Vehicle control device

Abstract

A vehicle control device includes: a vehicle display including an input device for inputting instructions relating to changes in a plurality of travel modes of travel of a vehicle; a control unit that changes the travel mode in accordance with a command input to the vehicle display; a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires current vehicle information; a determination unit that determines whether or not the traveling mode can be changed based on the current vehicle information; and a display unit that displays a command execution state and a command input state when a command relating to changing the travel mode is input to the vehicle display. When the determination unit determines that the vehicle is stable on the basis of the value acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit, the display unit displays a command execution state at the time of command input, and the control unit changes any one of the plurality of travel modes. When the determination unit determines that the vehicle is unstable on the basis of the value acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit, the display unit displays a command input state at the time of command input, and the control unit prohibits change of the traveling mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control technology, and more particularly to a vehicle control device for changing a driving mode. Background Art

[0002] Traditionally, the driving mode of a vehicle (driving force changes such as sports mode and normal mode) is selected and set through hardware switches such as toggle switches and push switches on the vehicle.

[0003] In unstable vehicle conditions (such as uneven roads, cornering, or when the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system is in operation), even if you want to change the driving mode and operate the switch, the driving mode will not change. The driving mode will not switch until the vehicle stabilizes and the switch is operated again. In addition, since the driving mode can only be changed in stages, the number of times the driver's line of sight moves to the vehicle display (such as the center console (Center Informative Display, CID)) increases, and there is a risk of reduced safety during driving. (For example, the staged changes in driving mode are as follows: ① Off-road mode ②Snow Mode ③Normal mode ④Sports mode. The driving mode will switch to the next mode according to the number of times the switch is toggled or pressed. When switching from ① to ④, the driver must toggle or press the switch three times, and the driver will also check the vehicle display a corresponding number of times to confirm the switching of the driving mode). Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle control device that can reduce the number of times the driver's line of sight moves and moves away from the front and the number of times the driver's hands leave the steering wheel, thereby ensuring safety during driving.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a vehicle control device, comprising: a vehicle display including an input device, the input device being used to input instructions related to the change of multiple driving modes of the vehicle; a control unit coupled to the vehicle display, changing the driving mode according to the instructions input to the vehicle display; a vehicle information acquisition unit, acquiring current vehicle information, the current vehicle information including at least one of the lateral acceleration and wheel speed of the vehicle; a judgment unit, coupled to the vehicle information acquisition unit and the control unit, judging whether the driving mode can be changed based on the current vehicle information; and a display unit, coupled to the judgment unit, displaying the instruction execution state and the instruction input state when the vehicle display inputs the instruction related to the change of the driving mode. When the judgment unit judges that the vehicle is stable based on the value obtained by the vehicle information acquisition unit, the display unit displays the instruction execution state when the instruction is input, and the control unit changes any one of the multiple driving modes. When the judgment unit judges that the vehicle is unstable based on the value obtained by the vehicle information acquisition unit, the display unit displays the instruction input state when the instruction is input, and the control unit prohibits the change of the driving mode.

[0006] According to the above structure, even when the vehicle is unstable, the desired driving mode can be accepted by touching the vehicle display (e.g., the center console (Center Informative Display, CID)). Since the number of times the hands are released from the steering wheel is reduced to one, safety can also be ensured. In addition, it is determined based on the results of lateral acceleration, VSA, etc. whether the driving mode can be changed, and the driving mode is changed only when it is determined that it can be changed.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display unit changes the equipment inside the vehicle. When an instruction related to changing the driving mode is given, the display unit changes the equipment inside the vehicle.

[0008] According to the structure, when an instruction to change the driving mode is issued to the vehicle display when the vehicle behavior is judged to be unstable, the driving mode will not be changed, but the on-board equipment (instrument display, color, etc.) can change immediately so that the driver can recognize it visually.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle has an operation detection unit. The operation detection unit detects that the driver of the vehicle holds the steering unit. If the value acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold, and the operation detection unit does not detect that the driver holds the steering unit, the control unit prohibits changing the driving mode. The first threshold and the second threshold are used to determine whether the vehicle is stable.

[0010] According to the above structure, when the driving mode is to be changed, if the driver's control of the steering part (such as the steering wheel) cannot be confirmed, the driving mode will not be changed even if the vehicle behavior is stable, thereby avoiding the situation where the sudden change of vehicle behavior cannot be handled.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle has a braking force and driving force detection unit. The braking force and driving force detection unit detects the driving force or braking force requested by the driver of the vehicle. If the value acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, and the braking force and driving force detection unit detects the driver's request for driving force or braking force, the control unit prohibits changing the driving mode. The first threshold and the second threshold are used to determine whether the vehicle is stable.

[0012] According to the above configuration, when the driving mode is to be changed, if it is detected that the driver has stepped on the accelerator or the brake, the driving mode (shift control characteristics) will not be changed even if the vehicle behavior is stable, thereby maintaining driving safety and improving commercial quality.

[0013] Based on the above, the vehicle control device of the present invention can integrate functions into the display by touching the vehicle display (center console) even when the vehicle is unstable, and can accept the desired driving mode. Based on this, the number of times the driver's line of sight moves and the number of times his hands leave the steering wheel can be minimized to ensure driving safety. In addition, when an instruction to change the driving mode is input when the vehicle is unstable, parts that do not affect the vehicle's dynamic performance (such as cabin lighting, audio, etc.) are changed to inform the driver that the switching instruction is waiting to be executed. The driving mode can only be changed when the vehicle is stable to ensure driving safety.

[0014] In order to make the above features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the following embodiments are specifically cited and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram showing a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing changes in current vehicle information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 A flowchart showing the steps of a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5An example of changing the driving mode according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle control device and an operation detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 A flowchart showing the steps of a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle control device and a braking force and driving force detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 9 A flowchart showing the steps of a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Description of Reference Numerals

[0025] 100: Vehicle control device

[0026] 110: Vehicle display

[0027] 112: Input device

[0028] 120: Control Department

[0029] 130: Vehicle information acquisition department

[0030] 140: Judgment Department

[0031] 150: Display unit

[0032] 600: Operation detection unit

[0033] 800: Braking and driving force detection unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 2 A schematic block diagram showing a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2The vehicle control device 100 is installed on the vehicle M1 and is configured to control the driving of the vehicle M1. The vehicle M1 is, for example, a two-wheeled, three-wheeled, or four-wheeled vehicle, including a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine or a gasoline engine, an electric vehicle powered by an electric motor, or a hybrid vehicle having both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric vehicle is driven by electricity discharged by a battery such as a secondary battery, a hydrogen fuel cell, a metal fuel cell, or an alcohol fuel cell.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle control device 100 includes a vehicle display 110, a control unit 120, a vehicle information acquisition unit 130, a judgment unit 140 and a display unit 150. The vehicle display 110 is, for example, a center console (Center Informative Display, CID), which can display a screen to allow the driver to grasp the relevant information of the vehicle's driving. The vehicle display 110 includes an input device 112. The input device 112 is, for example, a touch panel integrated on the vehicle display 110, which is used to allow the driver to input instructions IST related to changes in multiple driving modes of the vehicle. For example, multiple driving modes (such as off-road mode, snow mode, normal mode and sports mode) can be displayed on the vehicle display 110 for the driver to select. The driver can touch the vehicle display 110 (such as clicking or dragging, etc.) with a finger or a stylus, thereby inputting the instruction IST to change the driving mode.

[0037] The control unit 120 is coupled to the vehicle display 110 . The control unit 120 can change the driving mode according to the instruction IST input to the vehicle display 110 .

[0038] The vehicle information acquisition unit 130 can acquire the current vehicle information IF. The current vehicle information IF includes at least one of the lateral acceleration and wheel speed of the vehicle M1. In addition, the vehicle information IF is not limited to the lateral acceleration and wheel speed, but can also include longitudinal acceleration (deceleration), steering angle and brake hydraulic pressure. The vehicle information acquisition unit 130 can be implemented, for example, by a circuit capable of processing information data, such as a Large Scale Integration (LSI) or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and acquires the current vehicle information IF from the corresponding detector.

[0039] The determination unit 140 is coupled to the vehicle information acquisition unit 130 and the control unit 120, and determines whether the driving mode can be changed based on the current vehicle information IF. The control unit 120 and the determination unit 140 are, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), or other programmable general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors (Microprocessors), digital signal processors (Digital Signal Processors, DSPs), programmable controllers, application-specific integrated circuits (Application Specific Integrated Circuits, ASICs) or other similar components or combinations of the above components, which can be used to assist the vehicle in controlling, notifying and determining driving operations.

[0040] The display unit 150 is coupled to the determination unit 140. The display unit 150 is, for example, a meter, a head-up display, or a lighting lamp in the vehicle compartment. When the vehicle display 110 inputs a command related to changing the driving mode, the display unit 150 displays the command execution status and the command input status.

[0041] In this embodiment, the determination unit 140 may determine whether the vehicle M1 is stable based on the current vehicle information IF acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 130 . Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the change of current vehicle information according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 As shown, if the current vehicle information IF is greater than or equal to the first threshold th1 and less than the second threshold th2, the current vehicle information IF is in area A where the driving mode change is allowed, and the judgment unit 140 judges that the vehicle M1 is in a stable state. If the current vehicle information IF is less than the first threshold th1 or greater than or equal to the second threshold th2, the current vehicle information IF is in areas B and C where the driving mode change is temporarily prohibited, and the judgment unit 140 judges that the vehicle M1 is in an unstable state. The first threshold th1 and the second threshold th2 are used to judge whether the vehicle M1 is stable. Those skilled in the art can consider that the current vehicle information IF obtained is the lateral acceleration, the wheel speed, or a combination of the two, and obtain the appropriate first threshold th1 and second threshold th2 through testing according to their actual needs.

[0042] When the determination unit 140 determines that the vehicle M1 is stable based on the value (current vehicle information IF) acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 130, the display unit 150 displays the instruction execution state when the instruction IST is input in response to the input of the instruction IST. In addition, the control unit 120 changes any one of the plurality of driving modes. The instruction execution state can be used to notify the driver that the input instruction IST has been executed, for example, by displaying the changed driving mode or displaying a specific light or color.

[0043] When the determination unit 140 determines that the vehicle M1 is unstable based on the value (current vehicle information IF) acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 130, the display unit 150 displays the instruction input state when the instruction IST is input in response to the input of the instruction IST. In addition, the control unit 120 prohibits the change of the driving mode. The instruction input state can be used to notify the driver that the instruction IST input has been input and is waiting for execution, and the instruction has not been rejected or invalid, for example, by displaying a flashing display or a specific light or color.

[0044] Figure 4 A flowchart showing a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The vehicle control method of this embodiment is applicable to Figure 1 The vehicle control method according to the embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the various components in the vehicle control device 100 .

[0045] First, in step S402, the vehicle display 110 inputs the driver's instruction IST. Then, in step S404, the vehicle information acquisition unit 130 acquires the lateral acceleration of the vehicle M1. Then, in step S406, the judgment unit 140 determines whether the lateral acceleration is greater than or equal to the first threshold th1 and less than the second threshold th2. If so, it means that the vehicle M1 is in a stable state, then in step S408, the control unit 120 changes the driving mode according to the instruction IST to set the corresponding speed change control characteristics. If not, it means that the vehicle M1 is in an unstable state, then the control unit 120 temporarily prohibits changing the driving mode, and returns to step S404 to acquire the lateral acceleration of the vehicle M1 again to continue the judgment.

[0046] Although the vehicle information acquisition unit 130 acquires the lateral acceleration of the vehicle to determine the stability of the vehicle M1 in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the vehicle information acquisition unit 130 may also acquire the wheel speed of the vehicle M1, the operation status of the VSA, or any other parameters related to driving stability to determine the stability of the vehicle M1.

[0047] In one embodiment, the display unit 150 can change the equipment inside the vehicle M1. When an instruction IST related to changing the driving mode is given, the display unit 150 can change the equipment inside the vehicle M1. For example, when it is determined that the behavior of the vehicle M1 is unstable and an instruction IST to change the driving mode is issued to the vehicle display 110, the driving mode will not be changed, but the display of the vehicle-mounted equipment inside the vehicle M1 (instrument display and the lighting and color of the cabin, etc.) can be changed immediately so that the driver can recognize it visually. In addition, the method of notifying the driver is not limited to the display of the vehicle-mounted equipment, and voice broadcasting through the audio system can also be performed.

[0048] Figure 5 FIG. 2 shows an example of changing the driving mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 At time t1, the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the vehicle is determined to be in an unstable state, so the change of the driving mode is temporarily prohibited. At this time, the driving mode is set to the snow mode.

[0049] Then, at time t2, the driver wants to switch the driving mode and touches the sports mode on the screen of the vehicle display (center console). At this time, since the change of driving mode is temporarily prohibited, it is impossible to switch to the sports mode immediately. The signal transmitted by the intrusion detection system (IDS) mode-related device inside the vehicle and the mode command to the related device are still maintained in the snow mode, but the display system and interior lighting (for example, the instrument display flashes) will be switched to inform the driver that the switching command is waiting for execution and has not been rejected or invalid.

[0050] When the vehicle behavior stabilizes, at time t3, since the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is less than the threshold, the vehicle is judged to have returned to a stable state, and therefore the driving mode change is restored. At this time, the vehicle will execute the waiting command and change the driving mode to the sports mode, the instrument will display the sports mode, and the signal used to transmit the mode-related device of the intrusion detection system (IDS) inside the vehicle and the mode command to the related device will also be changed to the sports mode, thereby switching the vehicle characteristics.

[0051] It should be noted that by changing the operation from the hardware switch to the center console (Center Informative Display, CID) (software switch), blind operation during driving will not be possible. Therefore, the time of moving your eyes and away from the front should be minimized. Use the center console to select the driving mode. In addition, traditionally, the up / down switch selects from the meter mode list. If the up / down selection on the center console is made while viewing the meter list, the driver's eyes will move between the center console and the meter, resulting in a loss of concentration on the front while driving. If the traditional approach is adopted, the driver recognizes the stability of the vehicle and needs to operate the switch again, so it is necessary to move your eyes away from the front at least twice, resulting in a loss of concentration on the front while driving.

[0052] Through the operation method of the embodiment of this case, the number of times the driver's line of sight moves and the number of times his hands leave the steering wheel can be reduced as much as possible (to as little as once), thereby ensuring driving safety.

[0053] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle control device and an operation detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The vehicle control device 100 is installed on a vehicle M2 and is configured to control the travel of the vehicle M2. The vehicle M2 also has an operation detection unit 600. The operation detection unit 600 can detect that the driver of the vehicle M2 is holding a steering part (e.g., a steering wheel).

[0054] Figure 7 A flowchart showing a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The vehicle control method of this embodiment is applicable to Figure 6 The vehicle control method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the various components in the vehicle control device 100 and the operation detection unit 600.

[0055] First, in step S702, the vehicle display 110 inputs the driver's instruction IST. Then, in step S704, the vehicle information acquisition unit 130 acquires the lateral acceleration of the vehicle M2. Then, in step S706, the judgment unit 140 determines whether the lateral acceleration is greater than or equal to the first threshold th1 and less than the second threshold th2. If so, it means that the vehicle M2 is in a stable state. Then, in step S708, the operation detection unit 600 determines whether the driver is detected holding the steering part. If the operation detection unit 600 detects that the driver is holding the steering part, then in step S710, the control unit 120 changes the driving mode according to the instruction IST to set the corresponding speed change control characteristics. If the operation detection unit 600 does not detect that the driver is holding the steering part, the control unit 120 temporarily prohibits changing the driving mode and continues to wait until the driver is detected holding the steering part.

[0056] In addition, if the judgment unit 140 determines in step S706 that the lateral acceleration is not greater than or equal to the first threshold th1 and less than the second threshold th2, then in step S712 the command input status is displayed on the vehicle display 110 (such as an instrument), and returns to step S704 to obtain the lateral acceleration of the vehicle M2 again to continue the judgment.

[0057] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle control device and a braking force and driving force detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle control device 100 is installed on the vehicle M3 and is configured to control the travel of the vehicle M3. The vehicle M3 also has a braking force and driving force detection unit. The braking force and driving force detection unit 800 can detect the driving force or braking force requested by the driver of the vehicle M3. For example, the braking force and driving force detection unit 800 can detect whether a request for driving force or braking force is obtained from the driver based on a change in the position of the accelerator pedal, a change in the position of the brake pedal, or a setting operation received from the vehicle human machine interface (HMI).

[0058] Fig. 9 A flowchart showing a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The vehicle control method of this embodiment is applicable to Figure 8 The vehicle control device 100 and the braking force and driving force detection unit 800 are described below with reference to the various components in the vehicle control device 100 to describe the vehicle control method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] First, in step S902, the vehicle display 110 inputs the driver's instruction IST. Then, in step S904, the vehicle information acquisition unit 130 acquires the lateral acceleration of the vehicle M3. Then, in step S906, the judgment unit 140 determines whether the lateral acceleration is greater than or equal to the first threshold th1 and less than the second threshold th2. If so, it means that the vehicle M3 is in a stable state. Then, in step S908, the braking force and driving force detection unit 800 determines whether the driver's request for driving force or braking force is detected. If the braking force and driving force detection unit 800 does not detect the driver's request for driving force or braking force, then in step S910, the control unit 120 changes the driving mode according to the instruction IST to set the corresponding speed change control characteristics. If the operation detection unit 600 detects the driver's request for driving force or braking force, the control unit 120 temporarily prohibits changing the driving mode and continues to wait until the driver's request for driving force or braking force is not detected.

[0060] In addition, if the judgment unit 140 determines in step S906 that the lateral acceleration is not greater than or equal to the first threshold th1 and less than the second threshold th2, then in step S912 the command input status is displayed on the vehicle display 110 (such as an instrument), and returns to step S904 to obtain the lateral acceleration of the vehicle M3 again to continue the judgment.

[0061] In summary, the vehicle control device of the present invention can integrate functions into the display by touching the vehicle display (center console) even when the vehicle is unstable, and can accept the desired driving mode. Based on this, the number of times the driver's line of sight moves and the number of times his hands leave the steering wheel can be minimized, ensuring driving safety.

[0062] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle control device, characterized in that: include: A vehicle display includes an input device for inputting instructions related to changes in a plurality of driving modes of the vehicle; a control unit coupled to the vehicle display and configured to change the driving mode according to a command input to the vehicle display; A vehicle information acquisition unit, which acquires current vehicle information, wherein the current vehicle information includes at least one of a lateral acceleration and a wheel speed of the vehicle; a determination unit, coupled to the vehicle information acquisition unit and the control unit, and determining whether the driving mode can be changed based on the current vehicle information; as well as A display unit is coupled to the determination unit, and displays a command execution state and a command input state when a command related to changing the driving mode is inputted on the vehicle display. When the determination unit determines that the vehicle is stable based on the value acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit, the display unit displays the command execution state when the command is input, and the control unit changes any one of the plurality of driving modes. When the determination unit determines that the vehicle is unstable based on the value acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit, the display unit displays the command input state when the command is input, and the control unit prohibits changing the travel mode.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display unit changes the equipment inside the vehicle, When an instruction to change the driving mode is given, the display unit changes equipment inside the vehicle.

3. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle includes an operation detection unit that detects that a driver of the vehicle is holding a steering unit. If the value acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold, and the operation detection unit does not detect that the driver is holding the steering unit, the control unit prohibits changing the driving mode. The first threshold and the second threshold are used to determine whether the vehicle is stable.

4. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle has a braking force and driving force detection unit, the braking force and driving force detection unit detecting a driving force or a braking force requested by a driver of the vehicle, If the value acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold, and the braking force and driving force detection unit detects the driver's request for driving force or braking force, the control unit prohibits changing the driving mode. The first threshold and the second threshold are used to determine whether the vehicle is stable.

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