Vehicle operation device, vehicle, operation processing method, and non-transitory storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle operation device, a vehicle, an operation processing method, and a non-transitory storage medium. The purpose is to improve operability of an in-vehicle switch that can be operated from a driver's seat of the vehicle. The vehicle operation device is provided with an operation switch on a specific surface, which is a surface facing the driver's seat side, of an interior member disposed adjacent to the side of the driver's seat of the vehicle. The operation switch is capable of instructing control of at least one of an automatic driving function and a driving assistance function of the vehicle by an operation of a driver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operation device for a vehicle, a vehicle, an operation processing method, and a non-transitory storage medium. Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-079753 discloses a vehicle operation device that enables an occupant to accurately and easily operate vehicle functions.

[0003] The vehicle operating device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-079753 is provided with a functional operating unit on the armrest of the seat for controlling functions such as driving actions of the vehicle.

[0004] Therefore, the operability of the functional operating unit of the vehicle operating device under the state that the passenger places the arm on the elbow rest becomes higher. Here, in order to properly perform the indication relevant to the travel of the vehicle as the driver of the passenger, it is desired that the operability of the in-car switch that can be operated from the driver's seat is higher. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a vehicle operation device, a vehicle, an operation processing method, and a non-transitory storage medium capable of improving the operability of an in-vehicle switch that can be operated from a driver's seat of the vehicle.

[0006] The vehicle operating device involved in the first embodiment has an operating switch on a specific surface of an interior decorative component of the vehicle arranged adjacent to the side of the driver's seat, which is facing the driver's seat. The operating switch can indicate control of at least one of the vehicle's automatic driving function and driving assistance function through the driver's operation.

[0007] In the vehicle operation device involved in the first embodiment, an operation switch is provided on a specific surface of an interior decoration component disposed adjacent to the side of the driver's seat of the vehicle, and the operation switch can instruct control of at least one of the automatic driving function and the driving assistance function of the vehicle through the operation of the driver. Therefore, in the vehicle operation device, since the operation switch is provided on the specific surface of the interior decoration component disposed adjacent to the side of the driver's seat, the operability of the in-vehicle switch operable from the driver's seat can be improved.

[0008] The vehicle operating device according to the second aspect is configured such that, in the first aspect, the interior member is capable of placing the driver's arm, and the operating switch is disposed at a position of the driver's hand in a front-rear direction of the driver.

[0009] In the vehicle operating device according to the second embodiment, the interior decoration component can be placed on the driver's arm. Furthermore, the operating switch is arranged at the position of the driver's hand in the front-rear direction of the driver. Thus, according to the vehicle operating device, since the operating switch is arranged on the specific surface of the interior decoration component facing the driver's seat side, it is easy for the driver to press the operating switch with the thumb of the hand when the driver places his arm on the interior decoration component.

[0010] A vehicle operating device according to a third aspect is configured so that, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the interior component is a center console.

[0011] In the vehicle operating device according to the third aspect, the interior component is a center console. Thus, in the vehicle operating device, the space of the center console can be effectively utilized by providing the operating switches on a specific surface of the center console where fewer in-vehicle switches are provided.

[0012] In the vehicle operating device involved in the fourth embodiment, in any one of the first to third embodiments, the operating switch includes a first operating switch and a second operating switch, the first operating switch is arranged on one side of the vehicle width direction of the driver's seat, and instructs the vehicle to move to one side of the vehicle width direction through the operation of the driver, and the second operating switch is arranged on the other side of the vehicle width direction of the driver's seat, and instructs the vehicle to move to the other side of the vehicle width direction through the operation of the driver.

[0013] In the vehicle operation device involved in the fourth embodiment, the direction in which the vehicle is moved corresponds to the arrangement of the first operation switch and the second operation switch in the vehicle width direction based on the driver's seat. Specifically, in the vehicle operation device, the first operation switch capable of instructing the vehicle to move to one side in the vehicle width direction is arranged at one side of the driver's seat in the vehicle width direction, and the second operation switch capable of instructing the vehicle to move to the other side in the vehicle width direction is arranged at the other side of the driver's seat in the vehicle width direction. Thus, according to the vehicle operation device, the driver who is seated will not confuse one side or the other side in the vehicle width direction, and can intuitively instruct the vehicle to move.

[0014] A vehicle operating device according to a fifth aspect is provided with a protruding portion in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the protruding portion being arranged around the operating switch and protruding toward the driver side rather than an operating surface of the operating switch.

[0015] In the vehicle operating device involved in the fifth aspect, a protrusion is provided, which is arranged around the operating switch and protrudes toward the driver side compared to the operating surface of the operating switch. Therefore, according to the vehicle operating device, by providing the protrusion, it is possible to suppress the operating switch from being erroneously operated by the driver's elbow, knee, etc., compared with the case of operation by fingers. In addition, according to the vehicle operating device, when the driver tries to operate the operating switch by groping with his hand, the protrusion serves as a guide, and the operating switch can be easily operated even without visual confirmation.

[0016] The vehicle involved in the sixth embodiment comprises: a vehicle operating device of the fourth embodiment, wherein a first light that can be lit in a predetermined light-emitting manner is provided on the first operating switch, and a second light that can be lit in a predetermined light-emitting manner is provided on the second operating switch; a driving control unit that controls at least any one of the automatic driving function and the driving assistance function of the vehicle; and a light control unit that controls in the following manner, that is, when the driving control unit recommends the driver to move to one side in the width direction of the vehicle, the first light is lit, and when the driving control unit recommends the driver to move to the other side in the width direction of the vehicle, the second light is lit.

[0017] In the vehicle involved in the sixth embodiment, the vehicle operation device of the fourth embodiment is provided with a first light on the first operation switch, and a second light on the second operation switch. In addition, the driving control unit controls at least one of the automatic driving function and the driving assistance function of the vehicle. Moreover, the light control unit controls in the following manner, that is, when the driving control unit recommends the driver to move to one side in the vehicle width direction, the first light arranged at one side in the vehicle width direction is turned on, and when the driving control unit recommends the driver to move to the other side in the vehicle width direction, the second light arranged at the other side in the vehicle width direction is turned on. Therefore, according to the vehicle, the driver can grasp the timing of operating the first operation switch or the second operation switch.

[0018] As described above, in the vehicle operation device, the vehicle, the operation processing method, and the non-transitory storage medium according to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the operability of the in-vehicle switch operable from the driver's seat of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 A first block diagram showing a schematic structure of a vehicle;

[0021] Figure 2A block diagram showing the schematic structure of the judgment ECU and the control ECU;

[0022] Figure 3 The first picture is when observing the interior of the vehicle from the driver's seat;

[0023] Figure 4 A block diagram for explaining the process of the first mode of automatic lane change;

[0024] Figure 5 is a block diagram for explaining the process of the second mode of automatic lane change;

[0025] Figure 6 A block diagram for explaining a process of canceling an automatic lane change in progress;

[0026] Figure 7 An explanatory diagram for explaining the consent conditions, instruction conditions, and cancellation conditions;

[0027] Figure 8 A first flow chart showing the flow of a determination process;

[0028] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the right side operating switch;

[0029] Fig. 10A is a first schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the protrusion;

[0030] Fig. 10B is a second schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the protrusion;

[0031] Fig.11 A second block diagram showing a schematic structure of a vehicle;

[0032] Fig.12 is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of the light ECU;

[0033] Fig.13 A second flow chart showing the flow of the determination process;

[0034] Fig.14 A second diagram showing the interior of the vehicle as viewed from the driver's seat;

[0035] Fig.15A is a first schematic diagram for explaining other structures of the right-side operating switch;

[0036] Fig. 15B This is a second schematic diagram for explaining other structures of the right-side operating switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, the vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0038] (First Embodiment)

[0039] First, a first embodiment of the vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0040] Figure 1 1 is a first block diagram showing a schematic structure of the vehicle 10 .

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 10 includes a sensor group 20, an output device 30, various switches 40, a determination ECU (Electrical Control Unit) 50, and a control ECU 60. The sensor group 20, the output device 30, the various switches 40, the determination ECU 50, and the control ECU 60 are connected via an external bus (communication bus) 15, respectively.

[0042] The sensor group 20 includes sensors such as 3D-LiDAR, millimeter wave sensor, infrared sensor, turn signal sensor, accelerator position sensor, vehicle speed sensor, steering angle sensor, angular velocity sensor, GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, gyro sensor, and acceleration sensor for detecting the state and surrounding conditions of the vehicle 10. The sensor group 20 outputs the detection results of each sensor to the determination ECU 50 and the control ECU 60.

[0043] The output device 30 includes a display 32 and a speaker 34 .

[0044] The display 32 is a HUD (Head Up Display), and displays suggestions for actions related to functions of the vehicle 10 and images related to explanations of the functions.

[0045] The speaker 34 is provided on the instrument panel 14 (see Figure 3 )、Central console 80 (refer to Figure 3 ) or on the front panel, etc., and is used to output suggestions for actions related to the functions of the vehicle 10 and sounds related to the description of the function.

[0046] The various switches 40 include an automatic driving switch 42 , a right side operation switch 44 , and a left side operation switch 46 .

[0047] The automatic driving switch 42 is an in-vehicle switch that can switch the automatic driving of the vehicle 10 on and off. The automatic driving switch 42 is provided on the steering wheel 70 (see Figure 3 )superior.

[0048] The right side operation switch 44 is provided on the door interior trim 92 (see Figure 3 ) on the right side. The right side operation switch 44 is an in-vehicle switch capable of instructing the vehicle 10 in automatic driving to change lanes to the right lane. The right side operation switch 44 is an example of an “operation switch and a first operation switch”.

[0049] The left side operation switch 46 is provided on the center console 80. The left side operation switch 46 is an in-vehicle switch capable of instructing the vehicle 10 in automatic driving to change lanes to the left. The left side operation switch 46 is an example of an "operation switch and a second operation switch".

[0050] The determination ECU 50 is an ECU that determines whether or not to implement lane change of the vehicle 10 during automatic driving.

[0051] The control ECU 60 is an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)-ECU that controls the automatic driving function of the vehicle 10. As an example, the vehicle 10 has an automatic driving function of the automatic driving L2 level as the automatic driving function. Based on the fact that the automatic driving switch 42 is turned on, the control ECU 60 causes the vehicle 10 to automatically drive through the automatic driving function without the driving operation performed by the driver. In addition, the vehicle 10 has an automatic lane changing function that causes the vehicle 10 to automatically change lanes without the driving operation performed by the driver as the automatic driving function. Based on the fact that the consent information or start instruction information described later is obtained from the judgment ECU 50, the control ECU 60 causes the vehicle 10 to automatically change lanes through the automatic lane changing function without the driving operation performed by the driver. The control ECU 60 is an example of a "driving control unit".

[0052] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the determination ECU 50 and the control ECU 60. Since the determination ECU 50 and the control ECU 60 have basically the same configuration, the determination ECU 50 will be described as a representative.

[0053] like Figure 2As shown, the judgment ECU 50 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53, a storage 54, a communication I / F (Interface) 55, and an input / output I / F 56. The CPU 51, the ROM 52, the RAM 53, the storage 54, the communication I / F 55, and the input / output I / F 56 are connected via an internal bus 57 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0054] The CPU 51 is a central processing unit that executes various programs or controls various parts. That is, the CPU 51 as a processor reads a program from the ROM 52 as a memory and executes the program using the RAM 53 as a work area. In this embodiment, the information processing program 52A is stored in the ROM 52.

[0055] The ROM 52 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 53 temporarily stores programs or data as a work area.

[0056] The storage 54 is a NAND memory composed of eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card) or UFS (Universal Flash Storage), etc. The storage 54 and the CPU 51 are connected via an eMMC or UFS interface.

[0057] In addition, each component included in the determination ECU 50 , such as the ROM 52 and the memory 54 , is preferably a tamper-resistant medium such as a HSM (Hardware Security Module).

[0058] The communication I / F 55 is an interface for connecting to the control ECU 60 etc. This interface uses the communication standard of Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0059] The input / output I / F 56 is an interface for communicating with vehicle-mounted devices such as the sensor group 20 , the output device 30 , and various switches 40 mounted on the vehicle 10 .

[0060] The functions of the CPU 61 as a processor, the ROM 62 as a memory, the RAM 63, the storage 64, the communication I / F 65, the input / output I / F 66, and the internal bus 67 of the control ECU 60 are the same as those of the CPU 51, the ROM 52, the RAM 53, the storage 54, the communication I / F 55, the input / output I / F 56, and the internal bus 57 of the above-mentioned determination ECU 50. In addition, the ROM 62 of the control ECU 60 stores an information processing program 62A.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a first diagram showing the interior of the vehicle 10 as viewed from the driver's seat. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , X represents the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 10, Y represents the vehicle up-down direction, and Z represents the vehicle front-back direction. Figure 3 In the figure, +X indicates the right side in the vehicle width direction, -X indicates the left side, +Y indicates the upper side in the vehicle up-down direction, -Y indicates the lower side, +Z indicates the front side in the vehicle front-back direction, and -Z indicates the rear side. The vehicle front-back direction is an example of “the driver’s front-back direction”, the right side in the vehicle width direction is an example of “one side in the vehicle width direction”, and the left side in the vehicle width direction is an example of “the other side in the vehicle width direction”.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle 10 is a right-hand-drive vehicle as an example. Therefore, the vehicle seat 12 on the right side of the figure is set as a driver's seat 12A, and the vehicle seat 12 on the left side of the figure is set as a passenger seat 12B.

[0063] A steering wheel 70 is disposed in front of the driver's seat 12A. The steering wheel 70 is supported via a steering column (not shown) that supports a wheel pad 72, and is disposed at the rear side with respect to the instrument panel 14.

[0064] A door interior decoration 92 is arranged adjacent to the right side of the driver's seat 12A to cover the driver's door 90 from the inside of the vehicle. Here, the door interior decoration 92 arranged adjacent to the right side of the driver's seat 12A can be said to be arranged close to the driver's seat 12A to the extent that the driver sitting on the driver's seat 12A can touch it with his fingers, specifically the fingers of his right hand. An extension portion 94 extending from the driver's door 90 to the left is provided at the center portion of the door interior decoration 92 in the vehicle vertical direction. The extension portion 94 is formed as a substantially horizontal surface and can also be used as a door elbow rest on which the driver's right arm can be placed.

[0065] In addition, the surface of the door trim 92 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle up-down direction on the lower side of the extension 94 is referred to as the "door trim side surface 96". The door trim side surface 96 is a surface of the door trim 92 facing the driver's seat 12A side, specifically, facing the left side. The door trim 92 is an example of an "interior decorative component", and the door trim side surface 96 is an example of a "specific surface".

[0066] Here, in the door inner decoration side surface 96, at the position of the driver's right hand in the vehicle front-back direction, a right side operation switch 44 of a rectangular shape with the vehicle front-back direction as the long side is arranged. The position of the right hand includes the position of the right hand of a person with a height within a predetermined range. In the first embodiment, the right side operation switch 44 is arranged in the door inner decoration side surface 96 at the position of the thumb of the right hand when the person of AM50 (50th percentile of American adult males) sits on the driver's seat 12A in the driving position and puts the right palm together with the right arm on the extension 94 and puts down the thumb of the right hand. In addition, the right side operation switch 44 is arranged at the lower side than the lower end of the steering wheel 70.

[0067] A center console 80 is disposed adjacent to the left side of the driver's seat 12A, specifically, between the driver's seat 12A and the passenger seat 12B. Here, the center console 80 disposed adjacent to the left side of the driver's seat 12A can also be said to be disposed close to the driver's seat 12A to the extent that the driver in the seated state can touch it with the fingers, specifically, the fingers of the left hand. A shift lever 82 is disposed at the front side portion of the center console 80. An armrest box 84 is disposed at the rear side portion of the center console 80. The upper surface 84A of the armrest box 84 is formed as a substantially horizontal surface, and can also be used as a central elbow rest on which the driver's left arm can be placed.

[0068] Here, the surface of the center console 80 from the front to the rear and toward the driver's seat 12A, specifically toward the right side, is referred to as the “center console side surface 86 .” The center console 80 is an example of an “interior component”, and the center console side surface 86 is an example of a “specific surface”.

[0069] In addition, in the center console side 86, at the position of the driver's left hand in the vehicle front-to-back direction, a rectangular left-side operating switch 46 with the vehicle front-to-back direction as the long side is arranged. The position of the left hand includes the position of the left hand of a person with a height within a predetermined range. In the first embodiment, the left-side operating switch 46 is arranged in the center console side 86 at the position of the thumb when the thumb of the left hand is put down in a state where a person of AM50 (50th percentile of American adult males) sits on the driver's seat 12A in the driving position and places the left palm together with the left arm on the upper surface 84A of the armrest box 84. In addition, the left-side operating switch 46 is arranged at the lower side than the lower end of the steering wheel 70.

[0070] Here, the shapes of the door trim side 96 and the center console side 86 are not particularly limited as long as they are not substantially horizontal planes. For example, the door trim side 96 and the center console side 86 may be vertical planes perpendicular to the vehicle width direction. In addition, the door trim side 96 may be a curved surface that curves to the left from the vertical plane relative to the vehicle width direction in the door trim 92, and the center console side 86 may be a curved surface that curves to the right from the vertical plane relative to the vehicle width direction in the center console 80.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, the right operating switch 44 is arranged on the door trim side 96 , the left operating switch 46 is arranged on the center console side 86 , and the door trim 92 and the center console 80 constitute the vehicle operating device 100 .

[0072] Next, use Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The process of lane changing by the automatic lane changing function (hereinafter referred to as "automatic lane changing") is described. The automatic lane changing is provided with a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is performed based on the driver's consent to the suggestion from the control ECU 60, and the second mode is performed based on the driver's instruction.

[0073] Figure 4 It is a block diagram for explaining the process of the first mode of automatic lane change.

[0074] exist Figure 4In the embodiment, as shown by arrow mark A1 and arrow mark A2, the control ECU 60 inputs the advice information for suggesting automatic lane change to the display 32 and the judgment ECU 50 when the first condition or the second condition is satisfied. In the first embodiment, the control ECU 60 inputs the first advice information for suggesting automatic lane change to the right lane when the first condition is satisfied, and inputs the second advice information for suggesting automatic lane change to the left lane when the second condition is satisfied. For example, when the vehicle 10 is traveling in the central driving lane of a one-way three-lane highway, the control ECU 60 determines that the first condition is satisfied when the distance to the preceding vehicle traveling in the driving lane becomes less than a predetermined value and the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10 is less than a predetermined value. In addition, when the vehicle 10 is traveling in the central driving lane of a one-way three-lane highway, the control ECU 60 determines that the second condition is satisfied when the distance to the exit of the highway based on the navigation route becomes less than a predetermined value.

[0075] The display 32 that has obtained the advice information displays a predetermined text message. For example, the display 32 displays "Does the system recommend changing lanes to the right?" when the first advice information is obtained, and displays "Does the system recommend changing lanes to the left?" when the second advice information is obtained. Then, as shown by arrow mark A3, display information indicating the text message being displayed on the display 32 is input to the determination ECU 50.

[0076] As indicated by arrows A4 and A5, the operation contents of the right operating switch 44 or the left operating switch 46 by the driver are input as operation information to the determination ECU 50. As indicated by arrow A6, when the consent condition described later is satisfied, the determination ECU 50 inputs consent information of consenting to the suggestion of automatic lane change to the control ECU 60. The control ECU 60 that has obtained the consent information starts the automatic lane change to the suggested lane.

[0077] Figure 5 It is a block diagram for explaining the process of the second mode of automatic lane change.

[0078] exist Figure 5 As shown by arrows A7 and A8, Figure 4In contrast, the determination ECU 50 obtains the operation information input from the right operation switch 44 or the left operation switch 46 without obtaining the advice information from the control ECU 60. As shown by arrow mark A9, when the instruction condition described later is satisfied, the determination ECU 50 inputs the start instruction information for instructing the start of the automatic lane change to the control ECU 60. Furthermore, as shown by arrow mark A10, when the instruction condition is satisfied, the determination ECU 50 inputs the display instruction information for instructing the display related to the start of the automatic lane change to the display 32.

[0079] The display 32 that has obtained the display instruction information displays a predetermined text message. For example, when the display instruction information related to the start of the automatic lane change to the right is obtained, the display 32 displays "System confirms lane change to the right", and when the display instruction information related to the start of the automatic lane change to the left is obtained, the display 32 displays "System confirms lane change to the left".

[0080] Furthermore, the control ECU 60 which has obtained the start instruction information starts automatic lane change to the instructed lane.

[0081] Next, use Figure 6 The process of canceling the automatic lane change in progress will be described. In the following, as a premise, the control ECU 60 starts the automatic lane change to the right lane, and the display 32 displays a text message related to the implementation of the automatic lane change (for example, changing lane to the right).

[0082] exist Figure 6 As shown by arrow mark A11 and arrow mark A12, the judgment ECU 50 obtains operation information indicating that the right operation switch 44 or the left operation switch 46 is pressed continuously for more than a predetermined number of times or pressed for a long time for more than a predetermined time. The details are described below. The operation content performed by the driver shown in the operation information is different from the operation content obtained when the judgment ECU 50 inputs the consent information or the start instruction information to the control ECU 60. As shown by arrow mark A13, when the cancellation condition described later is met, the judgment ECU 50 inputs the cancellation information indicating the cancellation of the automatic lane change to the control ECU 60. In addition, as shown by arrow mark A14, when the cancellation condition is met, the judgment ECU 50 inputs the cancellation display information indicating the display related to the cancellation of the automatic lane change to the display 32.

[0083] The display 32 that has acquired the cancellation display information displays a predetermined text message. For example, the display 32 displays "Cancel confirmation Cancel lane change".

[0084] Furthermore, the control ECU 60 that has obtained the cancellation information cancels the automatic lane change and causes the vehicle 10 to travel in the lane in which the automatic lane change was started.

[0085] Next, use Figure 7 , the approval condition, instruction condition, and cancellation condition for the judgment by the judgment ECU 50 are described.

[0086] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the consent condition, instruction condition, and cancellation condition.

[0087] When both the precondition and the operation content of the right operation switch 44 or the left operation switch 46 performed by the driver are satisfied, the determination ECU 50 regards that any of the above conditions is satisfied and inputs predetermined information to the control ECU 60 .

[0088] First, the consent condition for inputting the consent information into the control ECU 60 will be described.

[0089] like Figure 7 As shown, in the case of automatic lane change to the right lane, the precondition for satisfying the consent condition is that the judgment ECU 50 obtains the first suggestion information. Furthermore, in the state where the precondition is satisfied, when the operation information indicating that the right operation switch 44 is pressed once is obtained, the judgment ECU 50 determines that the consent condition is satisfied. Therefore, the judgment ECU 50 inputs the consent information to the control ECU 60.

[0090] In addition, in the case of automatic lane change to the left lane, the precondition for satisfying the consent condition is that the judgment ECU 50 obtains the second suggestion information. And, in the state where the precondition is satisfied, when the operation information indicating that the left operation switch 46 is pressed once is obtained, the judgment ECU 50 determines that the consent condition is satisfied. Therefore, the judgment ECU 50 inputs the consent information to the control ECU 60.

[0091] Next, the instruction conditions for inputting the start instruction information to the control ECU 60 will be described.

[0092] In the case of automatic lane change to the right, the precondition for satisfying the instruction condition is that the judgment ECU 50 has not obtained the advice information. Furthermore, in the state where the precondition is satisfied, when the operation information indicating that the right operation switch 44 has been pressed once is obtained, the judgment ECU 50 determines that the instruction condition is satisfied. Thus, the judgment ECU 50 inputs the start instruction information for instructing the start of automatic lane change to the right into the control ECU 60.

[0093] In addition, in the case of automatic lane change to the left, the precondition for satisfying the instruction condition is that the judgment ECU 50 has not obtained the advice information. And, in the state where the precondition is satisfied, when the operation information indicating that the left operation switch 46 has been pressed once is obtained, the judgment ECU 50 determines that the instruction condition is satisfied. Therefore, the judgment ECU 50 inputs the start instruction information for instructing the start of the automatic lane change to the left into the control ECU 60.

[0094] Next, the cancellation conditions for inputting the cancellation information to the control ECU 60 will be described.

[0095] The precondition for satisfying the cancellation condition is the same in the case of automatic lane change to the right lane and the case of automatic lane change to the left lane, that is, the automatic lane change is being implemented. For example, when the judgment ECU 50 inputs the consent information or the start instruction information to the control ECU 60, it is judged that the automatic lane change is being implemented. Moreover, in the state where the precondition is satisfied, when the operation information indicating that the right operating switch 44 or the left operating switch 46 is pressed more than a predetermined number of times or long pressed for more than a predetermined time is obtained, the judgment ECU 50 determines that the cancellation condition is satisfied. Therefore, the judgment ECU 50 inputs the cancellation information to the control ECU 60.

[0096] Next, use Figure 8 , the flow of the processing performed by the determination ECU 50 will be described.

[0097] Figure 8 1 is a first flow chart showing the flow of the judgment process of the judgment ECU 50 to judge whether to input the consent information or the start instruction information to the control ECU 60. The judgment process is performed by the CPU 51 of the judgment ECU 50 reading the information processing program 52A from the ROM 52, expanding it in the RAM 53, and executing it. The judgment process is automatically and repeatedly executed every fixed time when the automatic driving switch 42 is turned on, for example.

[0098] exist Figure 8 In step S10 shown, the CPU 51 determines whether the advice information has been acquired. Here, if the CPU 51 determines that the advice information has been acquired (step S10: Yes), the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if the CPU 51 determines that the advice information has not been acquired (step S10: No), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0099] In step S11, CPU51 determines whether the operation information corresponding to the suggestion information obtained in step S10 has been obtained. Here, when CPU51 determines that the corresponding operation information has been obtained (step S11: Yes), it is deemed that the consent condition is satisfied and enters step S12. On the other hand, when CPU51 determines that the corresponding operation information has not been obtained (step S11: No), it ends the judgment process. For example, when the suggestion information obtained by CPU51 in step S10 is the first suggestion information, when the operation information indicating that the right operation switch 44 is pressed once is obtained, it is determined that the corresponding operation information has been obtained. In addition, when the suggestion information obtained by CPU51 in step S10 is the second suggestion information, when the operation information indicating that the left operation switch 46 is pressed once is obtained, it is determined that the corresponding operation information has been obtained.

[0100] In step S12, the CPU 51 inputs the approval information to the control ECU 60. Thus, the control ECU 60 which has obtained the approval information starts the automatic lane change to the suggested lane. Then, the CPU 51 proceeds to step S15.

[0101] In step S13, the CPU 51 determines whether the corresponding operation information has been obtained. Here, when the CPU 51 determines that the corresponding operation information has been obtained (step S13: Yes), it is considered that the instruction condition is satisfied and enters step S14. On the other hand, when the CPU 51 determines that the corresponding operation information has not been obtained (step S13: No), the determination process ends. For example, when the CPU 51 obtains operation information indicating that the right operation switch 44 or the left operation switch 46 has been pressed once, it determines that the corresponding operation information has been obtained.

[0102] In step S14, the CPU 51 inputs the start instruction information to the control ECU 60. Thus, for example, the control ECU 60 that has obtained the start instruction information for instructing the start of automatic lane change to the right lane starts the automatic lane change to the right lane. In addition, the control ECU 60 that has obtained the start instruction information for instructing the start of automatic lane change to the left lane starts the automatic lane change to the left lane. Then, the CPU 51 proceeds to step S15.

[0103] In step S15, the CPU 51 determines whether the cancellation condition is not satisfied. Here, when the CPU 51 determines that the cancellation condition is not satisfied (step S15: Yes), the determination process ends. On the other hand, when the CPU 51 determines that the cancellation condition is satisfied (step S15: No), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0104] In step S16, the CPU 51 inputs the cancellation information to the control ECU 60. The control ECU 60, which has received the cancellation information, cancels the automatic lane change and causes the vehicle 10 to travel in the lane before the automatic lane change was started. Then, the CPU 51 ends the determination process.

[0105] Next, use Fig. 9 , the structure of the right side operating switch 44 is described.

[0106] Fig. 9 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the right side operation switch 44. Fig. 9 The directions indicated by +Z, -Z, +X and -X in Figure 3 same.

[0107] like Fig. 9 As shown, the right side operation switch 44 is installed in the door trim 92 in an opening 98 formed on the door trim side 96. In addition, the right side operation switch 44 is a known automatic reset type push button switch, and is a structure that is pressed to the right side by the driver pressing the operation surface 44A. As an example, the right side operation switch 44 is a push button switch with a contact.

[0108] Here, Fig. 9 The figure shows a non-conductive state in which no conduction is conducted between the connecting terminals of the movable contact 44B and the fixed contact 44C of the right-side operating switch 44. The right-side operating switch 44 in the non-conductive state has a structure in which the operating surface 44A does not protrude from the door interior decoration side surface 96. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the operating surface 44A of the right-side operating switch 44 in the non-conductive state is flush with the door interior decoration side surface 96 in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0109] Through the above structure, according to the door interior decoration 92 constituting the vehicle operating device 100, the operating surface 44A of the right operating switch 44 does not protrude from the door interior decoration side 96 in the non-conducting state, thereby preventing the right operating switch 44 from being mistakenly operated by the driver's right elbow, right knee, etc.

[0110] In addition, in the above description, the structure of the right side operation switch 44 is described, and the left side operation switch 46 is also configured to be the same as the right side operation switch 44. That is, although not shown in the figure, the operation surface pressed by the driver in the left side operation switch 46 is configured not to protrude from the center console side surface 86 in the non-conductive state. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the operation surface of the left side operation switch 46 in the non-conductive state is flush with the center console side surface 86 in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0111] As described above, the door trim 92 disposed adjacent to the right side of the driver's seat 12A and constituting the vehicle operating device 100 has a right side operating switch 44 capable of instructing the vehicle 10 to change lanes to the right on the door trim side 96 facing the driver's seat 12A, specifically, facing the left side. In addition, the center console 80 disposed adjacent to the left side of the driver's seat 12A and constituting the vehicle operating device 100 has a left side operating switch 46 capable of instructing the vehicle 10 to change lanes to the left on the center console side 86 facing the driver's seat 12A, specifically, facing the right side.

[0112] According to the above structure, according to the vehicle operating device 100, since the right operating switch 44 is provided on the door trim side 96 and the left operating switch 46 is provided on the center console side 86, the operability of the in-vehicle switch operable from the driver's seat 12A can be improved. Specifically, according to the vehicle operating device 100, since the right operating switch 44 is provided on the door trim side 96, the driver in the seated state can easily press it with the thumb of the right hand and the operability is good. In addition, according to the vehicle operating device 100, since the left operating switch 46 is provided on the center console side 86, the driver in the seated state can easily press it with the thumb of the left hand and the operability is good.

[0113] Furthermore, according to the vehicle operating device 100 , the left operating switch 46 is provided on the center console side surface 86 where no in-vehicle switch is provided in the center console 80 , so that the space of the center console 80 can be effectively utilized.

[0114] Furthermore, in the vehicle operation device 100, the direction in which the vehicle 10 changes lanes corresponds to the left and right arrangements of the right operation switch 44 and the left operation switch 46 based on the driver's seat 12A. Specifically, in the vehicle operation device 100, the right operation switch 44 that can execute an instruction to change the vehicle 10 to the right lane is arranged on the right side of the driver's seat 12A, and the left operation switch 46 that can execute an instruction to change the vehicle 10 to the left lane is arranged on the left side of the driver's seat 12A. Thus, according to the vehicle operation device 100, the driver in the seated state will not confuse the left and right, and can intuitively execute the instruction to change lanes.

[0115] In addition, the door trim 92 and the center console 80 constituting the vehicle operation device 100 can place the driver's arm. Specifically, the extension 94 of the door trim 92 becomes a door elbow rest where the driver's right arm can be placed, and the upper surface 84A of the center console 80 becomes a center elbow rest where the driver's left arm can be placed. Moreover, in the door trim side 96, the right operation switch 44B is arranged at the position of the driver's right hand in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. In addition, in the center console side 86, the left operation switch 46 is arranged at the position of the driver's left hand in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Thus, according to the vehicle operation device 100, since the right operation switch 44 is provided on the door trim side 96 facing the driver's seat 12A side, specifically, facing the left side, of the door trim 92, it is easy for the driver to press the right operation switch 44 with the thumb of the right hand in a state where the right arm is placed on the extension 94. In addition, according to the vehicle operating device 100, since a left-side operating switch 46 is provided on the side 86 of the center console 80 that faces the driver's seat 12A, specifically, faces the right side, the driver can easily press the left-side operating switch 46 with the thumb of his left hand while placing his left arm on the upper surface 84A.

[0116] (Second Embodiment)

[0117] Next, a second embodiment of the vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment will be described while omitting or simplifying portions overlapping with the above-described embodiment.

[0118] The door trim 92 in the second embodiment includes a protruding portion 95 (see Fig. 10A as well as Fig. 10B ), the protrusion 95 is arranged around the right-side operating switch 44 and protrudes toward the driver's side, specifically to the left side, compared to the operating surface 44A.

[0119] Fig. 10A is a first schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the protrusion 95. Fig. 10B 95 is a second schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the protrusion 95. Fig. 10A The directions indicated by +Z, -Z, +X and -X in Figure 3 same, Fig. 10B The directions indicated by +Z, -Z, +Y and -Y in Figure 3 same.

[0120] like Fig. 10A as well as Fig. 10B As shown in FIG. 1 , the protrusion 95 is a frame member that surrounds the right operating switch 44 in a rectangular shape. Fig. 10AAs shown, the protrusion 95 protrudes to the left side relative to the operation surface 44A of the right-side operation switch 44 in the non-conductive state.

[0121] The size of the operation surface 44A of the right-side operation switch 44 is set to a size that a person of AM50 (50th percentile of adult males in the United States) can press with a finger but cannot press with the right elbow and right knee. According to this structure, according to the door interior decoration 92 constituting the vehicle operation device 100, since the protrusion 95 is provided, even if the driver's right elbow or right knee approaches the right-side operation switch 44, the right elbow or right knee contacts the protrusion 95, so that the operation surface 44A will not be pressed. Therefore, according to the door interior decoration 92, by providing the protrusion 95, compared with the case where the operation is performed by fingers, the right-side operation switch 44 can be suppressed from being erroneously operated by the driver's right elbow and right knee. In addition, according to the door interior decoration 92, when the driver tries to press the right-side operation switch 44 by groping with his hand, the protrusion 95 will become a guide, and the right-side operation switch 44 can be easily pressed even without visual confirmation.

[0122] In the above, although the structure of the door trim 92 is described, the center console 80 is also configured similarly to the door trim 92. That is, although not shown in the figure, the center console 80 also includes a protruding portion, which is arranged around the left-side operation switch 46 and protrudes toward the driver's side, specifically, to the right side, compared to the operation surface of the left-side operation switch 46.

[0123] (Third Embodiment)

[0124] Next, a third embodiment of the vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment will be described while omitting or simplifying portions overlapping with the above-described embodiments.

[0125] Fig.11 It is a second block diagram showing a schematic structure of the vehicle 10 .

[0126] like Fig.11 As shown, the vehicle 10 includes a sensor group 20, an output device 30, various switches 40, a determination ECU 50, a control ECU 60, and a light ECU 110. The sensor group 20, the output device 30, the various switches 40, the determination ECU 50, the control ECU 60, and the light ECU 110 are connected via an external bus (communication bus) 15.

[0127] In the third embodiment, a right lamp 45 that can be lit in a predetermined lighting mode is provided on the right operation switch 44. In addition, in the third embodiment, a left lamp 47 that can be lit in a predetermined lighting mode is provided on the left operation switch 46. As an example, the right lamp 45 and the left lamp 47 are full-color LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The right lamp 45 is an example of a "first lamp", and the left lamp 47 is an example of a "second lamp".

[0128] The lamp ECU 110 is an ECU that performs lighting control of the right lamp 45 and the left lamp 47 based on the instruction of the determination ECU 50. For example, as the lighting control, the lamp ECU 110 controls the lighting timing, lighting color, and lighting time, etc. The lamp ECU 110 is an example of a "lamp control unit".

[0129] Here, the lamp ECU 110 controls to light the right lamp 45 when the control ECU 60 advises the driver to automatically change lanes to the right lane, and to light the left lamp 47 when the control ECU 60 advises the driver to automatically change lanes to the left lane. The details will be described later.

[0130] Fig.12 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of lamp ECU 110 .

[0131] like Fig.12 As shown, the lamp ECU 110 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a storage 114, a communication I / F 115, and an input / output I / F 116. The CPU 111, the ROM 112, the RAM 113, the storage 114, the communication I / F 115, and the input / output I / F 116 are connected via an internal bus 117 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0132] The functions of the CPU 111 as a processor, the ROM 112 as a memory, the RAM 113, the storage 114, the communication I / F 115, the input / output I / F 116, and the internal bus 117 of the light ECU 110 are the same as those of the CPU 51, the ROM 52, the RAM 53, the storage 54, the communication I / F 55, the input / output I / F 56, and the internal bus 57 of the above-mentioned determination ECU 50. In addition, the ROM 112 of the light ECU 110 stores an information processing program 112A.

[0133] Next, use Fig.13 , the flow of the processing performed by the determination ECU 50 will be described.

[0134] Fig.13This is a second flowchart showing the flow of the determination process in which the determination ECU 50 determines whether to input the approval information or the start instruction information to the control ECU 60 .

[0135] exist Fig.13 In step S20 shown, the CPU 51 determines whether the advice information has been obtained. Here, if the CPU 51 determines that the advice information has been obtained (step S20: Yes), the process proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if the CPU 51 determines that the advice information has not been obtained (step S20: No), the process proceeds to step S25.

[0136] In step S21, the CPU 51 instructs the light ECU 110 to light up the light corresponding to the advice information obtained in step S20. Then, the CPU 51 proceeds to step S22. For example, when the advice information obtained by the CPU 51 in step S20 is the first advice information, the CPU 51 instructs the light ECU 110 to light up the right light 45 as the above-mentioned corresponding light. In addition, when the advice information obtained by the CPU 51 in step S20 is the second advice information, the CPU 51 instructs the light ECU 110 to light up the left light 47 as the above-mentioned corresponding light.

[0137] In step S22, the CPU 51 determines whether the operation information corresponding to the advice information obtained in step S20 has been obtained. Here, if the CPU 51 determines that the corresponding operation information has been obtained (step S22: Yes), it considers that the consent condition is satisfied and proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if the CPU 51 determines that the corresponding operation information has not been obtained (step S22: No), the determination process ends.

[0138] In step S23, the CPU 51 inputs the approval information to the control ECU 60. Then, the CPU 51 proceeds to step S24.

[0139] In step S24 , CPU 51 instructs lamp ECU 110 to turn off the lamp instructed to be turned on in step S21 . Then, CPU 51 proceeds to step S27 .

[0140] In step S25, the CPU 51 determines whether the corresponding operation information has been obtained. Here, when the CPU 51 determines that the corresponding operation information has been obtained (step S25: Yes), it is considered that the instruction condition is satisfied and the process proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, when the CPU 51 determines that the corresponding operation information has not been obtained (step S25: No), the determination process ends.

[0141] In step S26, the CPU 51 inputs start instruction information to the control ECU 60. Then, the CPU 51 proceeds to step S27.

[0142] In step S27, the CPU 51 determines whether the cancellation condition is not satisfied. Here, when the CPU 51 determines that the cancellation condition is not satisfied (step S27: Yes), the determination process ends. On the other hand, when the CPU 51 determines that the cancellation condition is satisfied (step S27: No), the process proceeds to step S28.

[0143] In step S28, the CPU 51 inputs the cancellation information to the control ECU 60. Then, the CPU 51 ends the determination process.

[0144] As described above, in the vehicle 10, the lamp ECU 110 controls in such a manner that when the control ECU 60 advises the driver to automatically change lanes to the right lane, the right lamp 45 is turned on, and when the control ECU 60 advises the driver to automatically change lanes to the left lane, the left lamp 47 is turned on. Thus, according to the vehicle 10, the driver can grasp the timing of pressing the right operation switch 44 or the left operation switch 46.

[0145] (other)

[0146] In the above embodiment, the right operating switch 44 and the left operating switch 46 are in-vehicle switches that can instruct the control of the automatic lane change function as the automatic driving function of the vehicle 10 through the operation of the driver, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the right operating switch 44 and the left operating switch 46 may also be in-vehicle switches that can instruct the control of the driving assistance function of the vehicle 10 through the operation of the driver, or may be in-vehicle switches that can instruct the control of the automatic driving function and the driving assistance function of the vehicle 10 through the operation of the driver. In this case, the control ECU 60 controls at least one of the automatic driving function and the driving assistance function of the vehicle 10.

[0147] In addition, in the above embodiment, although the automatic driving function of the vehicle 10 is set as an automatic lane change function, it is not limited to this. For example, the automatic driving function may also be an automatic parking function that automatically parks the vehicle 10 without a driving operation performed by the driver. In such a case, the right operating switch 44 may be set as an in-vehicle switch that can instruct the vehicle 10 to park in the parking frame at the right rear, and the left operating switch 46 may be set as an in-vehicle switch that can instruct the vehicle 10 to park in the parking frame at the left rear.

[0148] Similarly, the above-mentioned driving assistance function is not particularly limited. For example, the driving assistance function may be ACC (Adaptive cruise control). In such a case, the right operating switch 44 may be set as an in-vehicle switch capable of indicating an increase in the set vehicle speed in ACC, and the left operating switch 46 may be set as an in-vehicle switch capable of indicating a decrease in the set vehicle speed in ACC. In addition, the right operating switch 44 may be set as an in-vehicle switch capable of indicating an increase in the set inter-vehicle distance in ACC, and the left operating switch 46 may be set as an in-vehicle switch capable of indicating a decrease in the set inter-vehicle distance in ACC. In addition, the right operating switch 44 may be set as an in-vehicle switch capable of indicating a rightward driving position in the same driving lane in ACC, and the left operating switch 46 may be set as an in-vehicle switch capable of indicating a leftward driving position in the same driving lane in ACC. In addition, the functions of the right operating switch 44 and the left operating switch 46 may be assigned functions opposite to these left and right functions.

[0149] In the above embodiment, although the vehicle operating device 100 is constituted by the door trim 92 and the center console 80, the vehicle operating device 100 is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle operating device 100 may be either the door trim 92 or the center console 80. In such a case, the vehicle operating device 100 may be a structure in which only the right side operating switch 44 capable of instructing the vehicle 10 to change lanes to the right lane by the driver's operation is provided on the door trim side 96 of the door trim 92. In addition, the vehicle operating device 100 may be a structure in which only the left side operating switch 46 capable of instructing the vehicle 10 to change lanes to the left lane by the driver's operation is provided on the center console side 86 of the center console 80.

[0150] In the above embodiment, although the vehicle 10 is a right-hand drive vehicle, it is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle 10 may also be a left-hand drive vehicle. In this case, the vehicle 10 is provided with a left-hand operation switch 46 on a surface facing the driver's seat side, specifically facing the right side, of the door interior decoration that is arranged adjacent to the left side of the driver's seat and constitutes the vehicle operating device 100. The left-hand operation switch 46 can instruct the vehicle 10 to change lanes to the left lane through the operation of the driver. In addition, in this case, the vehicle 10 is provided with a right-hand operation switch 44 on a surface facing the driver's seat side, specifically facing the left side, of the center console 80 that is arranged adjacent to the right side of the driver's seat and constitutes the vehicle operating device 100. The right-hand operation switch 44 can instruct the vehicle 10 to change lanes to the right lane.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the display 32 is set as a HUD, but it is not limited to this. For example, the display 32 may be set on the instrument panel 14 or the instrument panel 16 (see Figure 3 ) etc.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the right operating switch 44 and the left operating switch 46 are shaped as a rectangle with the vehicle front-rear direction as the long side, but they are not limited thereto. For example, the right operating switch 44 and the left operating switch 46 may be shaped as a perfect circle or an ellipse.

[0153] In the above-described embodiment, the right-side operation switch 44 is arranged on the door interior side surface 96 at a position where the driver can operate it with the thumb of the right hand when the driver sits on the driver's seat 12A in the driving position and places the right palm together with the right arm on the extension 94. In addition, the left-side operation switch 46 is arranged on the center console side surface 86 at a position where the driver can operate it with the thumb of the left hand when the driver sits on the driver's seat 12A in the driving position and places the left palm together with the left arm on the upper surface 84A of the armrest box 84.

[0154] However, the configuration of the right-side operating switch 44 and the left-side operating switch 46 on the door interior decorative side 96 and the center console side 86 is not limited to the above-mentioned positions. For example, the right-side operating switch 44 may also be configured in the door interior decorative side 96 at a position where the driver can operate it with the thumb of the right hand when the driver is seated on the driver's seat 12A in a relaxed position that is retreated backward compared to the driving position. Similarly, the left-side operating switch 46 may also be configured in the center console side 86 at a position where the driver can operate it with the thumb of the left hand when the driver is seated on the driver's seat 12A in a relaxed position. By configuring the right-side operating switch 44 and the left-side operating switch 46 at the above-mentioned positions, the operability of the right-side operating switch 44 and the left-side operating switch 46 can be improved when the vehicle 10 is in the process of automatic driving and the driver is in the state of taking his hands off.

[0155] In addition, the right side operation switch 44 may be arranged on the door inner decoration side 96 at a position where the driver sitting on the driver's seat 12A can operate it with the thumb of his right hand when the driver's seat 12A is in any position of the driving position or the relaxed position. Similarly, the left side operation switch 46 may be arranged on the center console side 86 at a position where the driver sitting on the driver's seat 12A can operate it with the thumb of his left hand when the driver's seat 12A is in any position of the driving position or the relaxed position. Fig.14Provide explanation.

[0156] Fig.14 This is a second diagram showing the interior of the vehicle 10 as viewed from the driver's seat.

[0157] like Fig.14 As shown, in the door inner decoration side 96, at the position of the driver's right hand on the front and rear sides of the vehicle, a portion of the door inner decoration side 96 which is larger than the vehicle front and rear directions is arranged. Figure 3 The right side operation switch 440 is a right side operation switch 440. For example, the right side operation switch 440 is arranged at a position that can be touched by the thumb of the right hand when a person of AM50 (50th percentile of American adult males) sits on the driver's seat 12A in any position of the driving position or the relaxed position. The right side operation switch 440 is an example of an "operation switch and a first operation switch".

[0158] In addition, in the center console side 86, at the position of the driver's left hand in the vehicle front-rear direction, a Figure 3 The left side operation switch 46 is longer than the left side operation switch 460 shown. For example, the left side operation switch 460 is arranged at a position that can be touched by the thumb of the left hand when a person of AM50 (50th percentile of American adult males) sits on the driver's seat 12A in any position of the driving position or the relaxed position. The left side operation switch 460 is an example of an "operation switch and a second operation switch".

[0159] Here, Fig.14 The right side operating switch 440 and the left side operating switch 460 shown are well-known touch switches with a fingerprint authentication function. For example, the driver registers the fingerprint of his right thumb in advance to be able to operate the right side operating switch 440, and registers the fingerprint of his left thumb in advance to be able to operate the left side operating switch 460. When the fingerprint when the ECU 50 operates each switch is consistent with the registered fingerprint, the operation performed by the driver is accepted. In this way, the right side operating switch 440 and the left side operating switch 460 can be suppressed from being erroneously operated by the driver's elbow and knee, etc., and the operability of the right side operating switch 440 and the left side operating switch 460 can be improved when the driver's seat 12A is in any position of the driving position or the relaxation position.

[0160] In addition, the fingerprint authentication function is not limited to Fig.14 The right side operation switch 440 and the left side operation switch 460 shown in the figure are provided, and the right side operation switch 44 and the left side operation switch 46 in the above-mentioned embodiment may also be provided.

[0161] In the above embodiment, the operating surface 44A of the right operating switch 44 and the operating surface of the left operating switch 46 may have different tactile sensations from the door trim side surface 96 and the center console side surface 86. Thus, when the driver tries to press the right operating switch 44 or the left operating switch 46 by feeling with his hand, he can easily press the right operating switch 44 or the left operating switch 46 by the difference in tactile sensations even without visual confirmation. In such a case, the processing method of the operating surface 44A and the operating surface, the door trim side surface 96 and the center console side surface 86 can use a known method as appropriate.

[0162] In the above-mentioned embodiment, although the precondition for satisfying the cancellation condition is set as the situation that the automatic lane change is being implemented, it is not limited to this. For example, the situation that the automatic lane change is being recommended may also be added to the precondition. In such a case, the judgment ECU 50 judges that the automatic lane change is being recommended when the recommendation information is obtained. The judgment ECU 50, in the state where the precondition that the automatic lane change is being recommended is satisfied, obtains the operation information indicating that the right operating switch 44 or the left operating switch 46 has been pressed more than a predetermined number of times or has been pressed for a long time longer than a predetermined time, and when the operation information corresponding to the obtained recommendation information is not obtained for more than a predetermined time, the cancellation condition is judged to be satisfied.

[0163] In the above embodiment, although the operation content of the right operating switch 44 or the left operating switch 46 implemented by the driver to meet the cancellation condition is set to be pressed more than a predetermined number of times or pressed for a predetermined time, it is not limited to this. For example, the operation content may also be that a switch that can indicate a lane change to the lane opposite to the lane to be automatically changed is pressed once. Specifically, in the case where the lane to be automatically changed is the right lane, when the operation information indicating that the left operating switch 46 is pressed once is obtained, the judgment ECU 50 may also judge that the operation content is satisfied and the cancellation condition is satisfied. In addition, the judgment ECU 50 is not limited to the operation of the right operating switch 44 or the left operating switch 46, and may also judge that the cancellation condition is satisfied based on the operation of other vehicle-mounted devices. For example, in the case where the driver performs a predetermined operation on the steering wheel 70 or the direction indicator to indicate the intention to move the vehicle 10 to the side opposite to the lane to be automatically changed, the judgment ECU 50 may also judge that the operation content is satisfied and the cancellation condition is satisfied.

[0164] In the above embodiment, a known body pressure distribution sensor may also be provided on the driver's seat 12A. In such a case, the judgment ECU 50 may judge whether to accept the operation of the right operating switch 44 or the left operating switch 46 based on the body pressure distribution of the driver measured by the body pressure distribution sensor. For example, the judgment ECU 50 may not accept the operation of the right operating switch 44 or the left operating switch 46 when there is a predetermined bias in the body pressure distribution of the driver. Thus, for example, when there is a predetermined bias in the body pressure distribution of the driver, even if the right operating switch 44 or the left operating switch 46 is mistakenly operated by the driver's knee, the situation of starting the automatic lane change can be suppressed.

[0165] In the above embodiment, the display 32 that has obtained the advice information may also display supplementary information indicating the in-vehicle switch that the driver is urged to operate. For example, the display 32 may also display an image of the in-vehicle switch and its placement in the vehicle as supplementary information.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the right operating switch 44 or the left operating switch 46 may be prevented from being erroneously operated by lengthening the pressing stroke for turning on the right operating switch 44 and the left operating switch 46. For example, the pressing stroke is preferably longer than the stroke that can be pressed by the driver's elbow or knee.

[0167] In the above embodiment, the right operating switch 44 is arranged on the door inner decorative side 96, and the left operating switch 46 is arranged on the center console side 86. That is, in the above embodiment, only one operating switch is arranged on the door inner decorative side 96 and the center console side 86, and the operating switch can instruct to control at least one of the automatic driving function and the driving assistance function of the vehicle 10. However, this is not limited to this, and a plurality of such operating switches may be arranged on at least one of the door inner decorative side 96 and the center console side 86. Regarding this structure, using Fig.15A as well as Fig. 15B Provide explanation.

[0168] Fig.15A 1 is a first schematic diagram for explaining other structures of the right side operating switch. Fig.15A The directions indicated by +Z, -Z, +Y and -Y in Figure 3 same.

[0169] like Fig.15A As shown, the right side operation switch 440 is installed in the door trim 92 on the side surface 96 (see Figure 3) in the opening 98 on the right side. In addition, the right side operation switch 440 is a well-known touch switch with a fingerprint authentication function.

[0170] Here, the right side operation switch 440 includes an operation surface 440A provided at the front side with respect to the center line L indicated by the dotted line, and an operation surface 440B provided at the rear side with respect to the center line L. As an example, the right side operation switch 440 can instruct the vehicle 10 in automatic driving to change lanes to the right lane by the driver operating the operation surface 440A, and can instruct the vehicle 10 in automatic driving to change lanes to the left lane by the driver operating the operation surface 440B. In addition, the instructions executed by operating the operation surface 440A and the operation surface 440B may be opposite to the above contents.

[0171] Furthermore, a protrusion 95 is disposed around the right operating switch 440, and the protrusion 95 protrudes toward the driver's side, specifically, to the left side, compared to the operating surface 440A and the operating surface 440B. Fig.15A The protrusion 95 may not be arranged.

[0172] Fig. 15B is a second schematic diagram for explaining other structures of the right side operating switch. Fig. 15B The directions indicated by +Z, -Z, +Y and -Y in Figure 3 same.

[0173] like Fig. 15B As shown, in the door trim 92, a portion of the door trim side 96 (see Figure 3 ) is installed in an opening 98A on the door trim 92. In addition, in the door trim 92, a second right operating switch 600 is installed in an opening 98B formed on the door trim side 96 adjacent to the opening 98A. The first right operating switch 500 and the second right operating switch 600 are known automatic reset type push button switches. The first right operating switch 500 is pressed by the driver by pressing the operating surface 500A, and the second right operating switch 600 is pressed by the driver by pressing the operating surface 600A to the right. As an example, the first right operating switch 500 and the second right operating switch 600 are push button switches with a contact.

[0174] Here, the first right side operation switch 500 is an in-vehicle switch capable of instructing the vehicle 10 in automatic driving to change lanes to the right. In addition, the second right side operation switch 600 is an in-vehicle switch capable of instructing the vehicle 10 in automatic driving to change lanes to the left. In addition, the instructions executed by operating the first right side operation switch 500 and the second right side operation switch 600 may be opposite to the above contents.

[0175] Furthermore, a protrusion 95 is disposed around the first right side operating switch 500 and the second right side operating switch 600 so as to protrude toward the driver's side, specifically, to the left side, relative to the operating surface 500A and the operating surface 600A. Fig. 15B In the embodiment, the protrusion 95 may not be configured.

[0176] In addition, in the above description, an example is described in which a plurality of operation switches capable of instructing to control at least one of the automatic driving function and the driving assist function of the vehicle 10 are arranged on the door inner trim side 96. In this case, the operation switch may be arranged on the center console side 86 instead of or in addition to the operation switch arranged on the door inner trim side 96. In the case in which a plurality of the operation switches are arranged on the door inner trim side 96 and the center console side 86, the same function may be assigned to the operation switches on the door inner trim side 96 and the center console side 86, or different functions may be assigned to each of the operation switches on the door inner trim side 96 and the center console side 86.

[0177] In addition, when a plurality of the above-mentioned operating switches are arranged on at least one of the door interior decorative side 96 and the center console side 86, the function assigned to the operating switch is not limited to the automatic lane change function. For example, instead of the automatic lane change function, the above-mentioned automatic parking function or driving assistance function (such as ACC) may be assigned to the operating switch. Furthermore, in the case where the vehicle 10 has a plurality of automatic driving functions and driving assistance functions, it may also be provided that the driver can arbitrarily select the function assigned to the operating switch. For example, the driver can assign any function to the operating switch by operating various switches 40 of the vehicle 10 or by instructing an external device that can communicate with the vehicle 10.

[0178] In addition, the judgment processing that CPU51 reads the software (program) and executes in the above-mentioned embodiment can also be performed by various processors other than the CPU. As the processor in this case, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) and other PLD (Programmable Logic Device) whose circuit structure can be changed after manufacturing and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and other processors with a circuit structure specially designed for performing specific processing, i.e., dedicated circuits, etc. can be exemplified. In addition, the judgment processing can be performed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, multiple FPGAs, and a combination of CPU and FPGA, etc.). In addition, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0179] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the information processing program 52A is pre-stored (installed) in ROM52, the information processing program 62A is pre-stored in ROM62, and the information processing program 112A is pre-stored in ROM112, it is not limited to this. The information processing program 52A, the information processing program 62A, and the information processing program 112A can also be provided in a non-temporary storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. In addition, the information processing program 52A, the information processing program 62A, and the information processing program 112A can also be provided in a manner of being downloaded from an external device via a network.

Claims

1. A vehicle operating device, wherein: An operating switch is provided on a specific surface of an interior decoration component arranged adjacent to the side of the driver's seat of the vehicle, the surface facing the driver's seat. The operating switch can instruct control of at least one of the vehicle's automatic driving function and driving assistance function through the driver's operation.

2. The vehicle operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The interior decoration component is capable of placing the driver's arm, The operation switch is arranged at a position of a hand of the driver in the front-rear direction of the driver.

3. The vehicle operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The interior decoration component is a center console.

4. The vehicle operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The operating switch includes a first operating switch and a second operating switch, The first operating switch is arranged on one side of the driver's seat in the vehicle width direction, and is operated by the driver to instruct the vehicle to move to one side in the vehicle width direction. The second operation switch is disposed on the other side of the driver's seat in the vehicle width direction, and is operated by the driver to instruct movement of the vehicle to the other side in the vehicle width direction.

5. The vehicle operating device according to claim 1, wherein: A protrusion is provided, the protrusion being arranged around the operation switch and protruding toward the driver side more than an operation surface of the operation switch.

6. A vehicle comprising: The vehicle operating device according to claim 4, wherein the first operating switch is provided with a first lamp capable of lighting in a predetermined lighting manner, and the second operating switch is provided with a second lamp capable of lighting in a predetermined lighting manner; a driving control unit for controlling at least any one of an automatic driving function and a driving assistance function of the vehicle; The light control unit controls to light the first light when the driving control unit advises the driver to move to one side in the vehicle width direction, and to light the second light when the driving control unit advises the driver to move to the other side in the vehicle width direction.

7. An operation processing method, which is executed by a processor in a vehicle having a vehicle operation device, a memory, and a processor connected to the memory, wherein: The vehicle operating device includes an operating switch on a surface of an interior decoration component arranged adjacent to a side of a driver's seat of the vehicle, that is, a specific surface facing the driver's seat, wherein the operating switch can be operated by a driver to instruct control of at least one of an automatic driving function and a driving assistance function of the vehicle. The operating switch includes a first operating switch and a second operating switch, The first operating switch is arranged on one side of the driver's seat in the vehicle width direction, and is operated by the driver to instruct the vehicle to move to one side in the vehicle width direction. The second operating switch is arranged on the other side of the driver's seat in the vehicle width direction, and is operated by the driver to instruct the vehicle to move to the other side in the vehicle width direction. The first operating switch is provided with a first lamp capable of lighting in a predetermined lighting manner, and the second operating switch is provided with a second lamp capable of lighting in a predetermined lighting manner, In the operation processing method, controlling at least any one of the autonomous driving function and the driving assistance function of the vehicle, The first lamp is lit when the driver is advised to move to one side in the vehicle width direction, and the second lamp is lit when the driver is advised to move to the other side in the vehicle width direction.

8. A non-transitory storage medium storing a program for causing a processor to execute the following operation process in a vehicle having a vehicle operation device, a memory, and a processor connected to the memory, wherein: The vehicle operating device includes an operating switch on a surface of an interior decoration component arranged adjacent to a side of a driver's seat of the vehicle, that is, a specific surface facing the driver's seat, wherein the operating switch can be operated by a driver to instruct control of at least one of an automatic driving function and a driving assistance function of the vehicle. The operating switch includes a first operating switch and a second operating switch, The first operating switch is arranged on one side of the driver's seat in the vehicle width direction, and is operated by the driver to instruct the vehicle to move to one side in the vehicle width direction. The second operating switch is arranged on the other side of the driver's seat in the vehicle width direction, and is operated by the driver to instruct the vehicle to move to the other side in the vehicle width direction. The first operating switch is provided with a first lamp capable of lighting in a predetermined lighting manner, and the second operating switch is provided with a second lamp capable of lighting in a predetermined lighting manner, The operation process is as follows, that is, controlling at least any one of the autonomous driving function and the driving assistance function of the vehicle, The first lamp is lit when the driver is advised to move to one side in the vehicle width direction, and the second lamp is lit when the driver is advised to move to the other side in the vehicle width direction.

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