the vicinity of the host vehicle is the second threshold value or more, the travel mode appropriateness determination section determines that the travel mode set by the travel mode setting section is not appropriate for the travel environment when the travel mode set by the travel mode setting section is a travel mode other than the first travel mode, the travel mode inappropriateness coping section performs, as the travel mode inappropriateness coping processing, processing that makes an announcement that the other vehicles in the vicinity are traveling in the first travel mode and processing that changes the travel mode set by the travel mode setting section to the first travel mode.

5. The vehicle control system according to claim 4, wherein ​ ​ The vehicle control system has a travel mode correction information providing section that transmits information related to the second travel mode to another vehicle traveling in the vicinity of the host vehicle when the travel mode setting section changes the travel mode to a second travel mode other than the first travel mode in accordance with the user's operation after the travel mode set by the travel mode setting section is changed to the first travel mode by the travel mode unsuitability coping process.

6. The vehicle control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The vehicle control system has a preceding vehicle travel mode monitoring section that receives setting information of a travel mode transmitted from another vehicle traveling in front of the host vehicle, thereby recognizing a travel mode set in the other vehicle, and executes an inter-vehicle distance expansion process for expanding a distance between the host vehicle and the other vehicle in a case where the travel mode set in the other vehicle is unsuitable for the travel environment.

7. The vehicle control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The travel mode unsuitability coping section prohibits execution of the travel mode unsuitability coping process until a second prescribed time elapses or a change in the travel environment is recognized by the travel environment recognizing section after the travel mode unsuitability coping process is executed.

8. A vehicle control system, wherein The vehicle control system has: a travel environment recognizing section that recognizes a travel environment of a host vehicle; and a preceding vehicle travel mode monitoring section that receives setting information of a travel mode transmitted from another vehicle traveling in front of the host vehicle, thereby recognizing a travel mode set in the other vehicle, and executes an inter-vehicle distance expansion process for expanding a distance between the host vehicle and the other vehicle in a case where the travel mode set in the other vehicle is unsuitable for the travel environment.

9. A vehicle control method executed by a computer, wherein The vehicle control method includes the steps of: a travel mode setting step of setting a travel mode of a host vehicle in accordance with a user's operation; a travel environment recognizing step of recognizing a travel environment of the host vehicle; a travel mode suitability determining step of determining whether or not the travel mode set by the travel mode setting step is suitable for the travel environment; and a travel mode unsuitability coping step of executing a travel mode unsuitability coping process that performs at least any one of the following processes when it is determined by the travel mode suitability determining step that the travel mode set by the travel mode setting step is unsuitable for the travel environment: a process of making an announcement that urges the user to change the travel mode; and a process of changing the travel mode set by the travel mode setting step to a travel mode suitable for the travel environment, In the travel environment recognition step, setting information of a travel mode transmitted from other vehicles traveling in the periphery of the host vehicle is received to recognize the travel mode set in the other vehicles, thereby recognizing the travel environment.

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