Vehicle control devices

Abstract

This design aims to suppress the increase in the number of parts and enable the detection of oil leaks. [Solution] A vehicle control device installed in a vehicle, comprising: an imaging device that acquires an image including the road surface where the vehicle was located; an illumination device that irradiates ultraviolet light to at least a portion of the range that can be captured by the imaging device; and a processor and memory that are communicated with each other, and a control system that determines whether or not an oil leak has occurred based on the image captured by the imaging device. The control system determines the occurrence of an oil leak when wet marks on the road surface in the image are luminescent due to ultraviolet light, and outputs a signal indicating that an oil leak has occurred.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device provided in a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles provided with a device for detecting a liquid such as oil leaking from a power unit such as an engine are known. In Patent Document 1, a liquid leakage detection device in which a camera for imaging a location where liquid leakage is assumed and a light for irradiating ultraviolet rays to a location where liquid leakage is assumed are arranged inside a housing that houses an engine and a generator is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a liquid leakage detection device, it is determined whether or not a liquid is leaking based on image data of a location where liquid leakage is assumed, imaged by a camera. However, since a dedicated camera for imaging a location where liquid leakage is assumed is required, the number of parts increases and the cost rises.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A vehicle control device according to one embodiment is a vehicle control device installed in a vehicle, comprising: an imaging device that acquires an image including the road surface in which the vehicle was located; an illumination device that irradiates ultraviolet light to at least a portion of the range that can be imaged by the imaging device; and a processor and memory that are communicated with each other, and a control system that determines whether or not an oil leak has occurred based on the image captured by the imaging device. The control system determines the occurrence of an oil leak when wet marks on the road surface in the image are emitting light due to the ultraviolet light, and outputs a signal indicating that an oil leak has occurred. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not an oil leak has occurred while suppressing an increase in the number of parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle control device, which is one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic block diagram showing the main components of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle control device. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a transmission installed in a vehicle. [Figure 4] This diagram simply illustrates the basic structure of each control unit. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart explaining the process for detecting oil leaks while parked. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart explaining the process for detecting and reducing oil leaks while driving. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical or substantially identical components and elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0009] <Vehicle configuration> Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle 11 equipped with a vehicle control device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the main components of the vehicle 11 equipped with the vehicle control device 10 of the embodiment.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 11 is equipped with a vehicle control device 10 and a power unit 12. The power unit 12 consists of an engine 31 and a transmission 32. A front differential mechanism 15f is incorporated into the transmission 32. The front wheels 16f are connected to the engine 31 via the front differential mechanism 15f. The output shaft 13 of the power unit 12 is connected to the rear wheels 16r via a propeller shaft 14 and a rear differential mechanism 15r. The power unit 12 shown is an all-wheel drive power unit, but is not limited to this, and may also be a front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive power unit.

[0011] <Vehicle control device 10> The vehicle control device 10 includes an imaging device 21, an illumination device 22, and a control system 23. The vehicle control device 10 is connected to a car navigation system 17, a drive recorder, or an advanced safety device 18, etc.

[0012] <Imaging device 21> The imaging device 21 includes a front camera 210 and a rear camera 211. The front camera 210 and the rear camera 211 are also connected to a drive recorder or an advanced safety device 18.

[0013] The front camera 210 captures images of the driving environment, including the road surface, in front of the vehicle 11. Specifically, the front camera 210 has a stereo camera consisting of a main camera 210a and a sub-camera 210b, and an image processing unit (IPU) 210c. The main camera 210a and sub-camera 210b have image sensors such as CCD or CMOS, and output signals generated by imaging. The image processing unit 210c performs image processing on the signals output from the main camera 210a and sub-camera 210b to generate image data, which is then output to the vehicle control device 10. Image capture and image data generation by the front camera 210 are performed at predetermined frame rates.

[0014] The image data (forward image) generated by the forward camera 210 includes the road surface in front of the vehicle 11. Therefore, when the vehicle 11 is reversing, the forward image acquired by the forward camera 210 includes the road surface where the vehicle 11 was located.

[0015] The rear camera 211 captures images of the driving environment, including the road surface behind the vehicle 11. Specifically, the rear camera 211 consists of a stereo camera comprising a main camera 211a and a sub-camera 211b, and an image processing unit (IPU) 211c. The main camera 211a and sub-camera 211b have image sensors such as CCD or CMOS, and output signals generated by imaging. The image processing unit 211c performs image processing on the signals output from the main camera 211a and sub-camera 211b to generate image data, which is then output to the vehicle control device 10. Image capture and image data generation by the rear camera 211 are performed at predetermined frame rates.

[0016] The image data (rear image) generated by the rear camera 211 includes the road surface behind the vehicle 11. Therefore, when the vehicle 11 is moving forward, the rear image acquired by the rear camera 211 includes the road surface where the vehicle 11 was located. In other words, the imaging device 21 acquires an image of the road surface where the vehicle 11 was located.

[0017] <Irradiation device 22> The irradiation device 22 includes a front irradiation unit 220 and a rear irradiation unit 221. The front irradiation unit 220 is attached to, for example, a front bumper or the like. The front irradiation unit 220 is a light source that is controlled by the vehicle control device 10 and emits ultraviolet rays, which are invisible light, as irradiation light. The front irradiation unit 220 emits the irradiation light downward in front of the vehicle 11. That is, the irradiation light irradiates the road surface in front of the vehicle 11. Note that the irradiation range of the irradiation light in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11 is wider than that of the power unit 12 described later.

[0018] As described above, the front image acquired by the front camera 210 includes the road surface in front of the vehicle 11. Therefore, the irradiation range of the irradiation light by the front irradiation unit 220 is included in the imaging range of the front camera 210. That is, the front irradiation unit 220 irradiates ultraviolet rays on at least a part of the imaging range of the front camera 210.

[0019] The rear irradiation unit 221 is attached to, for example, a rear bumper or the like. The rear irradiation unit 221 is a light source that is controlled by the vehicle control device 10 and emits ultraviolet rays, which are invisible light, as irradiation light. The rear irradiation unit 221 emits the irradiation light downward behind the vehicle 11. That is, the irradiation light irradiates the road surface behind the vehicle 11. Note that the irradiation range of the irradiation light in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11 is wider than that of the power unit 12 described later.

[0020] As described above, the rear image acquired by the rear camera 211 includes the road surface behind the vehicle 11. Therefore, the irradiation range of the irradiation light by the rear irradiation unit 221 is included in the imaging range of the rear camera 211. That is, the rear irradiation unit 221 irradiates ultraviolet rays on at least a part of the imaging range of the rear camera 211. In other words, the irradiation device 22 irradiates ultraviolet rays on at least a part of the range where imaging by the imaging device 21 is possible.

[0021] <Transmission 32> Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the transmission 32. The transmission 32 includes a drive gear 321, a transmission 322, and a parking mechanism 323. The drive gear 321, transmission 322, and parking mechanism 323 are housed in a housing 324.

[0022] The housing 324 consists of a first housing 324a, a second housing 324b, a third housing 324c, and an oil pan 324d. The first housing 324a, the second housing 324b, and the third housing 324c are made of, for example, aluminum, and the oil pan 324d is made of, for example, iron.

[0023] The second housing 324b is located in front of the first housing 324a and is fixed to the first housing 324a by bolts or the like. The third housing 324c is located behind the first housing 324a and is fixed to the first housing 324a by bolts or the like. The oil pan 324d is located below the first housing 324a and is fixed to the first housing 324a by bolts or the like via a sealing material or the like.

[0024] The drive gear 321 is connected to the output shaft of the engine 31 via a torque converter 320. The drive gear 321 is supported by the first housing 324a and the second housing 324b via bearings.

[0025] The transmission 322 is housed within the first housing 324a, connected to the drive gear 321, and converts and outputs the driving force from the engine 31. Although Figure 3 shows a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as the transmission 322, the transmission 322 may also be a stepped transmission.

[0026] The parking mechanism 323 includes a parking gear connected to the output shaft 325 of the transmission 322 and a parking pawl that can mesh with the parking gear. The parking gear is supported by the first housing 324a and the third housing 324c via bearings.

[0027] <Control System 23> The vehicle control device 10 includes a control system 23 consisting of multiple electronic control units for controlling various parts of the vehicle 11. The electronic control units constituting the control system 23 include a vehicle control unit 230, a drive control unit 231, and a detection processing control unit 232.

[0028] The detection processing control unit 232 controls the operation of the imaging device 21 and the irradiation device 22. The detection processing control unit 232 also performs oil leak detection processing to determine whether or not an oil leak has occurred using the image data generated by the imaging device 21.

[0029] The vehicle control unit 230 outputs control signals to the drive control unit 231 and the detection processing control unit 232. The vehicle control unit 230, the drive control unit 231, and the detection processing control unit 232 are connected to each other via an in-vehicle network 234 such as CAN or LIN. Based on input information from the drive control unit 231, the detection processing control unit 232, and various sensors described later, the vehicle control unit 230 sets operating targets for the engine 31, transmission 32, etc. Then, the vehicle control unit 230 generates control signals according to the above operating targets and outputs these control signals to the drive control unit 231. Based on the control signals output from the vehicle control unit 230, the drive control unit 231 controls the operation of the power unit 12 having the engine 31 and transmission 32 described above.

[0030] Sensors connected to the vehicle control unit 230 include an accelerator sensor 101, a brake sensor 102, a vehicle speed sensor 103, and a range sensor 104. The accelerator sensor 101 detects the user's (driver's) depressing of the accelerator pedal, i.e., the position of the accelerator pedal. The brake sensor 102 detects the user's depressing of the brake pedal, i.e., the position of the brake pedal. The vehicle speed sensor 103 detects the vehicle speed, which is the speed at which the vehicle 11 is traveling.

[0031] The range sensor 104 detects which of the multiple ranges has been set by the user's operation of the selector lever or the like. Examples of settable ranges include reverse range (R range), neutral range (N range), drive range (D range), and parking range (P range).

[0032] The reverse range is for driving the vehicle 11 in reverse. The neutral range is for disconnecting power transmission from the engine 31, which is the power source, to the output shaft 13. The drive range is for driving the vehicle 11 forward. The parking range is for keeping the vehicle 11 stationary. When set to the parking range, the vehicle control unit 230 instructs the drive control unit 231 to operate the parking mechanism 323.

[0033] Furthermore, a start switch 105 is connected to the vehicle control unit 230. The start switch 105 is a switch that accepts operation from the driver when starting or stopping the control system 23.

[0034] Figure 4 is a simplified diagram showing the basic structure of the vehicle control unit 230, the drive control unit 231, and the detection processing control unit 232. As shown in Figure 4, each of the vehicle control unit 230, the drive control unit 231, and the detection processing control unit 232 has a microcontroller 72 into which a processor 70 and memory 71 are incorporated. A predetermined program is stored in the memory 71, and the instruction set of the program is executed by the processor 70. The processor 70 and the memory 71 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other. In the illustrated example, the microcontroller 72 has one processor 70 and one memory 71 incorporated into it, but this is not limited to this, and the microcontroller 72 may have multiple processors 70 and multiple memories 71 incorporated into it.

[0035] Furthermore, the vehicle control unit 230, the drive control unit 231, and the detection processing control unit 232 are each provided with an input conversion circuit 73, a drive circuit 74, a communication circuit 75, an external memory 76, and a power supply circuit 77, etc. The input conversion circuit 73 converts signals input from various sensors into signals that can be input to the microcontroller 72. The drive circuit 74 generates drive signals for the aforementioned power unit 12 based on signals output from the microcontroller 72. The communication circuit 75 converts signals output from the microcontroller 72 into communication signals for other control units. The communication circuit 75 also converts communication signals received from other control units into signals that can be input to the microcontroller 72. In addition, the power supply circuit 77 supplies a stable power voltage to the microcontroller 72, the input conversion circuit 73, the drive circuit 74, the communication circuit 75, and the external memory 76, etc. The external memory 76, such as non-volatile memory, stores data that should be retained even when the power is off.

[0036] <Oil leak detection process> Next, the oil leak detection process by the detection processing control unit 232 will be described.

[0037] The detection processing control unit 232 detects whether or not there is an oil leak from the power unit 12 based on the image data acquired by the imaging device 21. In the oil leak detection process, oil leaks that occur while the vehicle 11 is parked in a parking lot or garage, and oil leaks that occur while the vehicle 11 is in motion are detected. The following will explain the detection process for oil leaks while parked and oil leaks while in motion separately.

[0038] <Oil leak detection process while parked> In the oil leak detection process while parked, the detection control unit 232 uses image data acquired by the imaging device 21 at the timing when the vehicle 11 leaves (departs) the parking space and at the timing when it enters (returns) the same parking space. The detection control unit 232 also determines that the parking space from which the vehicle 11 departed and the parking space to which it returned are the same parking space, based on the latitude and longitude information of the vehicle 11 received by the GPS receiver of the car navigation system 17.

[0039] The detection processing control unit 232 uses the rear image acquired by the rear camera 211 when the vehicle 11 moves forward and departs from the parking position, and uses the front image acquired by the front camera 210 when the vehicle 11 moves backward and departs from the parking position. Furthermore, the detection processing control unit 232 uses the front image acquired by the front camera 210 when the vehicle 11 moves forward and returns to the parking position, and uses the front image acquired by the rear camera 211 when the vehicle 11 moves backward and returns to the parking position. In the following description, image data acquired when the vehicle 11 departs will be called the departure image, and image data acquired when the vehicle 11 returns will be called the return image. The departure image and the return image are recorded in the memory 71 of the detection processing control unit 232, associated with the time they were acquired.

[0040] The detection processing control unit 232 determines whether or not there are any liquid wetting marks in the departure image. If the departure image contains wetting marks, the detection processing control unit 232 determines whether or not the wetting marks are caused by water or oil.

[0041] Generally, when a liquid contains an oily substance, the fluorescent substance in the oil reacts with ultraviolet light and emits light. As described above, the imaging range of the imaging device 21 is irradiated with ultraviolet light by the illumination device 22. Therefore, if the wet marks are caused by oil, the departure image will include wet marks that are emitting light. In other words, the detection processing control unit 232 determines that the wet marks in the departure image are caused by oil when they are emitting light. Specifically, the detection processing control unit 232 determines that the wet marks are emitting light when the brightness of the wet marks in the departure image exceeds a threshold. This threshold is set in advance by simulation or the like and recorded in the memory 71.

[0042] However, if the wetting marks are small, the detection processing control unit 232 may not be able to detect the luminescence caused by ultraviolet light. For this reason, if the wetting marks in the departure image are not luminescent, the detection processing control unit 232 determines whether the wetting marks are caused by water or oil based on the change in the size (shape) of the wetting marks over time.

[0043] Specifically, the detection processing control unit 232 detects wet marks on the road surface in the image taken when the vehicle 11 departs. Similarly, the detection processing control unit 232 detects wet marks on the road surface in the image taken when the vehicle 11 returns. Then, using the wet marks in the departure image and the wet marks in the return image, the detection processing control unit 232 detects the change in the size of the wet marks on the road surface when the vehicle 11 is not parked. For example, the detection processing control unit 232 detects a change in the area of ​​the wet marks or a change in the diameter of the wet marks as a change in the size of the wet marks.

[0044] The memory 71 of the detection processing control unit 232 contains pre-created training data that associates the amount of change in the size of wet marks caused by moisture and the amount of change in the size of wet marks caused by oil with the time the vehicle 11 is absent from the parking position, the material of the road surface, and the temperature.

[0045] For example, if the road surface is made of gravel, liquids penetrate more easily than on asphalt, resulting in a larger change in the wettap pattern. Furthermore, since water penetrates the road surface more easily than oil, the change in the wettap pattern is larger when the wettap is water. Also, since water evaporates more easily than oil, the longer the absence time and the higher the temperature, the larger the change in the wettap pattern will be when the wettap is water. The training data associates the changes in oil wettap patterns and water wettap patterns with respect to the road surface material, temperature, and absence time, as described above.

[0046] Based on this training data, the detection processing control unit 232 determines whether the wet marks that have changed in size between the departure image and the return image are due to water or oil. Specifically, if the amount of change in the detected wet marks corresponds to the amount of change in water in the training data, the detection processing control unit 232 determines that the wet marks are due to water. Also, if the amount of change in the detected wet marks corresponds to the amount of change in oil in the training data, the detection processing control unit 232 determines that the wet marks are due to oil.

[0047] Furthermore, in making the above determination, the detection processing control unit 232 determines the material of the road surface (asphalt, gravel, etc.) based on the road surface in the departure image and the return image. In addition, in making the above determination, the detection processing control unit 232 calculates the time the vehicle 11 was absent from the parking position (absence time) from the time the departure image was acquired and the time the return image was acquired. Furthermore, in making the above determination, the detection processing control unit 232 uses the temperature around the vehicle 11 acquired by a temperature sensor (not shown) at the time of departure or return, or temperature information included in weather information acquired through communication via the network, as the air temperature.

[0048] In other words, the control system 23 determines whether or not an oil leak has occurred based on the material of the road surface at the parking location, the temperature, the time the vehicle 11 is absent from the parking location, and the change in the size of the wet marks in the departure image and the return image. This makes it possible to determine whether the wet marks are due to water or oil, even when the wet marks on the road surface are small and no light emission due to ultraviolet irradiation is detected. In other words, the accuracy of oil leak detection can be improved.

[0049] Furthermore, parameters that affect the size of the leak marks, such as the time the vehicle 11 spends parked before leaving its parking position, can be added to the above training data. In this case, for example, the temperature of the power unit 12 in the parked vehicle 11 and the time the vehicle 11 spends at the parking position (parking time) can be added as parameters. If the temperature of the power unit 12 is high, the drying of the wet marks on the road surface will be accelerated. By including the temperature of the power unit 12 and the parking time as parameters in the training data, the detection processing control unit 232 can determine whether the wet marks are caused by water or oil, taking into account the change in the size of the wet marks that occur on the road surface from the time the vehicle 11 is parked until it leaves.

[0050] In other words, the control system 23 determines whether or not an oil leak has occurred based on the material of the road surface at the parking location, the ambient temperature, the temperature of the power unit 12, the time the vehicle 11 has been in the parking location, and the change in the size of the wet marks in the departure image and the return image. This allows the control system 23 to improve the accuracy of determining whether the wet marks are caused by water or oil.

[0051] If the detection processing control unit 232 determines that the wet marks are due to oil, it identifies the location where the oil leak occurred. Specifically, the detection processing control unit 232 uses the departure image or the return image to identify the unit where the oil leak occurred or the part of the unit where the oil leak occurred. The detection processing control unit 232 identifies the location where the oil leak occurred based on the positional relationship of the wet marks to the vehicle 11 in the departure image or the return image.

[0052] For example, let's assume that an oil leak occurs from the transmission 32 shown in Figure 3. In this case, it is conceivable that the oil leak may occur from at least one of the following joints: R1 between the first housing 324a and the second housing 324b, R2 between the first housing 324a and the third housing 324c, and R3 between the first housing 324a and the oil pan 324d. As shown in Figure 3, the joints R1, R2, and R3 are located at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 11.

[0053] The memory 71 of the detection processing control unit 232 has pre-recorded related data that associates locations where oil leaks may occur (for example, the joints R1, R2, and R3 mentioned above) with their positions in the longitudinal and width directions relative to the vehicle 11. The detection processing control unit 232 refers to this related data to identify the location where the oil leak is occurring.

[0054] Specifically, the detection processing control unit 232 calculates the position of the vehicle 11 in the departure image or return image based on the time the departure image or return image was generated, the vehicle speed of the vehicle 11 at that time, etc. Based on the relationship between the calculated position of the vehicle 11 and the position of the wet marks in the departure image or return image, the detection processing control unit 232 calculates the position of the leak marks in the longitudinal and width directions of the vehicle 11. Then, the detection processing control unit 232 refers to related data and identifies the location where the oil leak is occurring from the calculated leak mark locations.

[0055] When the detection processing control unit 232 detects an oil leak as described above, the vehicle control unit 230 outputs a signal to the user indicating the presence of an oil leak, for example, to the in-vehicle speaker or the car navigation system 17. As a result, the user is notified of the presence of an oil leak and the location of the leak, for example, through an audio message transmitted via the in-vehicle speaker or a message displayed on the monitor of the car navigation system 17.

[0056] As described above, the occurrence of an oil leak is reported, allowing the user to schedule an appointment at a dealership for inspection and repair of vehicle 11. At this time, the user can communicate the location of the identified oil leak, allowing the dealership to prepare in advance by ordering replacement parts for the repair. Subsequently, when vehicle 11 is brought in, the identified location is checked on-site and repairs are carried out.

[0057] Therefore, minute oil leaks that would not be discovered unless the vehicle 11 was brought to the dealer during regular inspections or vehicle inspections can now be detected even while the vehicle 11 is in use. In addition, since the location of the oil leak is identified in advance, the dealer that receives the repair request can order and prepare the necessary parts in advance. In other words, the dealer can plan the repair schedule, which shortens the time from vehicle arrival to repair completion and enables planned vehicle arrivals.

[0058] <Explanation of the flowchart for detecting oil leaks while parked> Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the oil leak detection process performed by the control system 23 while the vehicle is parked. When the vehicle control unit 230 receives an ON operation from the user via the start switch 105, it reads the program stored in the memory 71. Then, when the vehicle 11 returns to its parking position, the vehicle control unit 230 executes the read program, thereby performing each process shown in the flowchart of Figure 5.

[0059] In step S1, the vehicle control unit 230 acquires departure images and return images. Specifically, when departing from the parking position, the vehicle control unit 230 instructs the detection processing control unit 232 to read the departure image acquired by the imaging device 21 and recorded in the memory 71. The vehicle control unit 230 also instructs the detection processing control unit 232 to have the imaging device 21 acquire the return image. After that, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the vehicle control unit 230 instructs the detection processing control unit 232 to detect the presence or absence of liquid wetting in the departure and return images. If the detection processing control unit 232 does not detect any liquid wetting, the vehicle control unit 230 makes a negative determination and terminates the process. If the detection processing control unit 232 detects liquid wetting, the vehicle control unit 230 makes a positive determination. After that, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0060] In step S3, the vehicle control unit 230 instructs the detection processing control unit 232 to detect whether or not the liquid wetting marks in the departure image and the return image are emitting light. If the detection processing control unit 232 detects the luminescence of the wetting marks, the vehicle control unit 230 makes a positive determination. The process then proceeds to step S7, which will be described later. If the detection processing control unit 232 does not detect the luminescence of the wetting marks, the vehicle control unit 230 makes a negative determination. The process then proceeds to step S4.

[0061] In step S4, the vehicle control unit 230 instructs the detection processing control unit 232 to detect the change in the size of the wet marks. Specifically, the detection processing control unit 232 calculates the difference between the size of the wet marks in the image taken upon return and the size of the wet marks in the image taken upon departure, thereby detecting the change in the size of the wet marks during the time when the vehicle 11 is not parked in the parking position. The process then proceeds to step S5.

[0062] In step S5, the vehicle control unit 230 instructs the detection processing control unit 232 to determine whether the wet mark is caused by water or oil, based on the amount of change in the wet mark. In this case, as described above, the detection processing control unit 232 refers to training data that associates the amount of change in the size of wet marks caused by water and the amount of change in the size of wet marks caused by oil with the absence time of the vehicle 11, the material of the road surface, and the temperature. If the calculated amount of change in the wet mark corresponds to the amount of change in wet marks caused by water in the training data, the detection processing control unit 232 determines that it is a wet mark caused by water. Also, if the calculated amount of change in the wet mark corresponds to the amount of change in wet marks caused by oil in the training data, the detection processing control unit 232 determines that it is an oil wet mark. After that, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0063] In step S6, the vehicle control unit 230 determines whether the result of the determination in step S5 is an oil stain or not. If it is an oil stain, the vehicle control unit 230 makes a positive determination. The process then proceeds to step S7. If it is a water stain, the vehicle control unit 230 makes a negative determination and terminates the process.

[0064] In step S7, the vehicle control unit 230 instructs the detection processing control unit 232 to identify the unit or the location of the oil leak using the departure image or the return image. The process then proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the vehicle control unit 230 outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of an oil leak to inform the user of the occurrence of an oil leak and the identified location of the oil leak, and then terminates the process.

[0065] <Oil leak detection process during driving> The detection processing control unit 232 detects oil leaks using image data acquired by the imaging device 21, even when the vehicle 11 is in motion. In this case, when the vehicle 11 is moving forward, the detection processing control unit 232 detects wet marks on the road surface using the rear image acquired by the rear camera 211. When the vehicle 11 is moving in reverse, the detection processing control unit 232 detects wet marks on the road surface using the front image acquired by the front camera 210. If the wet marks are emitting light due to ultraviolet light irradiated by the illumination device 22, the detection processing control unit 232 determines that they are oil marks and detects an oil leak.

[0066] In the following explanation, rearward images acquired while vehicle 11 is moving forward and forward images acquired while vehicle 11 is moving backward will be referred to as "driving images."

[0067] If an oil leak is detected, the vehicle control unit 230 notifies the user of the oil leak, just as it does when the vehicle is parked. However, if the amount of oil leak is large, there is a risk that the power unit 12 may be severely damaged or the vehicle 11 may become inoperable. For this reason, if the amount of oil leak is large, the vehicle control unit 230 notifies the user that emergency repairs are necessary. The vehicle control unit 230 determines that the amount of oil leak is large if the size of the oil leak trace detected in the driving image is larger than a preset standard size.

[0068] When the detection processing control unit 232 detects an oil leak, it identifies the location of the oil leak based on the positional relationship between the oil leak traces in the driving image and the vehicle 11, similar to the case when the vehicle is parked. The vehicle control unit 230 determines whether the identified location is likely to worsen if the torque of the vehicle 11 is high while it is in motion. For example, in the housing 324 of the transmission 32 shown in Figure 3, if the gaskets, etc., at the joints R1, R2, and R3 are damaged, there is a risk of oil leaks occurring from the joints R1, R2, and R3. In other words, the joints R1, R2, and R3 are areas where oil leaks are likely to worsen if the torque is high.

[0069] If an oil leak is identified at a location where torque may worsen the leak, the vehicle control unit 230 determines whether the oil leak can be reduced by torque limiting at that location. Specifically, locations where oil leaks may worsen at high torque but can be reduced by torque limiting are pre-listed and recorded in the memory 71 of the vehicle control unit 230. Then, if the location where the oil leak is identified matches one of the listed locations, the vehicle control unit 230 performs an oil leak reduction process by torque limiting. The oil leak reduction process will be described below.

[0070] <Oil leak reduction treatment> In the following explanation, we will use the transmission housing 324 shown in Figure 3 as an example of a location where oil leakage can be reduced by torque limiting.

[0071] The joint R1 is the mating surface between the first housing 324a and the second housing 324b, which support the drive gear 321 described above. Therefore, if the gasket or the like is damaged at the joint R1, there is a risk that oil leakage will worsen due to the torque of the engine 31. In other words, when the user sets the selector lever to the drive range or the reverse range, there is a risk that oil leakage will worsen at the joint R1 due to the load in the direction of travel when the vehicle 11 is moving forward or backward.

[0072] When the vehicle control unit 230 identifies the location of the oil leak as joint R1, it commands the drive control unit 231 to limit the torque of the engine 31 when the vehicle 11 is moving forward or backward. In this case, the drive control unit 231 can ensure that the torque supplied to the engine 31 does not exceed a predetermined torque limit value. Alternatively, the drive control unit 231 can ensure that the torque supplied to the engine 31 is a predetermined ratio of the torque supplied to the engine 31.

[0073] As described above, by limiting the torque of the engine 31, it is possible to suppress the increase in load acting on the joint R1 when the vehicle 11 is moving forward or backward. As a result, it is possible to reduce oil leakage from the joint R1.

[0074] The joint R2 is the mating surface between the first housing 324a and the third housing 324c, which support the parking mechanism 323 described above. Therefore, if the gasket or the like is damaged at the joint R2, there is a risk that oil leakage will worsen due to the torque generated on the front wheels 16f when the vehicle 11 attempts to descend a slope due to its weight. For example, when the vehicle 11 is stopped on a slope with the foot brake applied, the user switches the select lever from the drive range or reverse range to the parking range and releases the foot brake. At this time, there is a risk that oil leakage from the joint R2 will worsen due to the load in the direction of travel of the vehicle 11 when moving forward or backward, i.e., in the direction when attempting to descend the slope.

[0075] When the vehicle control unit 230 identifies the location of the oil leak as joint R2, it commands the drive control unit 231 to suppress the impact generated by the operation of the parking mechanism 323. Specifically, when the range sensor 104 detects that the user has switched the select lever to the parking range while the vehicle 11 is stopped on an incline using the foot brake, the vehicle control unit 230 commands the drive control unit 231 to activate the electric parking brake. In other words, the drive control unit 231 activates the electric parking brake before the user releases the foot brake.

[0076] Subsequently, when the brake sensor 102 detects that the user has released the foot brake, the vehicle control unit 230 commands the drive control unit 231 to operate the parking mechanism 323. This allows the parking gear and parking pawl of the parking mechanism 323 to engage in a manner that suppresses the generation of shocks. As a result, the worsening of oil leakage at the joint R2 due to shocks caused by the operation of the parking mechanism 323 is suppressed. In other words, it becomes possible to reduce oil leakage from the joint R2. Furthermore, when the brake sensor 102 detects that the user has released the foot brake, the drive control unit 231 may gradually release the activated electric parking brake.

[0077] The joint R3 is the mating surface between the first housing 324a and the oil pan 324d. As mentioned above, the first housing 324a is made of aluminum and the oil pan 324d is made of iron, so the thermal expansion amounts of the first housing 324a and the oil pan 324d, which are made of different materials, are different. Therefore, when the temperature of the oil in the oil pan 324d rises, the joint R3 is a mating surface where displacement occurs due to the difference in thermal expansion amounts, which may lead to increased damage to the sealant and worsening of oil leakage.

[0078] Oil leakage at joint R3 occurs when the vehicle 11 is driven in a way that causes the oil in the oil pan 324d to reach a high temperature. For example, the oil in the oil pan 324d may reach a high temperature when the vehicle 11 is traveling at high speed or on an uphill road.

[0079] Therefore, the vehicle control unit 230 performs control to suppress the temperature of the oil in the oil pan 324d. Specifically, when the vehicle 11 is traveling at high speed, the vehicle control unit 230 commands the drive control unit 231 to limit the vehicle speed. In this case, the drive control unit 231 can prevent the speed from exceeding a predetermined speed limit value relative to the requested speed based on the amount of accelerator pedal operation by the user. Alternatively, the drive control unit 231 can set the vehicle speed to a predetermined ratio of the requested speed.

[0080] Furthermore, when the vehicle 11 is traveling uphill, the vehicle control unit 230 commands the drive control unit 231 to limit the torque of the engine 31. In this case, the drive control unit 231 can ensure that the torque supplied to the engine 31 does not exceed a predetermined torque limit value. Alternatively, the drive control unit 231 can ensure that the torque supplied to the engine 31 is a predetermined ratio of the torque supplied to the engine 31.

[0081] Furthermore, if a stall occurs, the vehicle control unit 230 commands the drive control unit 231 to limit the rotational speed of the engine 31. In this case, the drive control unit 231 can prevent the rotational speed of the engine 31 from exceeding a predetermined limit. Alternatively, the drive control unit 231 can set the rotational speed of the engine 31 to a predetermined ratio of the requested rotational speed.

[0082] As described above, by limiting the vehicle speed, engine torque, and engine speed of the vehicle 31 according to the vehicle's driving conditions, it is possible to suppress the rise in oil temperature in the oil pan 324d. As a result, oil leakage from the joint R3 can be reduced.

[0083] <Explanation of the flowchart for detecting and reducing oil leaks during operation> Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the oil leak detection and oil leak reduction processes performed by the control system 23 during driving. When the vehicle control unit 230 receives an ON operation from the user via the start switch 105, it reads the program stored in the memory 71. The vehicle control unit 230 then executes the read program to perform each process shown in the flowchart of Figure 6.

[0084] In step S21, the vehicle control unit 230 commands the detection processing control unit 232 to acquire images of the vehicle in motion using the imaging device 21. The process then proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the vehicle control unit 230 instructs the detection processing control unit 232 to detect the presence or absence of liquid wetting marks in the images of the vehicle in motion. If the detection processing control unit 232 does not detect any liquid wetting marks, the vehicle control unit 230 makes a negative determination. The process then returns to step S21. If the detection processing control unit 232 detects liquid wetting marks, the vehicle control unit 230 makes a positive determination. The process then proceeds to step S23.

[0085] In step S23, the vehicle control unit 230 instructs the detection processing control unit 232 to detect whether or not the liquid wetting marks in the driving image are emitting light. If the detection processing control unit 232 detects the emitting light of the wetting marks, the vehicle control unit 230 makes a positive determination. The process then proceeds to step S24. If the detection processing control unit 232 does not detect the emitting light of the wetting marks, the vehicle control unit 230 makes a negative determination. The process then returns to step S21.

[0086] In step S24, the vehicle control unit 230 instructs the detection processing control unit 232 to identify the location of the oil leak using the driving image. The process then proceeds to step S25. In step S25, the vehicle control unit 230 instructs the drive control unit 231 to perform the oil leak reduction process, such as torque limiting, as described above, according to the identified location. The process then proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the vehicle control unit 230 outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of an oil leak, notifying the user of the occurrence of an oil leak and the location where the oil leak occurred, and then the process ends.

[0087] According to the embodiments described above, at least one of the following effects can be obtained.

[0088] (1) The vehicle control device 10 includes an imaging device 21 that acquires an image of the road surface where the vehicle was located, an illumination device 22 that emits ultraviolet light, and a control system 23. The detection processing control unit 232 of the control system 23 determines that an oil leak has occurred when wet marks on the road surface in the image acquired by the imaging device 21 are emitting light due to ultraviolet light, and outputs a signal indicating that an oil leak has occurred.

[0089] As described above, the imaging device 21 is also connected to the drive recorder or advanced safety device 18. Therefore, it is possible to detect oil leaks without having to install a dedicated camera to image the area where oil leaks are expected to occur. As a result, it is possible to suppress the increase in the number of parts and the resulting cost increase that would otherwise be incurred by installing a dedicated camera.

[0090] Furthermore, generally speaking, minor oil leaks are not discovered unless the vehicle 11 is brought to a dealer during a regular inspection or vehicle inspection. As a result, even if an oil leak is discovered, it may not be possible to repair it on the spot, or the repair schedule cannot be planned in advance, leading to a long repair time. In contrast, in this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10 can detect the occurrence of an oil leak, allowing the user to make an appointment to bring the vehicle 11 to a dealer for inspection and repair. The dealer can then make preparations such as ordering replacement parts in advance. Therefore, the dealer can plan the repair schedule, which shortens the time from vehicle arrival to repair completion and enables planned vehicle arrival.

[0091] Furthermore, the detection of even minute oil leaks allows for early repairs and other countermeasures. This prevents oil leaks from continuing for extended periods, thus preventing damage to the power unit 12 due to oil shortage.

[0092] (2) The detection processing control unit 232 of the control system 23 determines whether or not an oil leak has occurred based on the material of the road surface at the parking position, the temperature, the time the vehicle 11 was absent from the parking position, and the change in the size of the wet marks in the departure image and the return image. This makes it possible to determine whether the wet marks are due to water or oil, even if the wet marks on the road surface are small and no light emission due to ultraviolet irradiation is detected. In other words, the accuracy of oil leak detection is improved, and early detection of oil leaks becomes possible.

[0093] (3) The detection processing control unit 232 of the control system 23 determines whether or not an oil leak has occurred based on the material of the road surface at the parking position, the ambient temperature, the temperature of the power unit 12, the time the vehicle 11 has been parked at the parking position, and the change in the size of the wet marks in the departure image and the return image. This improves the accuracy of determining whether the wet marks are caused by water or oil.

[0094] (4) The detection processing control unit 232 of the control system 23 determines whether or not an oil leak has occurred if the image acquired by the imaging device 21 while the vehicle 11 is in motion (in-motion image) contains wet marks that emit light when irradiated with ultraviolet light. This makes it possible to determine whether the wet marks are due to oil or water even when the vehicle 11 is in motion, thus enabling early detection of oil leaks.

[0095] (5) When the control system 23 detects that an oil leak is occurring, it controls the power unit 12 to limit the torque of the vehicle 11 while it is in motion. This prevents the oil leak from worsening due to torque while driving, thereby reducing the oil leak. In addition, it prevents damage to the power unit 12 from occurring due to insufficient oil volume caused by a continued oil leak.

[0096] In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the control system 23 determines whether or not there is an oil leak in the transmission 32 was explained. However, it is also possible for the control system 23 to be configured to determine whether or not there is an oil leak in the engine 31 based on the acquired image.

[0097] Furthermore, the power unit 12 of the vehicle 11 in the above-described embodiment was explained as having an engine 31 and a transmission 32. However, the vehicle 11 is not limited to this example, and the power unit 12 may also have a motor. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 10 Vehicle control device, 11 Vehicle, 12 Power unit, 21 Imaging device, 22 Illumination device, 23 Control system, 31 Engine, 32 Transmission, 210 Front camera, 211 Rear camera, 220 Front illumination unit, 221 Rear illumination unit, 230 Vehicle control unit, 231 Drive control unit, 232 Detection processing control unit, 324 Housing, 324a First housing, 324b Second housing, 324c Third housing, 324d Oil pan

Claims

1. A vehicle control device installed in a vehicle, An imaging device that acquires an image including the road surface where the aforementioned vehicle was located, An irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet light to at least a portion of the range in which imaging is possible by the aforementioned imaging device, A control system comprising a processor and memory connected to each other in a manner that enables communication between them, and which determines whether or not an oil leak has occurred based on an image captured by the imaging device, The control system is a vehicle control device that determines the occurrence of an oil leak when wet marks on the road surface in the image are illuminated by ultraviolet light, and outputs a signal indicating that an oil leak has occurred.

2. In the vehicle control device according to claim 1, The imaging device acquires a departure image when the vehicle leaves the parking position, and acquires a return image when the vehicle returns to the parking position. The control system is a vehicle control device that determines whether or not an oil leak has occurred based on the material of the road surface at the parking location, the temperature, the amount of time the vehicle is absent from the parking location, and the change in the size of the wet marks in the departure image and the return image.

3. In the vehicle control device according to claim 2, The control system is a vehicle control device that determines whether or not an oil leak has occurred based on the material of the road surface at the parking location, the temperature, the temperature of the power unit, the time the vehicle is parked at the parking location, and the change in the size of the wet marks in the departure image and the return image.

4. In the vehicle control device according to claim 1, The control system is a vehicle control device that determines the occurrence of an oil leak when the image acquired by the imaging device while the vehicle is in motion contains wet marks that are emitting light when irradiated with ultraviolet light.

5. In the vehicle control device according to claim 4, The aforementioned control system is a vehicle control device that, upon detecting an oil leak, controls the power unit to limit torque.

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