Automatic lift-up control device, automatic lift-up management device, automatic lift-up control system, automatic lift-up control method, automatic lift-up management method, and program

Abstract

To expand the range of possibilities for automating vehicle lift-up control. [Solution] An automatic lift-up control device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the location of a target vehicle and recommended lift-up location information which registers recommended locations where lift-up is recommended based on information provided by multiple vehicles; a determination unit that determines whether the location of the target vehicle corresponds to the recommended location registered in the recommended lift-up location information; and a lift-up control unit that lifts the target vehicle when it is determined that the location of the target vehicle corresponds to the recommended location registered in the recommended lift-up location information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic lift-up control device, an automatic lift-up management device, an automatic lift-up control system, an automatic lift-up control method, an automatic lift-up management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a vehicle having a vehicle height adjustment function such as an air suspension, a function of raising the minimum ground clearance (hereinafter referred to as "lift-up") has been generalized in order to reduce the risk of contact with the ground on a rough road such as a stepped road. For example, a vehicle height control device that automatically performs lift-up when the vehicle travels again to a point where lift-up is required by registering in advance a point where lift-up is required based on the past driving history of the vehicle is also known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described conventional vehicle height control device, since the information on the points where lift-up is required is managed for each vehicle, it is impossible to determine whether lift-up is necessary for a place where the vehicle first travels, and the bottom surface of the vehicle may contact a stepped road or the like, resulting in a deterioration in the riding comfort or damage to the underfloor parts of the vehicle.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide an automatic lift-up control device, an automatic lift-up management device, an automatic lift-up control system, an automatic lift-up control method, an automatic lift-up management method, and a program that can expand the range in which vehicle lift-up control can be automated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The automatic lift-up control device, automatic lift-up management device, automatic lift-up control system, automatic lift-up control method, automatic lift-up management method, and program according to this invention employ the following configuration. (1) An automatic lift-up control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the location of a target vehicle and lift-up recommended location information which registers recommended locations where lift-up is recommended based on information provided by a plurality of vehicles; a determination unit that determines whether the location of the target vehicle corresponds to the recommended location registered in the lift-up recommended location information; and a lift-up control unit that lifts the target vehicle when it is determined that the location of the target vehicle corresponds to the recommended location registered in the lift-up recommended location information.

[0007] (2) The automatic lift-up control device according to the embodiment of (1) above may further include an update control unit that generates update information for the lift-up recommendation point information based on at least one of the instructions given by the occupant of the target vehicle regarding lift operation or the vehicle status of the target vehicle.

[0008] (3) In the automatic lift-up control device according to the embodiment of (2) above, the update control unit may determine a point where an index value related to the height movement of the target vehicle included in the vehicle state of the target vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold as a recommended point for addition, and generate the update information including the information of the determined recommended point for addition.

[0009] (4) In the automatic lift-up control device according to the embodiment of (2) above, the update control unit may determine that among the recommended locations registered in the lift-up recommended location information, locations where the occupant has given an instruction to avoid lifting are recommended locations to be deleted from the lift-up recommended location information, and generate the update information including the information of the recommended locations to be deleted that have been determined.

[0010] (5) In the automatic lift-up control device according to the embodiment of (2) above, the update control unit may determine that among the recommended points registered in the lift-up recommended point information, points where the index value related to the height movement of the target vehicle included in the vehicle state of the target vehicle is less than or equal to a threshold value are recommended points to be deleted from the lift-up recommended point information, and generate the update information including the information of the recommended points to be deleted that have been determined.

[0011] (6) In the automatic lift-up control device according to the embodiment of (1) above, the acquisition unit may acquire the lift-up recommended point information corresponding to the type of vehicle of the target vehicle.

[0012] (7) The automatic lift-up control device according to the embodiment of (1) above may further include a display control unit that causes a screen to be displayed on a display device for receiving instructions to add a recommended location to the recommended lift-up location information and to delete a recommended location registered in the recommended lift-up location information.

[0013] (8) In the automatic lift-up control device according to the embodiment of (1) above, if it is determined that the position of the target vehicle does not correspond to the recommended point registered in the lift-up recommended point information, the lift-up control unit may lift the target vehicle according to the vehicle state of the target vehicle.

[0014] (9) In an automatic lift-up control device according to the embodiment of (3) or (5) above, the index value may include at least one of acceleration and suspension stroke.

[0015] (10) An automatic lift-up management device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit that acquires information on recommended locations where lift-up is recommended from a plurality of vehicles, a management unit that aggregates the information on the recommended locations and generates lift-up recommended location information, and a provision unit that provides the lift-up recommended location information to each of the plurality of vehicles.

[0016] (11) In the automatic lift-up management device according to the embodiment of (10) above, the management unit may update the lift-up recommendation point information based on road information provided by an external device.

[0017] (12) An automatic lift-up control system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an automatic lift-up control device according to the aspects of (1) to (8) above and an automatic lift-up management device according to the aspect of (10) or (11) above.

[0018] (13) An automatic lift-up control method according to one aspect of the present invention involves a computer of an automatic lift-up control device acquiring location information indicating the location of a target vehicle and recommended lift-up location information which registers recommended locations where lift-up is recommended based on information provided by multiple vehicles, determining whether the location of the target vehicle corresponds to the recommended location registered in the recommended lift-up location information, and if it is determined that the location of the target vehicle corresponds to the recommended location registered in the recommended lift-up location information, the target vehicle is lifted.

[0019] (14) An automatic lift-up management method according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the computer of an automatic lift-up management device acquires information on recommended locations where lift-up is recommended from multiple vehicles, aggregates the information on the recommended locations to generate lift-up recommended location information, and provides the lift-up recommended location information to each of the multiple vehicles.

[0020] (15) The program of one aspect of this invention causes a computer of an automatic lift-up control device to acquire position information indicating the position of a target vehicle and lift-up recommended point information in which recommended points where lift-up is recommended based on information provided from a plurality of vehicles are registered, determines whether the position of the target vehicle corresponds to the recommended points registered in the lift-up recommended point information, and causes the target vehicle to be lifted up when it is determined that the position of the target vehicle corresponds to the recommended points registered in the lift-up recommended point information.

[0021] (16) The program of another aspect of this invention causes a computer of an automatic lift-up management device to acquire information regarding recommended points where lift-up is recommended from a plurality of vehicles, aggregates the information regarding the recommended points to generate lift-up recommended point information, and provides the lift-up recommended point information to each of the plurality of vehicles.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the aspects (1) to (16) above, the range in which the automation of the lift-up control of vehicles can be expanded can be increased. In particular, since each vehicle can automate the lift-up control even in a place where the driving experience is scarce (for example, a place where it starts to drive), the load on the occupant regarding the lift-up setting can be reduced, the sudden grounding risk can be reduced, and the driving performance of the vehicle can be improved. According to the aspects (2) to (5) above, the recommended points for lift-up can be automatically updated. Further, by deleting the recommended points that have become unnecessary, unnecessary lift-up can be suppressed. According to the aspect (6) above, highly accurate lift-up control according to the vehicle type can be performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic lift-up control system S according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]This figure shows an example of a lift map LM according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of vehicle M according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of an individual vehicle lift map (OLM) according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of vehicle status information VS according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow of the automatic lift-up control device 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow for user-operated lift control by the automatic lift-up control device 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a determination map (when lift-on) DM2 according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow for automatic lift control by the automatic lift-up control device 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow for initial shock control by the automatic lift-up control device 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a determination map (during lift-off) DM1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow of the automatic lift-up management device 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows examples of a determination map (lift-off) DM1 and a determination map (lift-on) DM2 according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows an example of the process for deleting and updating lift recommendation points by the automatic lift-up management device 1 according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The following describes embodiments of the automatic lift-up control device, automatic lift-up management device, automatic lift-up control system, automatic lift-up control method, automatic lift-up management method, and program of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the automatic lift-up control system of the embodiment, information on points where lift-up is recommended (hereinafter referred to as "lift-recommended points") is shared based on information obtained from multiple vehicles that can communicate via a network. This expands the range in which vehicle lift-up control can be automated.

[0025] [System Configuration] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an automatic lift-up control system S according to an embodiment. The automatic lift-up control system S comprises, for example, a plurality of vehicles M (automatic lift-up control devices mounted on the vehicles M) and an automatic lift-up management device 1. The vehicles M and the automatic lift-up management device 1 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a wireless or wired communication network NW. The communication network NW includes, for example, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc. The vehicles are, for example, mobile bodies such as four-wheeled, two-wheeled, or three-wheeled vehicles. In the following, the case where the vehicle is a four-wheeled vehicle will be used as an example for explanation. The vehicles M include vehicles of multiple types (categories). The vehicles M include, for example, a passenger car M1, a sports utility vehicle (SUV) M2, a sports car M3, etc. In addition, the vehicles M may include a variety of vehicle types such as large cars, medium-sized cars, small cars, wagons, trucks, buses, etc. Vehicle M is an example of a "target vehicle".

[0026] <Automatic Lift-Up Management System> The automatic lift-up management device 1 comprehensively manages information on recommended lift-up locations based on information obtained from multiple vehicles M that can communicate via a communication network NW. The automatic lift-up management device 1 functions as a cloud server. The automatic lift-up management device 1 comprises, for example, a control unit 10, a communication device 20, and a storage unit 30. The communication device 20 communicates with external devices such as each vehicle M via the communication network NW. The control unit 10 comprises, for example, an acquisition unit 11, a management unit 12, and a provision unit 13.

[0027] Each of the functional units of the control unit 10 is realized, for example, by a computer processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) executing a program (software). Each of the functional units of the control unit 10 may be realized by hardware (circuit units) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or by the cooperation of software and hardware. Each of the functions of the control unit 10 may be realized by a single device, or it may be a system in which multiple devices connected via a communication network NW cooperate with each other to operate.

[0028] The acquisition unit 11 acquires various information transmitted from multiple vehicles M via the communication network NW. For example, the acquisition unit 11 acquires information on lift recommendation points that are candidates for addition or deletion, vehicle status information regarding the vehicle's driving state, etc. Vehicle status information includes, for example, the vehicle's position, speed, acceleration in the vertical direction (up and down direction) of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "vertical G"), and information on the vehicle's suspension stroke. The acquisition unit 11 also acquires information regarding the start and end of road construction from external devices such as companies or organizations that manage information related to road construction via the communication network NW.

[0029] The management unit 12 aggregates information on recommended lift locations provided by multiple vehicles M to generate and update a lift map LM, which is then stored in the storage unit 30. The lift map LM is an example of "recommended lift location information." In other words, the lift map LM is information in which recommended locations where lift-up is recommended based on information provided by multiple vehicles are registered. The management unit 12 also updates the lift map LM based on road information provided by an external device.

[0030] The supply unit 13 provides each of the vehicles M with the lift map LM and judgment map DM stored in the storage unit 30, in response to a request from the vehicle M.

[0031] The storage unit 30 stores various information necessary for controlling the lift-up of the vehicle M. For example, the storage unit 30 stores the lift map LM and the judgment map DM. The storage unit 30 is implemented using EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. At least a portion of the information contained in the storage unit 30 may be stored in an external device that can communicate with the automatic lift-up management device 1.

[0032] The Lift Map LM registers location information for multiple lift-recommended points. Each lift-recommended point has a predetermined range centered on the registered point. The registered point indicates a single point where an event requiring lift-up (such as a step or bump) occurs. A lift-recommended point is represented, for example, by a circle with a predetermined radius centered on the registered point. Figure 2 shows an example of the Lift Map LM according to an embodiment. The Lift Map LM is managed separately for each vehicle type. This is because each vehicle type has a different minimum ground clearance (height of the vehicle's underside when lifted off) and therefore a different risk of contact with the ground. The Lift Map LM includes, for example, the regular car lift map LM1 associated with regular car M1, the SUV lift map LM2 associated with SUVM2, and the sports car lift map LM3 associated with sports car M3.

[0033] The judgment map DM is reference information used by the management unit 12 when generating and updating the lift map LM. The judgment map DM includes, for example, the judgment map (lift-off) DM1, the judgment map (lift-on) DM2, etc. Details of the judgment map DM will be described later.

[0034] <Vehicle (Automatic Lift-Up Control System)> Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle M according to this embodiment. In addition to the drive mechanism, the vehicle M includes, for example, an automatic lift-up control device 100, a display 210, an input interface 220, a communication device 230, a vehicle sensor 240, a lift-up mechanism 250, and the like.

[0035] Display 210 displays various information related to the control of the lift-up mechanism. Display 210 displays GUI (Graphical User Interface) images that accept various operations from the occupants of vehicle M (e.g., driver, passengers, etc., also referred to as "users"). Display 210 is installed, for example, on the instrument panel inside vehicle M. Display 210 is, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or an Electroluminescence (EL) display. Display 210 is an example of a "display device".

[0036] The input interface 220 receives various input operations from the occupants of the vehicle M. The input operations (operation signals) received by the input interface 220 are output to the automatic lift-up control device 100. The input interface 220 may include, for example, a touch panel, switches, keys, a microphone, etc. If the display 210 is a touch panel, the functions of the input interface 220 may be integrated into the display 210.

[0037] The communication device 230 communicates with external devices such as the automatic lift-up management device 1 via the communication network NW. Various information acquired by the communication device 230 is output to the automatic lift-up control device 100.

[0038] The vehicle sensor 240 detects various information regarding the driving state of vehicle M. The vehicle sensor 240 includes a vehicle speed sensor for detecting the speed of vehicle M, an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration, a yaw rate sensor for detecting yaw rate (for example, the angular velocity of rotation around the vertical axis passing through the center of gravity of vehicle M), an orientation sensor for detecting the orientation of vehicle M, and a position sensor for detecting the position of vehicle M. The position sensor acquires position information (longitude and latitude information) from a GPS (Global Positioning System) device, for example. In addition, the vehicle sensor 240 may include an accelerator opening sensor attached to the accelerator pedal for receiving acceleration commands, a brake pedal pressure sensor attached to the brake pedal for receiving brake commands, and so on. The results detected by the vehicle sensor 240 are output to the automatic lift-up control device 100.

[0039] The lift-up mechanism 250 adjusts the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle M (lift up, lift down) in response to the control of the automatic lift-up control device 100 or to the input operation of the occupant on the input interface 220 (e.g., a switch). The lift-up mechanism 250 is equipped with, for example, an air suspension with air springs.

[0040] The automatic lift-up control device 100 controls the lift-up of the vehicle M. The automatic lift-up control device 100 includes, for example, a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120. The control unit 110 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 111, a determination unit 112, a lift-up control unit 113, an update control unit 114, and a display control unit 115.

[0041] Each of the functional units of the control unit 110 is realized, for example, by a computer processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). Each of the functional units of the control unit 110 may be realized by hardware (circuit parts) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or by the cooperation of software and hardware. Each of the functions of the control unit 110 may be realized by a single device, or it may be a system in which multiple devices connected via a communication network NW cooperate with each other.

[0042] The acquisition unit 111 acquires the lift map LM and judgment map DM corresponding to the vehicle type of vehicle M from the automatic lift-up management device 1. The acquisition unit 111 also acquires the vehicle status of vehicle M (e.g., position, vertical G, vehicle speed, etc.) detected by the vehicle sensor 240.

[0043] The determination unit 112 determines whether the position of vehicle M corresponds to a recommended lift point registered in the lift map LM.

[0044] If the determination unit 112 determines that the position of the vehicle M corresponds to a recommended lift point registered in the lift map LM, the lift-up control unit 113 controls the lift-up mechanism 250 to automatically lift the vehicle M. In addition to controlling the lift-up, the lift-up control unit 113 may also control the damping force of the dampers.

[0045] The update control unit 114 generates update information for updating the lift map LM based on at least one of the following: instructions regarding lift operations (lift-up operation, lift-down operation) by the occupant of vehicle M or the vehicle status of vehicle M, and provides it to the automatic lift-up management device 1. The update information includes vehicle status information, which will be described later. The update control unit 114 determines that points where the vehicle's vertical acceleration, included in the vehicle status of vehicle M, exceeds a predetermined threshold are recommended points to be added, and generates update information including the information of the determined recommended points to be added. The update control unit 114 also determines that points where the occupant has given instructions to avoid lifting, among the recommended lift points registered in the lift map LM, are recommended points to be deleted from the lift map LM, and generates update information including the information of the determined recommended points to be deleted. Furthermore, the update control unit 114 determines that points where the vehicle's vertical acceleration, included in the vehicle status of vehicle M, is below a threshold are recommended points to be deleted from the lift map LM, among the recommended lift points registered in the lift map LM, and generates update information including the information of the determined recommended points to be deleted. Details of the processing of the update control unit 114 will be described later. Furthermore, the update control unit 114 may generate update information based on the comparison result between the vehicle's suspension stroke and a threshold value, which is included in the vehicle state of the vehicle M, instead of (or in addition to) the vehicle's acceleration in the vertical direction. Acceleration and suspension stroke are examples of "indicator values ​​related to the vehicle's movement in the vertical direction."

[0046] The display control unit 115 displays a screen on the display 210 for receiving instructions to add a new lift recommendation point to the lift map LM or to delete a lift recommendation point registered in the lift map LM.

[0047] The storage unit 120 stores various information necessary for controlling the lift-up of the vehicle M. For example, the storage unit 120 stores the individual vehicle lift map OLM, vehicle status information VS, judgment map DM, etc. The storage unit 120 is implemented using EEPROM, ROM, RAM, etc. At least a portion of the information contained in the storage unit 120 may be stored in an external device that can communicate with the vehicle M.

[0048] The individual vehicle lift map (OLM) is generated based on the lift map (LM) provided by the automatic lift-up management device (1). The individual vehicle lift map (OLM) is local data managed for each vehicle (M). Figure 4 shows an example of the individual vehicle lift map (OLM) according to the embodiment. The individual vehicle lift map (OLM) is registered with, for example, the lift recommendation points registered in the lift map (LM) and the corresponding lift recommendation points, and an approval flag indicating whether or not the occupant of the vehicle (M) approved the lift-up for each lift recommendation point.

[0049] The vehicle status information VS records the vehicle status of vehicle M detected by the vehicle sensor 240. Figure 5 shows an example of the vehicle status information VS according to the embodiment. The vehicle status information VS includes, for example, vehicle position, vehicle speed, vertical G, lift status (lift on, lift off), etc. The vehicle status information VS further includes flag information that specifies whether or not to register a point corresponding to the vehicle position as a recommended lift point, or whether or not to remove it from the registered recommended lift points, depending on the vehicle status of vehicle M and instructions from the occupants.

[0050] [Processing flow] <Processing flow of the automatic lift-up control device 100> Next, the processing of the automatic lift-up control device 100 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the automatic lift-up control device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0051] First, the acquisition unit 111 acquires a signal indicating that the ignition (IG) of the vehicle M has been turned on in response to the occupant's operation (step S101). Then, it acquires a lift map LM corresponding to the vehicle type of the vehicle M from the automatic lift-up management device 1. The update control unit 114 then uses the acquired lift map LM to update the individual vehicle lift map OLM stored in the storage unit 120 (step S103). Here, the update control unit 114 adds, for example, any lift recommendation points included in the acquired lift map LM that are not registered in the individual vehicle lift map OLM to the individual vehicle lift map OLM.

[0052] Next, the acquisition unit 111 continuously acquires vehicle status information related to the vehicle M's movement (e.g., position, vertical G-force, vehicle speed, etc.) detected by the vehicle sensor 240, thereby monitoring the vehicle's condition (step S105).

[0053] Next, the determination unit 112 determines whether or not it has received a lift operation from an occupant (step S107). If it is determined that a lift operation has been received (step S107; Yes), the lift-up control unit 113 executes user-operated lift control (step S109). Details of user-operated lift control will be described later.

[0054] On the other hand, if it is determined that the lift operation is not being accepted (step S107; No), the determination unit 112 determines whether the position of vehicle M acquired by the acquisition unit 111 corresponds to a recommended lift point registered in the individual vehicle lift map OLM (step S111). If it is determined that the position of vehicle M corresponds to a recommended lift point (step S111; Yes), the lift-up control unit 113 executes automatic lift control (step S113). Details of the automatic lift control will be described later.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined that the position of vehicle M does not correspond to the recommended lift point (step S111; No), the determination unit 112 determines whether or not vehicle M has experienced a large vertical G-force based on the vehicle status information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 (step S115). For example, if the determination unit 112 determines that vehicle M has experienced a large vertical G-force, it is determined that vehicle M has experienced a large vertical G-force if the detected vertical G-force is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. If it is determined that vehicle M has experienced a large vertical G-force (step S115; Yes), it is assumed that there is a high probability that lifting up is recommended at this point. For this reason, the lift-up control unit 113 performs initial shock control (step S117). Details of the initial shock control will be described later.

[0056] Next, the lift-up control unit 113 determines whether or not it has received an operation from the occupant to turn off the ignition (step S119). If it is determined that it has not received an operation to turn off the ignition (step S119; No), the process returns to step S105 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined that an operation to turn the ignition off has been received (step S119; Yes), the update control unit 114 uploads (transmits) the vehicle status information VS (update information) and information indicating the vehicle type of vehicle M to the automatic lift-up management device 1 (step S121). Thereafter, the ignition of vehicle M is turned off (step S123), and the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0058] (Lift control by user operation) Next, we will describe the details of the lift control performed by user operation in step S109 described above. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of lift control performed by user operation by the automatic lift-up control device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0059] First, the lift-up control unit 113 determines whether the lift operation received in step S107 is a lift-up operation (step S201).

[0060] If the received lift operation is determined to be a lift-up operation (step S201; Yes), the lift-up control unit 113 determines whether the vehicle speed of vehicle M is below a preset threshold based on the vehicle state information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 (step S203). If it is determined that the vehicle speed is below a preset vehicle speed threshold (step S203; Yes), the lift-up control unit 113 controls the lift-up mechanism 250 to lift up vehicle M (step S205). Next, the lift-up control unit 113 records the vehicle state when vehicle M goes over a bump (such as an uneven road surface) while in a lifted state in the vehicle state information VS (step S207).

[0061] Next, the update control unit 114 determines whether or not to register this point as a lift-recommended point based on the vehicle state when the bump is overcome (step S209). For example, the update control unit 114 determines whether or not to register this point as a lift-recommended point by comparing the detected vertical G and vehicle speed with the determination map DM. Figure 8 shows an example of the determination map (lift-on) DM2 according to the embodiment. The detected vertical G and vehicle speed are mapped onto this determination map (lift-on) DM2, and it is determined whether or not to register this point as a lift-recommended point based on its positional relationship with the threshold line corresponding to the vehicle type of vehicle M. For example, if vehicle M is a regular car, the mapped point P1 is located below the regular car threshold line TL1 in the vertical G axis direction, so it is determined that point P1 will not be registered as a lift-recommended point. On the other hand, the mapped point P2 is located above the regular car threshold line TL1 in the vertical G axis direction, so it is determined that point P2 will be registered as a lift-recommended point. If it is determined that the location should be registered as a lift recommendation point (step S209; Yes), the display control unit 115 displays an inquiry screen on the display 210 to receive instructions from the occupant regarding whether or not to register additional lift recommendation points (step S211). In Figure 8, a judgment map including threshold line information for three types of vehicles (passenger cars, SUVs, and sports cars) is shown as an example, but the types and number of vehicle types are not limited to these and can vary. For example, the judgment map may include information on vehicle types such as trucks.

[0062] Next, the update control unit 114 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the occupant to register a lift recommendation point (step S213). If it is determined that it has received an instruction from the occupant to register a lift recommendation point (step S213; Yes), the update control unit 114 stores the vehicle status of the lift recommendation point to be registered (step S215). For example, the update control unit 114 sets the registration / deletion flag for the data corresponding to the vehicle location to be added in the vehicle status information VS shown in Figure 5 to "registered".

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle speed is not below a preset threshold (step S203; No), the display control unit 115 displays a recommendation screen on the display 210 to recommend that the occupants reduce their speed in order to perform the lift-up (step S217). Next, the lift-up control unit 113 determines whether the conditions that the distance traveled by the vehicle M since the time the lift operation was received in step S107 is below a preset threshold and that the current vehicle speed is below a preset threshold are met (step S219). If it is determined that these conditions are met (step S219; Yes), the lift-up control unit 113 controls the lift-up mechanism 250 to perform the lift-up of the vehicle M (step S205) and then executes the subsequent processes.

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined that the above conditions are not met (step S219; No), if it is determined that the location will not be registered as a recommended lift location (step S209; No), or if it is determined that the operator has not given instructions to register a recommended lift location (step S213; No), the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0065] On the other hand, if it is determined that the received lift operation is not a lift-up operation (i.e., a lift-down operation) (step S201; No), the lift-up control unit 113 controls the lift-up mechanism 250 to perform a lift-down of the vehicle M (step S221). Next, the display control unit 115 displays an inquiry screen on the display 210 to receive instructions from the occupant regarding whether or not to delete the lift-recommended location (step S223). Next, the update control unit 114 determines whether or not it has received instructions from the occupant to delete the lift-recommended location (step S225). If it is determined that it has received instructions from the occupant to delete the lift-recommended location (step S225; Yes), the update control unit 114 stores the vehicle status of the lift-recommended location to be deleted (step S227). For example, the update control unit 114 sets the registration / deletion flag corresponding to the vehicle location (lift-recommended location) to be deleted in the vehicle status information VS as shown in Figure 5 to "delete". Thus, regarding the registration and deletion of lift recommendation points, vehicle M will determine the necessity, and the final approval will be left to the occupants. Alternatively, vehicle M may make the final decision regarding the registration and deletion of lift recommendation points, and occupant approval may be omitted. This concludes the processing of this flowchart.

[0066] (Automatic lift control) Next, the details of the automatic lift control in step S113 described above will be explained. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of automatic lift control by the automatic lift-up control device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0067] First, the lift-up control unit 113 determines whether the lift-recommended point registered in the individual vehicle lift map OLM, which was determined to correspond to the position of vehicle M in step S111 above, is a lift-recommended point that has not been approved by the occupant (step S301). For example, the lift-up control unit 113 makes this determination based on the approval flag associated with the lift-recommended point registered in the individual vehicle lift map OLM, as shown in Figure 4. If it is determined that the lift-recommended point has not been approved by the occupant (step S301; Yes), the display control unit 115 displays an inquiry screen on the display 210 to receive instructions from the occupant regarding whether or not to approve the lift-up (step S303). Next, the lift-up control unit 113 determines whether the conditions that the position of vehicle M is within the lift-recommended point and that instructions for approval have been received from the occupant have been met (step S305).

[0068] If it is determined that the above conditions are met (Step S305; Yes) or if it is determined that the lift recommendation point is not an unapproved point for the occupant (i.e., it is an approved lift recommendation point) (Step S301; No), the lift-up control unit 113 determines whether the vehicle speed of vehicle M is below a preset vehicle speed threshold based on the vehicle status information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 (Step S307). If it is determined that the vehicle speed is below a preset vehicle speed threshold (Step S307; Yes), the lift-up control unit 113 controls the lift-up mechanism 250 to lift up vehicle M (Step S309). Next, the lift-up control unit 113 records the vehicle status when vehicle M has gone over a bump (such as a road unevenness) while lifted in the vehicle status information VS (Step S311). Furthermore, if the lift-up control unit 113 receives an approval instruction from the occupant, it updates the approval flag associated with the lift recommendation point registered in the individual vehicle lift map OLM to "approved". As a result, once a lift-up is approved at a recommended lift-up location, further approval from the occupants will not be required, and the lift-up will be performed automatically.

[0069] Next, the update control unit 114 determines whether or not to remove this point from the list of recommended lift points based on the vehicle state when the bump is overcome (step S313). For example, the update control unit 114 determines whether or not to remove the point from the list of recommended lift points based on the results of comparing the detected vertical G and vehicle speed with the determination map (when lift is on) DM2. By making such a determination, it is possible to delete a previously registered recommended lift point, for example, if the bump at a recommended lift point previously approved by the occupant is eliminated and lifting is no longer necessary, or if the occupant previously approved it by mistake. If it is determined that the point should not be deleted from the list of recommended lift points (step S313; No), the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0070] On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle speed is not below a preset vehicle speed threshold (step S307; No), the display control unit 115 displays a recommendation screen on the display 210 to recommend that the occupants reduce their speed in order to perform the lift-up (step S315). Next, the lift-up control unit 113 determines whether the conditions that the position of the vehicle M is within the lift recommendation point and that the current vehicle speed is below a preset threshold are met (step S317). If it is determined that these conditions are met (step S317; Yes), the lift-up control unit 113 controls the lift-up mechanism 250 to perform the lift-up of the vehicle M (step S309) and then executes the subsequent processes.

[0071] On the other hand, if it is determined that the conditions of step S305 above are not met (step S305; No), or if it is determined that the conditions of step S317 above are not met (step S317; No), it is determined whether or not vehicle M has passed over the registered point (center of the lift recommendation point) (step S319).

[0072] Next, if it is determined that vehicle M has passed over a registered point (step S319; Yes), the acquisition unit 111 acquires the vehicle status (vehicle speed and vertical G) at the time of passing the registered point (step S321). Next, the update control unit 114 determines whether or not to remove this point from the lift recommendation points based on the vehicle status at the time of passing the registered point (step S323). For example, the update control unit 114 determines whether or not to remove the point from the lift recommendation points based on the result of comparing the detected vertical G and vehicle speed with the determination map (lift-off time) DM1.

[0073] If it is determined that the lift recommendation point should be removed (step S323; Yes), the display control unit 115 displays an inquiry screen on the display 210 to receive instructions from the occupant regarding the necessity of removing the lift recommendation point (step S325). Next, the update control unit 114 determines whether or not it has received instructions from the occupant to remove the lift recommendation point (step S327). If it is determined that it has received instructions from the occupant to remove the lift recommendation point (step S327; Yes), the update control unit 114 stores the vehicle status of the lift recommendation point to be deleted (step S329). For example, the update control unit 114 sets the registration / deletion flag corresponding to the vehicle location (lift recommendation point) to be deleted in the vehicle status information VS shown in Figure 5 to "delete". In this way, regarding the deletion of lift recommendation points, the vehicle M determines the necessity, but the final approval is left to the occupant. Note that the final determination regarding the deletion of lift recommendation points can be made by the vehicle M, and occupant approval may be omitted. This concludes the processing of this flowchart.

[0074] On the other hand, if it is determined that vehicle M has not passed over a registered point (step S319; No), if it is determined that the vehicle should not be removed from the lift recommendation points (step S323; No), or if it is determined that the driver has not given an instruction to remove the lift recommendation points (step S327; No), the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0075] If it is determined that the lift recommendation point should be removed (step S313; Yes), the display control unit 115 displays an inquiry screen on the display 210 to receive instructions from the occupant regarding whether or not the lift recommendation point should be removed (step S325), and then the subsequent processing is executed.

[0076] (Initial shock control) Next, the details of the initial shock control in step S117 described above will be explained. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the initial shock control by the automatic lift-up control device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0077] First, the update control unit 114 determines, based on the vehicle status information acquired by the acquisition unit 111, whether the vertical G detected in the vehicle M is of a magnitude that recommends lifting up (step S401). For example, the update control unit 114 determines whether the detected vertical G is of a magnitude that recommends lifting up by comparing the detected vertical G and vehicle speed with the determination map DM. Figure 11 shows an example of the determination map (lift-off) DM1 according to the embodiment. The update control unit 114 maps the detected vertical G and vehicle speed onto this determination map (lift-off) DM1 and determines whether it is of a magnitude that recommends lifting up based on its positional relationship with the threshold line corresponding to the vehicle type of the vehicle M. For example, if the vehicle M is a regular car, the mapped point P11 is located below the regular car threshold line TL11 in the vertical G axis direction, so this point P11 is determined not to be of a magnitude that recommends lifting up (lift-up not required). On the other hand, since the mapped point P12 is located above the threshold line TL11 for regular cars in the vertical G-axis direction, point P12 is determined to be of a size that recommends lifting (lifting required). In Figure 11, a judgment map including threshold line information for three types of vehicles (regular cars, SUVs, and sports cars) is shown as an example, but the types and number of vehicle types are not limited to these and can vary. For example, the judgment map may include information on vehicle types such as trucks.

[0078] If it is determined that the vehicle is large enough to warrant a lift-up (step S401; Yes), the display control unit 115 displays an inquiry screen on the display 210 to receive instructions from the occupant regarding whether or not to register additional lift-up locations (step S403). The lift-up control unit 113 also controls the lift-up mechanism 250 to lift up the vehicle M.

[0079] Next, the update control unit 114 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the occupant to register a lift recommendation point (step S405). If it is determined that the instruction from the occupant to register a lift recommendation point has been received (step S405; Yes), the update control unit 114 updates the individual vehicle lift map OLM by registering the lift recommendation point in the OLM (step S407). Next, the update control unit 114 stores the vehicle status of the lift recommendation point to be registered (step S409). For example, the update control unit 114 sets the registration / deletion flag corresponding to the vehicle position to be registered in the vehicle status information VS shown in Figure 5 to "registered". In this way, regarding the registration of lift recommendation points, the vehicle M determines the necessity, and the final approval is left to the occupant. Note that for the registration of lift recommendation points, the final determination may be made by the vehicle M, and occupant approval may be omitted. With this, the processing of this flowchart is completed.

[0080] On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle is not of a size that warrants a lift-up (step S401; No), or if it is determined that the instruction to register the vehicle as a recommended lift-up location will not be accepted (step S405; No), the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0081] <Processing flow of Automatic Lift-Up Management Device 1> Next, the processing of the automatic lift-up management device 1 will be described. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the automatic lift-up management device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0082] First, the management unit 12 determines whether the update information of the lift map LM received from each vehicle M is additional information requesting the registration of additional lift recommended locations (step S501). The management unit 12 determines whether it is additional information by referring to the registration / deletion flag of the vehicle status information VS included in the update information. If it is determined to be additional information of a lift recommended location (step S501; Yes), the management unit 12 determines whether this additional information is for a regular car based on the vehicle type information provided by each vehicle M (step S503). If it is determined to be for a regular car (step S503; Yes), the management unit 12 determines whether this additional information was acquired at the time of lift-off by referring to the lift status of the vehicle status information VS included in the update information (step S505).

[0083] If it is determined that the data was acquired at the time of lift-off (step S505; Yes), the management unit 12 updates the standard vehicle lift map LM1 based on the comparison result between the vertical G and vehicle speed of the vehicle status information VS included in the update information and the determination map (lift-off) DM1 (step S507). Figure 13 shows an example of the determination map (lift-off) DM1 and the determination map (lift-on) DM2 according to the embodiment. The set of vertical G and vehicle speed included in the update information is mapped onto such a determination map (lift-off) DM1, and the standard vehicle lift map LM1 is updated based on the positional relationship with the standard vehicle threshold line TL11. If the mapped point is located below the standard vehicle threshold line TL11 in the vertical G axis direction, it is determined that the size is not such that a lift-up is recommended (lift-up not required). In this case, the vehicle position corresponding to this point is not registered as a lift-recommended point. On the other hand, if the mapped point is located above the standard vehicle threshold line TL11 in the vertical G axis direction, it is determined that the size is such that a lift-up is recommended (lift-up required). In this case, the vehicle position corresponding to this point will be registered as a recommended lift location.

[0084] Next, the management unit 12 updates the lift map LM corresponding to other vehicle types using the update information provided by the regular vehicle M. For example, the management unit 12 converts the vertical G data detected in the regular vehicle into vertical G data corresponding to other vehicle types (SUV, sports car) by multiplying the vertical G included in the update information provided by the regular vehicle M by a predetermined coefficient, and compares the converted vertical G values ​​with the threshold lines for other vehicle types (SUV, sports car) in the judgment map (lift-off) DM1 (step S509). Furthermore, based on this comparison result, the management unit 12 updates the lift map LM for other vehicle types (SUV, sports car) (SUV lift map LM2, sports car lift map LM3) (step S511).

[0085] As shown in Figure 13, if the update information provided by a regular passenger car includes vehicle information for a set of vertical G and vehicle speed corresponding to "A", then this "A" exceeds the standard "B" for a sports car, and therefore a lift-up is required for the sports car. On the other hand, for an SUV, this "A" does not exceed the standard "C" for an SUV, and therefore a lift-up is not required for the SUV. The judgment map (lift-off) DM1 and the judgment map (lift-on) DM2 may be normalized by the size of the bump (the impact of going over the same bump corresponds to "B" when lift-off and "b" when lift-on). This makes it possible to use the lift-on data for updating the map when lift-off. In Figure 13, as an example, a judgment map including threshold line information for three types of vehicles (regular passenger car, SUV, and sports car) is shown, but the types and number of vehicle types are not limited to these and can vary. For example, the judgment map may include information for vehicles such as trucks.

[0086] Alternatively, individual judgment maps for each vehicle type may be prepared in advance based on vehicle specifications (sprung mass eigenvalues, front overhang, ride height, and damping force according to vehicle speed). By comparing these individual judgment maps with the detected values ​​of the vehicle status information VS included in the update information, the lift map LM corresponding to other vehicle types may be updated.

[0087] On the other hand, if it is determined that the data was not acquired at the time of lift-off (step S505; No), the management unit 12 updates the standard vehicle lift map LM1 based on the result of comparing the vertical G and vehicle speed included in the update information with the determination map (lift-on) DM2 (step S513). The set of vertical G and vehicle speed included in the update information is mapped onto the determination map (lift-on) DM2 as shown in Figure 13, and it is determined whether or not the size is such that a lift-up is recommended based on the positional relationship with the standard vehicle threshold line TL1. If the mapped point is located below the standard vehicle threshold line TL1 in the vertical G axis direction, it is determined that the size is not such that a lift-up is recommended (lift-up not required). In this case, the vehicle position corresponding to this point is not registered as a lift-recommended point. On the other hand, if the mapped point is located above the standard vehicle threshold line TL1 in the vertical G axis direction, it is determined that the size is such that a lift-up is recommended (lift-up required). In this case, the vehicle position corresponding to this point is registered as a lift-recommended point.

[0088] Next, the management unit 12 updates the lift map LM corresponding to other vehicle types using the update information provided by the regular vehicle M. For example, the management unit 12 converts the vertical G data detected in the regular vehicle into vertical G data corresponding to other vehicle types (SUV, sports car) by multiplying the vertical G included in the update information provided by the regular vehicle M by a predetermined coefficient, and compares the changed vertical G values ​​with the threshold lines for other vehicle types (SUV, sports car) in the judgment map (lift-on) DM2 (step S515). Furthermore, based on this comparison result, the management unit 12 updates the lift map LM for other vehicle types (SUV, sports car) (SUV lift map LM2, sports car lift map LM3) (step S511).

[0089] On the other hand, if it is determined that the additional information was not provided by vehicle M, which is a regular passenger car (step S503; No), the management unit 12 determines whether or not the additional information was provided by vehicle M, which is an SUV (step S517). Next, if it is determined that the additional information was provided by vehicle M, which is an SUV (step S517; Yes), the management unit 12 determines whether or not this additional information was acquired at the time of lift-off (step S519).

[0090] If it is determined that the data was acquired at the time of lift-off (step S519; Yes), the management unit 12 updates the SUV lift map LM2 based on the comparison result between the vertical G and vehicle speed included in the update information and the determination map (at lift-off) DM1 (step S521). The set of vertical G and vehicle speed included in the update information is mapped onto the determination map (at lift-off) DM1 as shown in Figure 13, and the SUV lift map LM2 is updated based on its positional relationship with the SUV threshold line TL12. If the mapped point is located below the SUV threshold line TL12 in the vertical G axis direction, it is determined that the magnitude is not such that a lift-up is recommended (lift-up not required). In this case, the vehicle position corresponding to this point is not registered as a lift-recommended point. On the other hand, if the mapped point is located above the SUV threshold line TL12 in the vertical G axis direction, it is determined that the magnitude is such that a lift-up is recommended (lift-up required). In this case, the vehicle position corresponding to this point is registered as a lift-recommended point.

[0091] Next, the management unit 12 updates the lift map LM corresponding to other vehicle types using the update information provided by the SUV vehicle M. For example, the management unit 12 multiplies the vertical G values ​​included in the update information provided by the SUV vehicle M by a predetermined coefficient to convert the vertical G data detected by the SUV into vertical G data corresponding to other vehicle types (regular cars, sports cars), and compares the converted vertical G values ​​with the threshold lines for other vehicle types (regular cars, sports cars) in the judgment map (lift-off) DM1 (step S523). Furthermore, based on this comparison result, the management unit 12 updates the lift map LM for other vehicle types (regular cars, sports cars) (regular car lift map LM1, sports car lift map LM3) (step S525).

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined that the data was not acquired at the time of lift-off (step S519; No), the management unit 12 updates the SUV lift map LM2 based on the result of comparing the vertical G and vehicle speed included in the update information with the determination map (lift-on) DM2 (step S527). The set of vertical G and vehicle speed included in the update information is mapped onto the determination map (lift-on) DM2 as shown in Figure 13, and it is determined whether or not the size is such that a lift-up is recommended based on the positional relationship with the SUV threshold line TL2. If the mapped point is located below the SUV threshold line TL2 in the vertical G axis direction, it is determined that the size is not such that a lift-up is recommended (lift-up not required). In this case, the vehicle position corresponding to this point is not registered as a lift-recommended point. On the other hand, if the mapped point is located above the SUV threshold line TL2 in the vertical G axis direction, it is determined that the size is such that a lift-up is recommended (lift-up required). In this case, the vehicle position corresponding to this point is registered as a lift-recommended point.

[0093] Next, the management unit 12 updates the lift map LM corresponding to other vehicle types using the update information provided by the SUV vehicle M. For example, the management unit 12 multiplies the vertical G values ​​included in the update information provided by the SUV vehicle M by a predetermined coefficient to convert the vertical G data detected by the SUV into vertical G data corresponding to other vehicle types (regular cars, sports cars), and compares the changed vertical G values ​​with the threshold lines for other vehicle types (regular cars, sports cars) in the judgment map (lift-on) DM2 (step S529). Furthermore, based on this comparison result, the management unit 12 updates the lift map LM for other vehicle types (regular cars, sports cars) (regular car lift map LM1, sports car lift map LM3) (step S525).

[0094] On the other hand, if it is determined that the information was not provided by vehicle M, which is an SUV (i.e., provided by vehicle M, which is a sports car) (step S517; No), the management unit 12 determines whether or not this additional information was acquired at the time of lift-off (step S531).

[0095] If it is determined that the data was acquired at the time of lift-off (step S531; Yes), the management unit 12 updates the sports car lift map LM3 based on the result of comparing the vertical G and vehicle speed included in the update information with the determination map (at lift-off) DM1 (step S533). The set of vertical G and vehicle speed included in the update information is mapped onto the determination map (at lift-off) DM1 as shown in Figure 13, and the sports car lift map LM3 is updated based on its positional relationship with the sports car threshold line TL13. If the mapped point is located below the sports car threshold line TL13 in the vertical G axis direction, it is determined that the magnitude is not such that a lift-up is recommended (lift-up not required). In this case, the vehicle position corresponding to this point is not registered as a lift-recommended point. On the other hand, if the mapped point is located above the sports car threshold line TL13 in the vertical G axis direction, it is determined that the magnitude is such that a lift-up is recommended (lift-up required). In this case, the vehicle position corresponding to this point is registered as a lift-recommended point.

[0096] Next, the management unit 12 updates the lift map LM corresponding to other vehicle types using the update information provided by the sports car vehicle M. For example, the management unit 12 multiplies the vertical G values ​​included in the update information provided by the sports car vehicle M by a predetermined coefficient to convert the vertical G data detected in the sports car into vertical G data corresponding to other vehicle types (regular cars, SUVs), and compares the converted vertical G values ​​with the threshold lines for other vehicle types (regular cars, SUVs) in the judgment map (lift-off) DM1 (step S535). Furthermore, based on this comparison result, the management unit 12 updates the lift map LM for other vehicle types (regular cars, SUVs) (regular car lift map LM1, SUV lift map LM2) (step S537).

[0097] On the other hand, if it is determined that the data was not acquired at the time of lift-off (step S531; No), the management unit 12 updates the sports car lift map LM3 based on the result of comparing the vertical G and vehicle speed included in the update information with the determination map (lift-on) DM2 (step S539). The set of vertical G and vehicle speed included in the update information is mapped onto the determination map (lift-on) DM2 as shown in Figure 13, and it is determined whether or not the size is such that a lift-up is recommended based on the positional relationship with the sports car threshold TL3. If the mapped point is located below the sports car threshold TL3 in the vertical G axis direction, it is determined that the size is not such that a lift-up is recommended (lift-up not required). In this case, the vehicle position corresponding to this point is not registered as a lift-recommended point. On the other hand, if the mapped point is located above the sports car threshold TL3 in the vertical G axis direction, it is determined that the size is such that a lift-up is recommended (lift-up required). In this case, the vehicle position corresponding to this point is registered as a lift-recommended point.

[0098] Next, the management unit 12 updates the lift map LM corresponding to other vehicle types using the update information provided by the sports car vehicle M. For example, the management unit 12 converts the vertical G data detected in the sports car into vertical G data corresponding to other vehicle types (passenger cars, SUVs) by multiplying the vertical G included in the update information provided by the sports car vehicle M by a predetermined coefficient, and compares the changed vertical G values ​​with the threshold lines for other vehicle types (passenger cars, SUVs) in the judgment map (lift-on) DM2 (step S541). Furthermore, based on this comparison result, the management unit 12 updates the lift map LM for other vehicle types (passenger cars, SUVs) (passenger car lift map LM1, SUV lift map LM2) (step S537).

[0099] On the other hand, if it is determined that the update information is not additional information for the lift recommendation location (step S501; No), the management unit 12 performs a delete / update process for the lift recommendation location (step S543). Details of the delete / update process for the lift recommendation location will be described later. This concludes the processing of this flowchart.

[0100] (Processing to delete or modify recommended lift locations) Next, we will describe the details of the process for deleting and updating the lift recommendation points in step S543 described above. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process for deleting and updating lift recommendation points by the automatic lift-up management device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0101] First, the management unit 12 determines whether the update information received from each vehicle M is deletion information requesting the deletion of lift recommendation points (step S601). If it is determined to be deletion information for lift recommendation points (step S601; Yes), the management unit 12 updates the lift map LM stored in the storage unit 30 (step S603). For example, the management unit 12 deletes the lift recommendation points included in the update information from the lift map LM corresponding to the vehicle type of the vehicle M that provided the update information.

[0102] Next, the management unit 12 determines whether or not there is any newly started road construction based on the road construction information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 (step S605). If it is determined that there is a newly started road construction (step S605; Yes), the management unit 12 registers the location corresponding to this road construction as a recommended lift location in the lift map LM and updates the lift map LM (step S607).

[0103] Next, the management unit 12 determines whether or not there are any completed road construction projects based on the road construction information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 (step S609). If it is determined that there are completed road construction projects (step S609; Yes), the management unit 12 removes the recommended lift location corresponding to this road construction project from the lift map LM and updates the lift map LM (step S611). This completes the processing of this flowchart.

[0104] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to expand the range in which vehicle lift-up control can be automated.

[0105] Although embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described above using examples, the present invention is not limited in any way to these embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1…Automatic lift-up management device, 10…Control unit, 11…Acquisition unit, 12…Management unit, 13…Provision unit, 20…Communication device, 30…Storage unit, 100…Automatic lift-up control device, 110…Control unit, 111…Acquisition unit, 112…Determination unit, 113…Lift-up control unit, 114…Update control unit, 115…Display control unit, 120…Storage unit, 210…Display, 220…Input interface, 230…Communication device, 240…Vehicle sensor, 250…Lift-up mechanism, M…Vehicle, M1…Passenger car, M2…SUV, M3…Sports car, NW…Communication network, S…Automatic lift-up control system

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the location of the target vehicle and recommended lift-up location information, which is registered as a recommended location for lift-up based on information provided by multiple vehicles. A determination unit that determines whether the location of the target vehicle corresponds to the recommended location registered in the lift-up recommended location information, If it is determined that the location of the target vehicle corresponds to the recommended location registered in the recommended lift-up location information, the lift-up control unit will lift the target vehicle. An automatic lift-up control device equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes an update control unit that generates updated information for the lift-up recommendation point based on at least one of the following: instructions regarding lift operation by the occupant of the target vehicle or the vehicle status of the target vehicle. The automatic lift-up control device according to claim 1.

3. The update control unit determines that any point where the index value related to the vertical movement of the target vehicle, included in the vehicle status of the target vehicle, exceeds a predetermined threshold is a recommended point for addition, and generates the update information including the information of the determined recommended point for addition. The automatic lift-up control device according to claim 2.

4. The update control unit determines, among the recommended locations registered in the recommended lift-up location information, locations where the occupant has given an instruction to avoid lifting, as recommended locations to be deleted from the recommended lift-up location information, and generates the update information including the information of the recommended locations to be deleted. The automatic lift-up control device according to claim 2.

5. The update control unit determines, among the recommended locations registered in the lift-up recommended location information, that locations where the index value related to the height movement of the target vehicle included in the vehicle status of the target vehicle is below a threshold value are recommended locations to be deleted from the lift-up recommended location information, and generates the update information including the information of the recommended locations to be deleted that have been determined to be deleted. The automatic lift-up control device according to claim 2.

6. The acquisition unit acquires the lift-up recommended location information corresponding to the vehicle type of the target vehicle. The automatic lift-up control device according to claim 1.

7. The system further includes a display control unit that displays a screen on a display device for receiving instructions to add a recommended location to the recommended lift-up location information and to delete a recommended location registered in the recommended lift-up location information. The automatic lift-up control device according to claim 1.

8. If it is determined that the location of the target vehicle does not correspond to the recommended location registered in the lift-up recommended location information, the lift-up control unit will lift the target vehicle according to the vehicle status of the target vehicle. The automatic lift-up control device according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned index value includes at least one of acceleration and suspension stroke. The automatic lift-up control device according to claim 3 or 5.

10. An acquisition unit that acquires information on recommended locations where lifting is recommended from multiple vehicles, A management unit that aggregates information on the aforementioned recommended locations and generates lift-up recommended location information, A providing unit that provides the lift-up recommended location information to each of the aforementioned multiple vehicles. An automatic lift-up management device equipped with the following features.

11. The management unit updates the lift-up recommendation point information based on road information provided by an external device. The automatic lift-up management device according to claim 10.

12. An automatic lift-up control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, An automatic lift-up management device according to claim 10 or 11, An automatic lift-up control system equipped with this system.

13. The computer of the automatic lift-up control system The system acquires location information indicating the position of the target vehicle, and recommended lift-up location information, which registers recommended locations where lift-up is recommended based on information provided by multiple vehicles. Determine whether the location of the target vehicle corresponds to the recommended location registered in the lift-up recommended location information. If it is determined that the location of the target vehicle corresponds to the recommended location registered in the lift-up recommended location information, the target vehicle will be lifted. Automatic lift-up control method.

14. The computer of the automatic lift-up management system, We obtained information on recommended locations where lifting is recommended from multiple vehicles. Information regarding the aforementioned recommended locations is aggregated to generate information on recommended lift-up locations. For each of the aforementioned multiple vehicles, the lift-up recommended location information is provided. Automatic lift-up management method.

15. The computer of the automatic lift-up control system, The system obtains location information indicating the position of the target vehicle, and recommended lift-up location information, which registers recommended locations where lift-up is recommended based on information provided by multiple vehicles. The system determines whether the location of the target vehicle corresponds to the recommended location registered in the lift-up recommended location information. If it is determined that the location of the target vehicle corresponds to the recommended location registered in the lift-up recommended location information, the target vehicle will be lifted. program.

16. The computer of the automatic lift-up management system, We obtained information on recommended locations where lifting is recommended from multiple vehicles. Information regarding the aforementioned recommended locations is aggregated to generate information on recommended lift-up locations. To provide each of the aforementioned multiple vehicles with the information on the recommended lift-up location, program.

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