Control device for a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a control device of a vehicle. The present invention aims to improve a technology related to adjustment of an energy consumption amount of a vehicle. The present invention provides a control device of a vehicle including a control section and a storage section, the control section performing the following processes: acquiring position information of a selected destination; searching for a route from a current position of the vehicle to the destination based on map information; in a case where the route includes an expressway, prompting a user of a plurality of upper limit speed plans on the expressway; storing a selected upper limit speed plan in the storage section; and limiting a driving force of the vehicle based on the selected upper limit speed plan.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle control device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, there was a known technology related to the regulation of vehicle energy consumption. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that more appropriately suppresses the total fuel consumption of multiple vehicles traveling within a specified area.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-079710 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, vehicle energy consumption during driving is calculated assuming the vehicle is traveling at a certain speed on a selected path. However, vehicle energy consumption increases with speed. Therefore, when the path includes highways, vehicle speed needs to be considered when adjusting driving. The present invention, made in view of this situation, aims to improve the technology related to the regulation of vehicle energy consumption.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle control device comprising a control unit and a storage unit, wherein the control unit performs the following processing:

[0006] Obtain the location information of the selected destination;

[0007] Search for a path from the vehicle's current location to the destination based on map information;

[0008] If the route includes a highway,

[0009] Prompt users to provide information on the multiple speed limit schemes on the highway;

[0010] The selected maximum vehicle speed scheme is stored in the storage unit; and

[0011] The driving force of the vehicle is limited based on the selected upper speed limit scheme.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] One embodiment of the present invention improves the technology related to the regulation of vehicle energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the general structure of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the actions of the control device during the path search.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the actions of the control device when the driving force is limited. Detailed Implementation

[0017] (Summary of this implementation method)

[0018] refer to Figure 1 The following is a summary description of System 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 1 includes a vehicle 10 and a control device 20 for the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 and the control device 20 are communicatively connected via a network 30, including an in-vehicle network such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) or a dedicated line. The vehicle 10 includes any means of transportation such as a car. The car may include a gasoline car, a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The vehicle 10 may be an autonomous vehicle capable of autonomous driving at Levels 1 to 5 as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The vehicle 10 may also be a manually driven vehicle capable of manual driving at Level 0. The control device 20 controls the actions of the vehicle 10 and navigates the vehicle 10 to its destination. In this embodiment, the control device 20 is an electronic device mounted on the vehicle 10, such as an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Alternatively, the control device 20 can be a terminal device such as a smartphone.

[0019] The general outline of this embodiment will be described below, with details to follow. The control device 20 for the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 21 and a storage unit 25. The control unit 21 acquires the location information of the selected destination and searches for a path from the current location of the vehicle 10 to the destination based on map information. If the path includes a highway, the control unit 21 prompts the user with multiple speed limit schemes for the highway, stores the selected speed limit scheme in the storage unit 25, and limits the driving force of the vehicle 10 based on the selected speed limit scheme.

[0020] On highways where vehicles travel in high-speed areas, the impact of vehicle speed on energy consumption increases. The control device 20 of the vehicle 10 in this embodiment prompts the user with options corresponding to highway speeds. Thus, the user can select a speed based on whether energy consumption or travel time is prioritized.

[0021] (Structure of vehicle 10)

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 10 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a sensor unit 13, and a drive unit 14. The control unit 11 includes one or more processors. The processors may include general-purpose processors or dedicated processors for specific processing. The control unit 11 controls various parts of vehicle 10 while performing processing related to the actions of vehicle 10. The communication unit 12 includes at least one communication interface connected to network 30. The communication interface may, for example, correspond to mobile communication standards such as 5G, wired local area network (LAN) communication standards, or wireless LAN communication standards. The sensor unit 13 includes a position sensor for detecting the position of vehicle 10, a speed sensor for detecting the speed of vehicle 10, and a throttle opening sensor for detecting the amount of throttle operation. The position sensor may include a receiver corresponding to a satellite positioning system such as Global Positioning System (GPS) or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The drive unit 14 includes a drive device that generates driving force for moving vehicle 10. The drive device may, for example, include an engine or an electric motor.

[0023] (Structure of control device 20)

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the control device 20 includes a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, an input unit 23, a display unit 24, and a storage unit 25.

[0025] The control unit 21 includes one or more processors. The processors may include general-purpose processors or dedicated processors for specific processing. The control unit 21 controls the various parts of the control device 20 while performing processing related to the operation of the control device 20. The communication unit 22 includes at least one communication interface connected to the network 30. The communication interface may correspond to mobile communication standards such as 5G, wired LAN communication standards, or wireless LAN communication standards. The input unit 23 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interfaces may be, for example, a touchscreen integrated with the display of the display unit 24, or a microphone that accepts sound input. The input unit 23 accepts input information for the operation of the control device 20. The display unit 24 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interfaces may be, for example, a display that shows information as an image. The display unit 24 displays information obtained through the operation of the control device 20. The storage unit 25 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 25 may function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 25 stores any information for the operation of the control device 20. For example, storage unit 25 can store system programs, application programs, and embedded software. In this embodiment, storage unit 25 stores map information. Control unit 21 can refer to the map information to search for a path to the destination. The information stored in storage unit 25 can be updated, for example, based on information obtained from network 30 via communication unit 22.

[0026] (Operation flow of control device 20 during path search)

[0027] refer to Figure 2 The operation of the control device 20 during path search will be explained below. Communication between the vehicle 10 and the control device 20 will be conducted via communication units 12 and 22 and network 30.

[0028] S11: The control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires the location information of the selected destination. The selection of the destination can be performed, for example, by inputting it to the input unit 23 of the control device 20.

[0029] S12: The control unit 21 searches for a path from the current position of the vehicle 10 to the destination based on map information. The path can be, for example, the shortest distance from the current position to the destination. The distance can be evaluated based on straight-line distance, the actual distance of the travel route, or the travel time.

[0030] The control unit 21 can search for multiple paths and suggest multiple paths to the user. The suggestions can be implemented via the display unit 24. The control unit 21 can retrieve the selected path from these multiple paths. The selection can be implemented via the input unit 23.

[0031] S13: Control unit 21 determines whether the route includes a highway. If it includes a highway (S13-Yes), the process proceeds to S14. If it does not include a highway (S13-No), the process proceeds to S16.

[0032] S14: The control unit 21 prompts the user with multiple speed limit schemes for highways. These multiple speed limit schemes can be displayed, for example, on the display unit 24 of the vehicle control device 20. For example, the control unit 21 can prompt two schemes: a low-speed scheme with a speed limit of 70 km / h and a high-speed scheme with a speed limit of 100 km / h. The speed limit schemes are not limited to two; there can be three or more. The speed limit can be set below the legally mandated speed or below the maximum speed specified for each road. This setting prevents the vehicle 10 from traveling at speeds exceeding the legal speed or the maximum speed, thereby improving user safety.

[0033] Previously, the energy consumption of a vehicle during travel was calculated by assuming the vehicle was traveling at a certain speed along a selected path. On the other hand, the energy consumption of a vehicle traveling over time T is approximated by the following formula.

[0034] [Formula 1]

[0035] E All =E Aero +E Tyre +E Kinetic +E Potential +E Hoki

[0036]

[0037] E Potential =Mgh(t)

[0038] E Hoki =W Roki ×T

[0039] Among them, E All E represents the total energy consumed by the vehicle. Aero This is the energy generated by air resistance. Tyre E represents the energy of rolling resistance. Kinetic E represents the kinetic energy during acceleration and deceleration. Potential E represents the potential energy at elevation. Hoki The energy for auxiliary equipment. t is time. v(t) is the vehicle's speed at time t. ρ is the density of air, which varies with temperature. C dHere, A is the air drag coefficient. RRC is the frontal projected area of ​​the vehicle. M is the rolling resistance coefficient. g is the vehicle mass. h(t) is the vehicle's elevation at time t, with the elevation at t=0 as the starting point. For example, if the elevation at t=0 is the same as the elevation h(t) at t=T, then no potential energy E will be consumed. Potential W Hoki Energy consumed by auxiliary equipment per unit of time.

[0040] As shown in the above formula, the energy from air resistance, the energy from rolling resistance, and the kinetic energy from acceleration and deceleration all depend on vehicle speed. Therefore, it is evident that in high-speed areas on highways, vehicle speed has a strong impact on overall energy consumption. On the other hand, it is believed that in low-speed areas such as ordinary roads, factors other than vehicle speed have a stronger impact on overall energy consumption than vehicle speed itself. The control device 20 of this embodiment provides options corresponding to vehicle speeds in high-speed areas by suggesting vehicle speed schemes for highways. Thus, the user can select a vehicle speed based on whether energy consumption or travel time is prioritized.

[0041] S15: The control unit 21 stores the selected upper speed limit scheme in the storage unit 25. The selection of the upper speed limit scheme can be implemented, for example, by inputting it into the input unit 23 of the control device 20.

[0042] S16: Control unit 21 begins vehicle navigation. Then, the process ends. If the maximum speed limit scheme is selected, control unit 21 limits the driving force of vehicle 10 based on the selected maximum speed limit scheme.

[0043] Multiple speed limit schemes can include an unrestricted scheme where the speed limit is not restricted. When the unrestricted scheme is selected, the control unit 21 may not restrict the driving force. For example, if a user prioritizes travel time over energy consumption, they may not want to restrict the speed. In this case, the control unit 20 may not restrict the driving force.

[0044] (Operation flow of control device 20 when driving force is limited)

[0045] refer to Figure 3 The operation of the control device 20 when the driving force is limited will be explained. Hereinafter, communication between the vehicle 10 and the control device 20 will be conducted via communication units 12 and 22 and network 30.

[0046] S21: Control unit 21 determines whether the vehicle speed is less than the upper limit speed of the selected upper limit speed scheme. If the vehicle speed is less than the upper limit speed (S21-Yes), the process proceeds to S22. If the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the upper limit speed (S21-No), the process proceeds to S23.

[0047] S22: Control unit 21 outputs driving force corresponding to the throttle operation amount to drive unit 14 of vehicle 10. Then, the process ends. In S22, vehicle 10 travels according to the user's operation.

[0048] S23: Control unit 21 determines whether the right turn signal or the left turn signal of vehicle 10 is illuminated. If the turn signal is illuminated (S23-Yes), the process proceeds to S22. If the turn signal is not illuminated (S23-No), the process proceeds to S24.

[0049] The determination in S23 is implemented to determine whether the user intends to merge or overtake. When the right or left turn signal is illuminated, the user may intend to merge or overtake. On a highway, merging or overtaking at low speeds could result in a rear-end collision. Therefore, when the right or left turn signal is illuminated, the control device 20 temporarily lifts the speed limit. This allows the vehicle 10 to accelerate appropriately for merging or overtaking. Then, when the turn signal is off, the control device 20 can re-impose the speed limit.

[0050] S24: Control unit 21 determines whether the throttle opening is above a threshold. If the throttle opening is above the threshold (S24 - Yes), the process proceeds to S22. If the throttle opening is below the threshold (S24 - No), the process proceeds to S25. The threshold is, for example, 95%. The determination in S24, like the determination in S23, is performed to determine whether the user intends to merge or overtake.

[0051] S25: Control unit 21 outputs a driving force that will not accelerate vehicle 10 to drive unit 14. Then, the process ends. For example, control unit 21 can output a driving force that will not accelerate vehicle 10 to drive unit 14 by reducing the driving force generated by drive unit 14. When going downhill, the vehicle usually accelerates naturally. Therefore, when going downhill, control unit 21 can prevent drive unit 14 from generating driving force. In S25, the vehicle speed is limited according to the upper limit vehicle speed scheme. Control unit 21 can control the driving force so that the vehicle speed is lower than the upper limit vehicle speed.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations can be made based on the present invention. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and variations are included within the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each structural component or step can be reconfigured in a logically consistent manner, and multiple structural components or steps can be combined into one or divided. For example, in the above embodiments, it is also possible to implement an embodiment in which the structure and operation of the control device 20 are distributed among multiple computers capable of communicating with each other.

[0053] Symbol Explanation

[0054] 1-System, 10-Vehicle, 11-Control Unit, 12-Communication Unit, 13-Sensor Unit, 14-Drive Unit, 20-Control Device, 21-Control Unit, 22-Communication Unit, 23-Input Unit, 24-Display Unit, 25-Storage Unit, 30-Network.

Claims

1. A control device of a vehicle characterized by comprising: It includes a control unit and a storage unit, and the control unit performs the following processing: Obtain the location information of the selected destination; Search for a path from the vehicle's current location to the destination based on map information; If the route includes a highway, Prompt users to provide information on the multiple speed limit schemes on the highway; The selected maximum vehicle speed scheme is stored in the storage unit; and The driving force of the vehicle is limited based on the selected upper speed limit scheme.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple speed limit schemes include an unrestricted scheme where the speed limit is not restricted. When the unrestricted scheme is selected, the control unit does not restrict the driving force.

3. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the vehicle speed is less than the maximum speed of the selected maximum speed scheme, the control unit outputs a driving force corresponding to the throttle operation amount to the vehicle's drive unit. When the vehicle speed is above the upper limit speed of the selected upper limit speed scheme, the control unit outputs a driving force that will not accelerate the vehicle to the drive unit.

4. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the right or left turn signal of the vehicle is illuminated, the control unit outputs a driving force corresponding to the throttle operation amount to the drive unit.

5. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the throttle opening of the vehicle is above a threshold, the control unit outputs a driving force corresponding to the throttle operation amount to the drive unit.

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