DISPLAY CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE DISPLAY DEVICE, VEHICLE, DISPLAY CONTROL METHOD, AND DISPLAY CONTROL PROGRAM

Abstract

To urge an occupant to perform an operation of switching between approval and disapproval of execution of target control according to the state of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A display unit is controlled, the display unit provided in a vehicle configured to be able to switch between approval and disapproval of execution of target control for a prescribed function by an operation of an occupant. An approval state expressing approval or disapproval of execution of the target control is acquired. The state of the vehicle is recognized on the basis of a detection result of an internal sensor for detecting the state of the vehicle. It is determined whether or not to propose the first operation for disapproving execution of the target control whose approval state is approval or the second operation for approving execution of the target control whose approval state is disapproval to the occupant on the basis of the approval state and the state of the vehicle. On a display unit the first information about the first operation is displayed when it is determined to propose the first operation to the occupant, and on the display unit the second information about the second operation is displayed when it is determined to propose the second operation to the occupant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device, a vehicle display device, a vehicle, a display control method, and a display control program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a switch control device for a vehicle that notifies a vehicle occupant that there is an abnormality in the traction control system when an operating signal for traction control is continuously input for a certain period of time or more (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-313289 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a vehicle that is configured so that the execution of target control for a specified function can be permitted or disallowed by an occupant's operation, there is a possibility that the occupant will not voluntarily perform the operation to permit or disallow the execution of the target control depending on the vehicle's situation.

[0005] Therefore, in this technical field, it is desirable to prompt the occupant to switch between permitting and disallowing the execution of the target control depending on the situation of the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A display control device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a display control device for a vehicle configured to be able to switch between allowing and disallowing the execution of a target control for a specified function by an occupant's operation, and includes a permission state acquisition unit that acquires a permission state indicating whether or not the execution of the target control is allowed or not allowed, a vehicle state recognition unit that recognizes the state of the vehicle based on the detection result of an internal sensor that detects the state of the vehicle, a proposal determination unit that determines whether to propose to the occupant a first operation that disallows the execution of the target control whose permission state is allowed, or a second operation that allows the execution of the target control whose permission state is not allowed, based on the permission state and the vehicle state, and a display control unit that controls a display unit provided in the vehicle, and the display control unit causes first information regarding the first operation to be displayed on the display unit when it is determined that the first operation should be suggested to the occupant, or causes second information regarding the second operation to be displayed on the display unit when it is determined that the second operation should be suggested to the occupant.

[0007] In a display control device according to an aspect of the present invention, a proposal determination unit determines whether to propose to an occupant a first operation for disallowing execution of a target control whose permission state is permitted, based on a permission state indicating permission or disallowance of execution of the target control and a state of the vehicle. When it is determined that the first operation is to be proposed to the occupant, a display control unit displays first information regarding the first operation on the display unit. Alternatively, the proposal determination unit determines whether to propose to an occupant a second operation for allowing execution of a target control whose permission state is not permitted, based on the permission state and the state of the vehicle. When it is determined that the second operation is to be proposed to an occupant, a display control unit displays second information regarding the second operation on the display unit. This makes it easier for an occupant to recognize the option of allowing or disallowing execution of the target control according to the state of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to prompt an occupant to perform an operation to switch between allowing and disallowing execution of the target control according to the state of the vehicle.

[0008] In one embodiment, the target control may include a first control whose permitted state is automatically set to permitted when the vehicle power supply is turned on, the proposal determination unit determines whether to propose a first operation for the first control to the occupant, and the display control unit may cause the display unit to display first information about the first control when it is determined that the first operation is to be proposed to the occupant. In this case, the occupant can be prompted to perform a first operation that disallows execution of the first control whose permitted state was automatically set to permitted when the vehicle power supply was turned on, depending on the situation of the vehicle.

[0009] In one embodiment, the target control may include a second control whose permitted state is automatically prohibited when the vehicle power is turned on, the proposal determination unit determines whether to propose a second operation for the second control to the occupant, and the display control unit may cause the display unit to display second information about the second control when it is determined that the second operation is to be proposed to the occupant. In this case, the occupant can be prompted to perform the second operation that permits execution of the second control whose permitted state was automatically prohibited when the vehicle power was turned on, depending on the situation of the vehicle.

[0010] In one embodiment, the proposal determination unit may determine to propose the second operation to the occupant when a predetermined time has elapsed since execution of the target control was not permitted in response to the first operation. In this case, the occupant can be prompted to re-permit execution of the first control, which was not permitted in response to the first operation, by performing a second operation according to the vehicle situation.

[0011] In one embodiment, the target control is traction control, the internal sensor includes a drive wheel speed sensor that detects the drive wheel speed of the drive wheel, the proposal determination unit determines that a first operation for the traction control is to be proposed to the occupant when a spin condition, which is a condition related to the traction control, is satisfied based on the detection result of the drive wheel speed sensor, and the display control unit may display first information about the traction control on the display unit when it is determined that the first operation is to be proposed to the occupant. Since vehicle conditions are diverse, even if the spin condition is satisfied, the execution of traction control may not necessarily be suitable for the vehicle condition. Therefore, the occupant can be prompted to perform a first operation that disallows the execution of traction control depending on the vehicle condition.

[0012] In one embodiment, the internal sensor includes a rolling wheel speed sensor that detects the rolling wheel speed of the rolling wheels and an accelerator sensor that detects the accelerator opening, and the suggestion determination unit may determine that the first operation for traction control is to be suggested to the occupant when the rolling wheel speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined rolling wheel speed threshold and the accelerator opening is equal to or higher than a predetermined opening threshold. In this case, for example, there is a possibility that the vehicle is trying to escape from being stuck on a snowy road or the like and both the left and right drive wheels are likely to spin. Therefore, the occupant can be prompted to perform the first operation to disable the execution of traction control depending on the vehicle situation.

[0013] In one embodiment, the drive wheel speed sensor detects the drive wheel speeds of the left and right drive wheels, respectively, and the proposal determination unit may determine not to propose the first operation to the occupant when the left-right ratio of the drive wheel speeds is greater than a predetermined left-right ratio threshold. In this case, for example, one of the left and right drive wheels is spinning, and it is possible that executing traction control is suitable for the vehicle situation. Therefore, the proposal to the occupant of the first operation to disallow execution of traction control can be refrained from depending on the vehicle situation.

[0014] In one embodiment, the suggestion determination unit may determine to suggest a second operation to the occupant when the execution of traction control is not permitted in response to the first operation and the state in which the spin condition is not satisfied continues for a predetermined time. In this case, for example, after the execution of traction control is not permitted by the occupant's voluntary operation, the occupant may forget to return the permitted state to permit the execution of traction control. Therefore, the occupant can be prompted to return the execution of traction control to permitted by the second operation.

[0015] A vehicle display device according to another aspect of the present invention may include any one of the display control devices described above and a display unit controlled by the display control unit.

[0016] A vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention may include the above-described vehicle display device.

[0017] A display control method according to another aspect of the present invention is a display control method for controlling a display unit provided in a vehicle configured to be able to switch between allowing and disallowing execution of a target control for a specified function by an occupant's operation, and obtains a permission state indicating whether or not execution of the target control is allowed, recognizes the state of the vehicle based on the detection result of an internal sensor that detects the state of the vehicle, and determines based on the permission state and the vehicle state whether to propose to the occupant a first operation that disallows execution of the target control whose permission state is allowed, or a second operation that allows execution of the target control whose permission state is not allowed, and if it is determined that the first operation should be proposed to the occupant, displays first information regarding the first operation on the display unit, or if it is determined that the second operation should be proposed to the occupant, displays second information regarding the second operation on the display unit.

[0018] In a display control method according to another aspect of the present invention, it is determined whether to propose to the occupant a first operation for disallowing execution of the target control whose permission state is permitted, based on the permission state indicating permission or disallowance of execution of the target control and the state of the vehicle. If it is determined that the first operation is to be proposed to the occupant, first information regarding the first operation is displayed on the display unit. Alternatively, it is determined whether to propose to the occupant a second operation for allowing execution of the target control whose permission state is not permitted, based on the permission state and the state of the vehicle. If it is determined that the second operation is to be proposed to the occupant, second information regarding the second operation is displayed on the display unit. This makes it easier for the occupant to recognize the option of permission or disallowance according to the state of the vehicle for execution of the target control. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the occupant to perform an operation to switch between permission and disallowance of execution of the target control according to the state of the vehicle.

[0019] A display control program according to another aspect of the present invention is a display control program that operates an ECU of the vehicle to control a display unit provided in the vehicle that is configured to be able to switch between allowing and disallowing the execution of a target control for a specified function by an occupant's operation, and operates the ECU as: a permission state acquisition unit that acquires a permission state indicating whether or not the execution of the target control is allowed or not; a vehicle state recognition unit that recognizes the state of the vehicle based on the detection result of an internal sensor that detects the state of the vehicle; a proposal determination unit that determines whether to suggest to the occupant a first operation that disallows the execution of the target control whose permission state is allowed, or a second operation that allows the execution of the target control whose permission state is not allowed, based on the permission state and the vehicle state; and a display control unit that controls the display unit provided in the vehicle, and the display control unit displays first information regarding the first operation on the display unit when it is determined that the first operation should be suggested to the occupant, or displays second information regarding the second operation on the display unit when it is determined that the second operation should be suggested to the occupant.

[0020] According to a display control program according to another aspect of the present invention, the ECU determines whether to propose to the occupant a first operation for disallowing execution of the target control whose permission state is permitted, based on the permission state indicating permission or disallowance of execution of the target control and the state of the vehicle. When the ECU determines to propose the first operation to the occupant, the ECU displays first information regarding the first operation on the display unit. Alternatively, the ECU determines whether to propose to the occupant a second operation for allowing execution of the target control whose permission state is not permitted, based on the permission state and the state of the vehicle. When the ECU determines to propose the second operation to the occupant, the ECU displays second information regarding the second operation on the display unit. This makes it easier for the occupant to recognize the option of allowing or disallowing execution of the target control according to the state of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the occupant to perform an operation to switch between allowing and disallowing execution of the target control according to the state of the vehicle. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to various aspects and embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to prompt an occupant to switch between permitting and disallowing execution of target control depending on the vehicle situation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display control device, a vehicle display device, and a vehicle according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 13 is a diagram showing an example of how first information related to a first operation is displayed on a display unit. FIG. [Diagram 3] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing another example of how the first information regarding the first operation is displayed on the display unit. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a proposal determination process for a first operation. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a display control process of the first information. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the proposal determination process for the first operation. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the display control process of the first information. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a proposal determination process for a second operation. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a display control process of second information. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the proposal determination process for the second operation. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the display control process of the second information. [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing another example of how the first information regarding the first operation is displayed on the display unit. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing another example of how the first information regarding the first operation is displayed on the display unit. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the proposal determination process for the second operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display control device, a vehicle display device, and a vehicle according to an embodiment. The vehicle 100 shown in Fig. 1 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a passenger car. As an example, in the vehicle 100, some of the multiple wheels are driving wheels, and the rest are rolling wheels. The vehicle 100 may be, for example, a FF vehicle in which the right front wheel and the left front wheel are driving wheels and the right rear wheel and the left rear wheel are rolling wheels, or a FR vehicle in which the right front wheel and the left front wheel are rolling wheels and the right rear wheel and the left rear wheel are driving wheels.

[0025] The vehicle 100 includes a brake ECU [Electronic Control Unit] 20, and is configured to be able to execute target control for a predetermined function. The vehicle 100 is configured to be able to switch between permission and non-permission of execution of the target control by an operation of a passenger. The target control means a control that is the subject of switching between permission and non-permission of execution. As an example, the target control may be a known traction control [TRC: Traction Control System] and a known brake hold [BH: Brake Hold].

[0026] The predetermined function is a function that can be exerted by the target control. The predetermined function of the traction control includes a function of suppressing the spinning of the drive wheels when the drive wheel speed of each drive wheel is compared with the estimated vehicle body speed and a spinning drive wheel is identified. In the traction control, for example, the spinning of the drive wheels is suppressed by at least one of a control of reducing the driving force that rotates the spinning drive wheels and a control of applying a braking force to the spinning drive wheels.

[0027] The predetermined function of the brake hold includes a function of holding the braking force while the vehicle 100 is stopped, for example, at a traffic light, etc. In the brake hold, holding of the braking force is started in response to a predetermined operation, such as depressing the brake pedal to a certain degree or more, and holding of the braking force is ended in response to a predetermined operation, such as depressing the accelerator pedal to a certain degree or more.

[0028] The target control includes a first control whose permitted state is automatically set to permitted when the power of the vehicle 100 is turned on. Turning on the power of the vehicle 100 means, for example, turning on the power to a group of electronic control units including the brake ECU 20. The first control may be, for example, traction control and brake hold. The permitted state of the first control is automatically set to permitted when the power of the vehicle 100 is turned on, and is maintained in permitted state until it is switched to unauthorized state by an operation of the occupant. The permitted state of the target control may be stored in the brake ECU 20.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 1, the display control device 10 includes a brake ECU 20. The brake ECU 20 is an electronic control unit having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication circuit, and the like. In the brake ECU 20, for example, a program stored in the ROM is loaded into the RAM, and the program loaded into the RAM is executed by the CPU to control an actuator 9 described below, thereby realizing a predetermined function of the above-mentioned target control. The brake ECU 20 may be composed of a plurality of electronic control units.

[0030] The brake ECU 20 is connected to a TRC switch 1, a BH switch 2, a driving wheel speed sensor (internal sensor) 3, a rolling wheel speed sensor (internal sensor) 4, a reverse switch 5, an acceleration sensor (internal sensor) 6, an HMI [Human Machine Interface] 7, and an actuator 9.

[0031] The TRC switch 1 is a hardware switch for switching between permission and disallowance of execution of traction control. The TRC switch 1 is disposed in the driver's seat of the vehicle 100 so as to be operable by an occupant. For example, when the conductive state (switch state) of the TRC switch 1 is in an ON state, the TRC switch 1 transmits an electric signal to the brake ECU 20 that permits execution of traction control. When the switch state of the TRC switch 1 is in an OFF state, the TRC switch 1 transmits an electric signal to the brake ECU 20 that does not permit execution of traction control. In other words, the TRC switch 1 is configured so that permission and disallowance of execution of traction control can be switched by operation of the occupant.

[0032] The BH switch 2 is a hardware switch for switching between permission and disallowance of brake hold execution. The TRC switch 1 is disposed in the driver's seat of the vehicle 100 so as to be operable by an occupant. For example, when the BH switch 2 is in an ON conduction state (switch state), the BH switch 2 transmits to the brake ECU 20 an electric signal that permits execution of the brake hold. For example, when the BH switch 2 is in an OFF switch state, the BH switch 2 transmits to the brake ECU 20 an electric signal that does not permit execution of the brake hold. In other words, permission and disallowance of brake hold execution are configured to be switchable by operation by the occupant.

[0033] The drive wheel speed sensor 3 is a detector that detects the drive wheel speed, which is the rotation speed of the drive wheels of the vehicle 100. The drive wheel speed sensor 3 includes, for example, a plurality of sensors provided on each of the left and right drive wheels. The drive wheel speed sensor 3 detects the drive wheel speeds of the left and right drive wheels, respectively. As the drive wheel speed sensor 3, for example, a wheel speed sensor that is provided on the drive wheels of the vehicle 100 or a drive shaft that rotates integrally with the drive wheels and detects the rotation speed of the drive wheels is used. The drive wheel speed sensor 3 transmits information on the detected drive wheel speed to the brake ECU 20.

[0034] The rolling wheel speed sensor 4 is a detector that detects the rolling wheel speed, which is the rotation speed of the rolling wheels of the vehicle 100. As the rolling wheel speed sensor 4, for example, a wheel speed sensor that is provided for the rolling wheels of the vehicle 100 and detects the rotation speed of the rolling wheels is used. The rolling wheel speed sensor 4 transmits information on the detected rolling wheel speed to the brake ECU 20.

[0035] The reverse switch 5 is a switch that detects a state in which the traveling direction of the vehicle 100 is reverse. The reverse switch 5 is provided, for example, in a shift lever portion of the vehicle 100 or in a transmission of the vehicle 100. The reverse switch 5 transmits an electric signal to the brake ECU 20 when the traveling direction of the vehicle 100 is reverse. The electric signal from the reverse switch 5 may be transmitted to the brake ECU 20 via, for example, a shift-by-wire ECU.

[0036] The acceleration sensor 6 is a detector that detects the acceleration of the vehicle 100. The acceleration sensor 6 detects at least the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle 100. The acceleration sensor 6 transmits information on the detected acceleration of the vehicle 100 to the brake ECU 20.

[0037] The HMI 7 is an interface for inputting and outputting information between the display control device 10 and a passenger (including the driver). The HMI 7 includes a display (display unit) 7a. The HMI 7 outputs an image on the display 7a in response to a control signal from the brake ECU 20.

[0038] The display 7a is a display device provided in the vehicle 100 so as to be visible to the occupant. The display 7a is provided, for example, on the dashboard of the vehicle 100. The display 7a has a display screen for displaying images to the occupant. The display 7a displays images on the display screen based on a control signal from the brake ECU 20. The display 7a may include a HUD [Head Up Display] that projects and displays images on the windshield or a projection screen of the vehicle 100.

[0039] The HMI 7 includes a touch panel that receives an input operation from the occupant. The display 7a may be a touch panel. The HMI 7 transmits input information, which is input by the occupant touching a button image displayed on the touch panel, to the brake ECU 20.

[0040] The display 7a of the HMI 7 is controlled by a display control device 10. The display 7a of the HMI 7 and the display control device 10 constitute a vehicle display device 50. The vehicle display device 50 is mounted on the vehicle 100. In other words, the vehicle 100 is equipped with the vehicle display device 50. Note that the display unit of the vehicle display device 50 does not have to be mounted on the vehicle. As the display unit, for example, a screen of a terminal that is not fixed to the vehicle 100 can be used by using wireless communication or the like.

[0041] The brake ECU 20 is connected to the powertrain ECU 30. The powertrain ECU 30 is an electronic control unit that controls the drive source and drive system of the vehicle 100. The powertrain ECU 30 is connected to an accelerator sensor (internal sensor) 8 and an actuator 9.

[0042] The accelerator sensor 8 is a detector that detects the amount of accelerator pedal operation (accelerator opening) by the driver of the vehicle 100. The accelerator sensor 8 transmits information on the detected accelerator opening to the powertrain ECU 30.

[0043] The actuator 9 is a device used to control the vehicle 100. The actuator 9 includes at least a drive actuator and a brake actuator. The drive actuator controls the amount of air supplied to the engine (throttle opening) in response to a control signal from the powertrain ECU 30, and controls the driving force of the drive wheels of the vehicle 100. When the vehicle 100 is a hybrid vehicle, in addition to the amount of air supplied to the engine, a control signal from the powertrain ECU 30 is input to a motor as a power source to control the driving force of the drive wheels. When the vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle, a control signal from the powertrain ECU 30 is input to a motor as a power source to control the driving force of the drive wheels. The motor as a power source in these cases constitutes the actuator 9. The brake actuator controls a brake system in response to a control signal from the brake ECU 20, and controls the braking force applied to the drive wheels and rolling wheels of the vehicle 100. For example, a hydraulic brake system can be used as the brake system.

[0044] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the brake ECU 20. The brake ECU 20 has a permission state acquisition unit 21, a vehicle state recognition unit 22, a proposal determination unit 23, and a display control unit 24. Some of the functions of the brake ECU 20 may be executed by a server capable of communicating with the vehicle 100.

[0045] The permission state acquisition unit 21 acquires a permission state indicating whether execution of target control is permitted or not permitted. The permission state acquisition unit 21 acquires the permission state of traction control based on, for example, the switch state of the TRC switch 1. The permission state acquisition unit 21 may acquire the permission state of traction control based on the permission state stored in the brake ECU 20. The permission state acquisition unit 21 acquires the permission state of brake hold based on, for example, the switch state of the BH switch 2. The permission state acquisition unit 21 may acquire the permission state of brake hold based on the permission state stored in the brake ECU 20.

[0046] The vehicle state recognition unit 22 recognizes (acquires) the state of the vehicle 100 based on the detection results of internal sensors that detect the state of the vehicle 100. The vehicle state recognition unit 22 acquires accelerator opening, driving wheel speed, rolling wheel speed, and shift position information based on the detection results of, for example, the accelerator sensor 8, the driving wheel speed sensor 3, the rolling wheel speed sensor 4, and the reverse switch 5.

[0047] The proposal determination unit 23 determines, based on the permission state for execution of the target control and the state of the vehicle 100, whether to propose the first operation or the second operation to the occupant.

[0048] The first operation is an operation by the occupant to disallow the execution of a target control whose permission state is permitted. As a specific example, the first operation includes an operation by the occupant to change the switch state of the TRC switch 1 from the ON state to the OFF state in order to disallow the execution of the traction control when the permission state of the traction control is permitted. The first operation includes an operation by the occupant to change the switch state of the BH switch 2 from the ON state to the OFF state in order to disallow the execution of the brake hold when the permission state of the brake hold is permitted.

[0049] The first operation and the second operation may be performed by the occupant via the HMI 7. For example, the occupant may perform the first operation by touching a switch image for the first operation displayed on the display 7a of the HMI 7. The occupant may perform the second operation by touching a switch image for the second operation displayed on the display 7a of the HMI 7.

[0050] The proposal determination unit 23 may determine whether to propose to the occupant a first operation for the first control whose permitted state is automatically set to permitted when the power source of the vehicle 100 is turned on. As an example of the first control, in the case where the permitted state of the traction control is automatically set to permitted when the power source of the vehicle 100 is turned on, the proposal determination unit 23 may determine whether to propose to the occupant a first operation for disallowing execution of the traction control.

[0051] For example, based on the detection result of the drive wheel speed sensor 3, when a spin condition, which is a condition related to traction control, is satisfied, the proposal determination unit 23 may determine to propose a first operation for traction control to the occupant.

[0052] The slip condition is a condition that indicates whether or not the drive wheels are slipping with respect to traction control. The slip condition can be calculated by a known method based on the drive wheel speed detected by the drive wheel speed sensor 3. When the slip condition is satisfied, it corresponds to a situation where the drive wheels are slipping. When the slip condition is not satisfied, it corresponds to a situation where the drive wheels are not slipping.

[0053] When the spin condition is satisfied, if the rolling wheel speed of the non-driven rolling wheels is equal to or lower than a predetermined rolling wheel speed threshold, it is highly likely that the vehicle 100 is almost stopped and only the driving wheels are spinning. The rolling wheel speed threshold is a threshold value of the rolling wheel speed for determining that the vehicle 100 cannot start and is not moving at all. The rolling wheel speed threshold may be a preset threshold value. For example, when the vehicle 100 is stuck on a snowy road and only the driving wheels are spinning, making it difficult to start, it is highly likely that both the left and right driving wheels will spin to the same extent. In particular, when the vehicle is stuck in heavy snow, it may be easier to start by allowing both the left and right driving wheels to slip to some extent and kicking away the snow masses, rather than trying to start without slipping the driving wheels.

[0054] Therefore, in a case where the spin condition is satisfied, when the rolling wheel speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined rolling wheel speed threshold and the accelerator opening is equal to or higher than a predetermined opening threshold, the proposal determination unit 23 may determine that the first operation for the traction control is to be proposed to the occupant. The opening threshold is a threshold of the accelerator opening for determining that starting is being attempted. The opening threshold may be a preset threshold. Furthermore, the proposal determination unit 23 may determine that the first operation for the traction control is to be proposed to the occupant when the left-right ratio of the driving wheel speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined left-right ratio threshold. The left-right ratio threshold is a threshold of the left-right ratio of the driving wheel speed for determining whether one wheel spins or both wheels spin when starting is being attempted. The left-right ratio threshold may be a preset threshold. In the above-mentioned situation, the occupant can be prompted to perform an operation to disable the execution of the traction control according to the situation of the vehicle 100 so that the vehicle 100 can be started more easily.

[0055] In addition, the proposal determination unit 23 may determine not to propose the first operation to the occupant when the left-right ratio of the drive wheel speed is greater than a predetermined left-right ratio threshold. When the spin condition is satisfied, the situation where the rolling wheel speed is greater than the predetermined rolling wheel speed threshold corresponds to a situation where only one of the left and right drive wheels is spinning when the vehicle 100 is almost stopped. For example, in a situation where only one of the left and right drive wheels of the vehicle 100 is spinning and starting is difficult, the traction control is executed to suppress the slip of the one spinning drive wheel, and the driving force is distributed to the other drive wheel that is not spinning, making it easier to start. This is effective when the traction control includes control to suppress the spinning of the drive wheels using the brakes.

[0056] As another example of the first control, the proposal judgment unit 23 may determine whether to suggest to the occupant a first operation to disallow the execution of brake hold when the brake hold permission state is automatically set to permitted when the power of the vehicle 100 is turned on.

[0057] For example, based on at least the detection result of the accelerator sensor 8, when a brake hold condition that is a condition related to brake hold is satisfied, the proposal determination unit 23 may determine to propose a first operation for brake hold to the occupant.

[0058] The brake hold condition is a condition indicating whether or not to hold the brake so as to maintain the vehicle stopped with the brake pedal released. The brake hold condition can be calculated by a known method based on the detection results of the drive wheel speed sensor 3, the rolling wheel speed sensor 4, and the accelerator sensor 8. When the brake hold condition is satisfied, the vehicle 100 is maintained stopped with the brake pedal released, and corresponds to a situation in which the vehicle 100 can be maintained stopped even if the accelerator is operated below a certain level. When the brake hold condition is not satisfied, the vehicle is no longer maintained stopped with the brake pedal released, and corresponds to a situation in which the vehicle 100 can accelerate according to the accelerator opening.

[0059] For example, when the brake hold condition is satisfied, the brake hold condition is no longer satisfied when the accelerator opening increases to a certain opening or more. For example, when the vehicle 100 stopped on flat ground reverses, the maintenance of the vehicle being stopped may be released when the accelerator opening increases to a certain opening or more. In this case, the adjustment of the vehicle speed may be affected, making it difficult to park the vehicle slowly in a garage.

[0060] Therefore, when the brake hold condition is satisfied and the shift position is reverse, the suggestion determination unit 23 may determine to suggest the first operation for brake hold to the occupant. In the above-mentioned situation, the occupant can be prompted to perform an operation to change the execution of the brake hold to not permitted depending on the situation of the vehicle 100 so that the vehicle 100 can be easily reversed.

[0061] The proposal determination unit 23 may determine that the second operation should be proposed to the occupant when a predetermined time has elapsed since execution of the target control was not permitted in response to the first operation.

[0062] The second operation is an operation by the occupant to permit execution of a target control whose permitted state is not permitted. As a specific example, the second operation includes an operation by the occupant to change the switch state of the TRC switch 1 from the OFF state to the ON state in order to permit execution of the traction control when the permitted state of the traction control is not permitted.

[0063] In the vehicle 100, the traction control is the first control that is automatically set to the permitted state when the power of the vehicle 100 is turned on. Therefore, after the occupant has disallowed the execution of the traction control in accordance with the first operation in a situation such as being stuck on a snowy road, for example, when the situation is resolved, it is in line with the normal state of the vehicle 100 that the execution of the traction control is returned to the permitted state.

[0064] Therefore, the proposal determination unit 23 may determine, for example, based on a comparison result between the elapsed time (TRC disallowance time) since the execution of traction control was disallowed by the first operation and the first time threshold, that the second operation for enabling the execution of traction control is to be proposed to the occupant when the TRC disallowance time is equal to or longer than the first time threshold (predetermined time). The first time threshold is a threshold for the TRC disallowance time for determining whether or not to prompt the occupant to return the execution of traction control to the permitted state. The first time threshold may be, for example, a predetermined number of seconds set in advance, and may be stored in the brake ECU 20.

[0065] For example, based on a comparison result between the elapsed time since the spin condition became not satisfied (time during which the spin condition is not satisfied) and the second time threshold, the proposal determination unit 23 may determine that the second operation for enabling the execution of the traction control is to be proposed to the occupant when the time during which the spin condition is not satisfied is equal to or longer than the second time threshold (predetermined time). The second time threshold is a threshold for the time during which the spin condition is not satisfied, for determining whether or not to prompt the occupant to return the execution of the traction control to the permitted state. The second time threshold may be, for example, a predetermined number of seconds set in advance, and may be stored in the brake ECU 20.

[0066] Incidentally, in the vehicle 100, for example, when driving in a sporty manner, the occupant may voluntarily disable the execution of the traction control regardless of whether the first information described below is displayed or not. In general, it is more in line with the normal state of the vehicle 100 to prompt the occupant to perform the second operation so that the execution of the traction control is re-enabled. In such a case, however, it is preferable to temporarily prompt the occupant to perform the second operation. 2 The operation may not be prompted.

[0067] Therefore, the proposal determination unit 23 may determine to propose to the occupant a second operation for enabling execution of traction control, for example, when notification stop during the trip is not set. Notification stop means a setting to stop notification of the second information about the traction control during the trip and thereafter. The setting state of notification stop may be reset (initialized) to "not setting notification stop" when the power of the vehicle 100 is turned on. The setting state of notification stop may be changed to "setting notification stop" by an operation of the occupant via the HMI 7, for example. The setting state of notification stop may be stored in the brake ECU 20. The proposal determination unit 23 may acquire the setting state of notification stop based on, for example, a setting history of notification stop during the trip stored in the brake ECU 20.

[0068] In addition, the suggestion judgment unit 23 may determine that when it is determined that the vehicle 100 is stopped based on known predetermined conditions for limiting the display of the display 7a while driving, to suggest to the occupant a second operation for enabling the execution of traction control.

[0069] The display control unit 24 controls the display 7a of the HMI 7 provided in the vehicle 100. When the proposal determination unit 23 determines that a first operation should be proposed to the occupant, the display control unit 24 causes the display 7a to display first information regarding the first operation. Alternatively, when the proposal determination unit 23 determines that a second operation should be proposed to the occupant, the display control unit 24 causes the display 7a to display second information regarding the second operation. The display control unit 24 presents information to the occupant of the vehicle 100, for example, by transmitting a control signal to the display 7a.

[0070] For example, when it is determined that a first operation regarding traction control should be suggested to the occupant, the display control unit 24 causes the display 7a to display first information regarding traction control. The first information is information presented to the occupant to prompt the occupant to perform the first operation. The first information is, for example, image information displayed on the display 7a. As the first information, voice or sound information may be used in combination.

[0071] Examples of the first information regarding traction control are shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. In FIG. 2, the first information shows the position of the TRC switch 1 as hardware together with character information regarding the first operation. The occupant can recognize that the first operation using the TRC switch 1 is an option according to the first information in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, the first information shows button images of "Yes" and "No" that function as the TRC switch 1 as software together with character information regarding the first operation. The occupant can recognize that the first operation using the button images is an option according to the first information in FIG. 3.

[0072] When it is determined that a first operation regarding brake hold should be suggested to the occupant, the display control unit 24 may cause the display 7a to display first information regarding the brake hold.

[0073] The first information about the brake hold may be, for example, image information similar to that shown in Figures 2 and 3. The first information about the brake hold may show the location of the BH switch 2 as hardware together with text information about the first operation. The first information about the brake hold may show "Yes" and "No" button images that function as the BH switch 2 as software together with text information about the first operation.

[0074] When it is determined that a second operation regarding the traction control should be suggested to the occupant, the display control unit 24 may cause the display 7a to display second information regarding the traction control. The second information is information presented to the occupant to prompt the occupant to perform the second operation. The second information is, for example, image information displayed on the display 7a. As the second information, voice or sound information may be used in combination.

[0075] Examples of the second information on the traction control are shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. In FIG. 12, the second information shows the position of the TRC switch 1 as hardware together with character information on the second operation. In FIG. 12 or FIG. 13, the first information for changing the switch state of the TRC switch 1 from the ON state to the OFF state is replaced with the content of the second information for changing the switch state of the TRC switch 1 from the OFF state to the ON state, as compared with FIG. 2 or FIG. 3. The occupant can recognize that the second operation using the TRC switch 1 is an option according to the second information in FIG. 12. In FIG. 13, the second information shows button images of "Yes" and "No" that function as the TRC switch 1 as software together with character information on the second operation. The occupant can recognize that the second operation using the button image is an option according to the second information in FIG. 13. In addition to the second information on the traction control, FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 includes a display of a notification stop inquiry to the occupant (a button image of "Don't notify again"). The occupant can recognize that, in response to the notification stop inquiry of FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 being displayed to the occupant, an input operation for setting the notification stop during the trip can be performed using the button image.

[0076] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the powertrain ECU 30. The powertrain ECU 30 has a vehicle control unit 31. Some of the functions of the powertrain ECU 30 may be executed by a server capable of communicating with the vehicle 100.

[0077] The vehicle control unit 31 controls the actuator 9 based on the detection result of the accelerator sensor 8 and a control signal from the brake ECU 20, and controls the running and braking of the vehicle 100. When execution of traction control is permitted, the vehicle control unit 31 may reduce the driving force from the drive actuator by a known method. When execution of traction control is permitted, the vehicle control unit 31 may operate the brake actuator by a known method based on a control signal from the brake ECU 20 to brake the driving wheels or the rolling wheels.

[0078] [An example of calculation processing by the brake ECU 20] Next, a description will be given of an example of the calculation process performed by the brake ECU 20. The steps (processes) illustrated in Fig. 4 to Fig. 11 constitute a display control method according to the embodiment.

[0079] As a first example, Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a first operation suggestion determination process. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first information display control process. The processes shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are repeatedly performed at a predetermined cycle, for example, when the traction control permission state is permitted. Note that the processes shown in Figs. 4 and 5 may be performed when the traction control permission state is not permitted.

[0080] 4, in S01, the brake ECU 20 acquires the permission state by the permission state acquisition unit 21. The permission state acquisition unit 21 acquires the permission state of the traction control based on, for example, the switch state of the TRC switch 1. The permission state acquisition unit 21 may acquire the permission state of the traction control based on the permission state stored in the brake ECU 20.

[0081] In S02, the brake ECU 20 determines whether or not traction control is permitted by the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 determines whether or not traction control is permitted based on, for example, the acquired current permission state. When the proposal determination unit 23 determines that traction control is permitted (S02: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S03.

[0082] In S03, the brake ECU 20 acquires the accelerator opening, the driving wheel speed, and the rolling wheel speed by the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 acquires the accelerator opening, the driving wheel speed, and the rolling wheel speed, for example, based on the recognition result of the vehicle state recognition unit 22 (detection results of the accelerator sensor 8, the driving wheel speed sensor 3, and the rolling wheel speed sensor 4). In S03, the brake ECU 20 calculates the spin condition by the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 calculates the driving wheel speed of each driving wheel and the estimated vehicle body speed, etc., used to determine the spin condition, based on at least the detection result of the driving wheel speed sensor 3, for example.

[0083] In S04, the brake ECU 20 determines whether or not the spin condition is satisfied by the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 determines whether or not the spin condition is satisfied based on, for example, a comparison result between the drive wheel speed of each drive wheel and the estimated vehicle body speed. When the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the spin condition is satisfied (S04: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S05.

[0084] In S05, the brake ECU 20 determines whether the rolling wheel speed is equal to or less than the rolling wheel speed threshold value by the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 determines whether the rolling wheel speed is equal to or less than the rolling wheel speed threshold value, for example, based on a comparison result between the acquired rolling wheel speed and a preset rolling wheel speed threshold value. When the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the rolling wheel speed is equal to or less than the rolling wheel speed threshold value (S05: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S06.

[0085] In S06, the brake ECU 20 determines whether the accelerator opening is equal to or greater than the opening threshold value using the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 determines whether the accelerator opening is equal to or greater than the opening threshold value, for example, based on a comparison result between the acquired accelerator opening and a preset opening threshold value. If the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the accelerator opening is equal to or greater than the opening threshold value (S06: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S07.

[0086] In S07, the brake ECU 20 uses the proposal determination unit 23 to determine whether the left / right ratio of the drive wheel speeds is equal to or less than the left / right ratio threshold. The proposal determination unit 23 determines whether the left / right ratio of the drive wheel speeds is equal to or less than the left / right ratio threshold, for example, based on a comparison result between the left / right ratio of the drive wheel speeds calculated from the left and right drive wheel speeds and a preset left / right ratio threshold. If the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the left / right ratio of the drive wheel speeds is equal to or less than the left / right ratio threshold (S07: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S08. In S08, the brake ECU 20 uses the proposal determination unit 23 to determine that the first operation for the traction control is to be proposed to the occupant. After that, the brake ECU 20 ends the process of FIG. 4 and proceeds to the process of FIG. 5.

[0087] On the other hand, if the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the traction control is not permitted (S02: NO), if the spin condition is not satisfied (S04: NO), if the rolling wheel speed is not equal to or less than the rolling wheel speed threshold (S05: NO), if the accelerator opening is not equal to or more than the opening threshold (S06: NO), or if the left / right ratio of the drive wheel speed is not equal to or less than the left / right ratio threshold (S07: NO), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S09. In S09, the proposal determination unit 23 of the brake ECU 20 determines that the first operation for the traction control is not to be proposed to the occupant. After that, the brake ECU 20 ends the process of FIG. 4.

[0088] 5, in S11, the brake ECU 20 causes the display control unit 24 to display the first information about the traction control on the display unit. The display control unit 24 causes the display 7a to display, for example, the image of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3.

[0089] In S12, the brake ECU 20 determines whether or not the spin condition is no longer satisfied by the display control unit 24. The display control unit 24 determines whether or not the spin condition is no longer satisfied based on the spin condition calculated in the same manner as in the processing of S03 in Fig. 4. If the display control unit 24 determines that the spin condition is not no longer satisfied (the spin condition remains satisfied) (S12: NO), the brake ECU 20 repeats the processing of S11.

[0090] When the display control unit 24 determines that the spin condition is no longer satisfied (S12: YES), the brake ECU 20 continues to display the first information about the traction control for a predetermined time period by the display control unit 24 in S13. The display control unit 24 keeps the image of Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 displayed on the display 7a until a predetermined time period has elapsed since the spin condition is no longer satisfied, thereby preventing the occupant from overlooking the image.

[0091] In S14, the brake ECU 20 ends the display of the first information regarding the traction control by the display control unit 24. After that, the brake ECU 20 ends the process of FIG.

[0092] As a second example, Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the first operation suggestion determination process. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of the first information display control process. The processes shown in Figs. 6 and 7 are repeatedly performed at a predetermined cycle, for example, when the brake hold permission state is permitted. Note that the processes shown in Figs. 6 and 7 may be performed when the brake hold permission state is not permitted.

[0093] 6, in S21, the brake ECU 20 acquires the permission state by the permission state acquisition unit 21. The permission state acquisition unit 21 acquires the permission state of the brake hold based on, for example, the switch state of the BH switch 2. The permission state acquisition unit 21 may acquire the permission state of the brake hold based on the permission state stored in the brake ECU 20.

[0094] In S22, the brake ECU 20 determines whether or not brake hold is permitted by the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 determines whether or not brake hold is permitted based on, for example, the acquired current permission state. When the proposal determination unit 23 determines that brake hold is permitted (S22: YES), the brake ECU 20 transitions to S23.

[0095] In S23, the brake ECU 20 acquires shift position information by the vehicle state recognition unit 22. The vehicle state recognition unit 22 acquires the shift position information based on, for example, the detection result of the reverse switch 5. In S24, the brake ECU 20 calculates a brake hold condition by the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 calculates the brake hold condition based on, for example, the detection results of the drive wheel speed sensor 3, the rolling wheel speed sensor 4, and the accelerator sensor 8.

[0096] In S25, the brake ECU 20 determines whether or not the brake hold condition is satisfied by the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 determines whether or not the brake hold condition is satisfied based on, for example, the accelerator opening degree, etc. When the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the brake hold condition is satisfied (S25: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S26.

[0097] In S26, the brake ECU 20 determines whether the shift position is reverse using the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 determines whether the shift position is reverse based on, for example, the acquired shift position information. If the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the shift position is reverse (S26: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S27. In S27, the brake ECU 20 determines using the proposal determination unit 23 to propose a first operation for brake hold to the occupant. Thereafter, the brake ECU 20 ends the process of FIG. 6 and proceeds to the process of FIG. 7.

[0098] On the other hand, if the proposal determination unit 23 determines that brake hold is not permitted (S22: NO), if the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the brake hold condition is not satisfied (S25: NO), or if the shift position is not reverse (S26: NO), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S28. In S28, the brake ECU 20 uses the proposal determination unit 23 to determine that the first operation for brake hold is not to be proposed to the occupant. After that, the brake ECU 20 ends the processing of FIG. 6.

[0099] 7, in S31, the brake ECU 20 causes the display control unit 24 to display the first information about the brake hold on the display unit. The display control unit 24 causes the display 7a to display, for example, an image similar to that shown in FIG. 2 or 3, in which the operation target and the explanatory text are replaced with the BH switch 2.

[0100] In S32, the brake ECU 20 determines whether or not the brake hold condition is no longer satisfied by the display control unit 24. The display control unit 24 determines whether or not the brake hold condition is no longer satisfied based on the brake hold condition calculated, for example, in the same manner as in the processing of S24 in Fig. 6. If the display control unit 24 determines that the brake hold condition is not no longer satisfied (the brake hold condition remains satisfied) (S32: NO), the brake ECU 20 repeats the processing of S31.

[0101] When the display control unit 24 determines that the brake hold condition is no longer satisfied (S32: YES), in S33, the brake ECU 20 causes the display control unit 24 to continue displaying the first information about the brake hold for a predetermined time. For example, the display control unit 24 keeps an image similar to that shown in Fig. 2 or 3, in which the operation target and the explanatory text are replaced with the BH switch 2, displayed on the display 7a until a predetermined time has elapsed since the brake hold condition is no longer satisfied, thereby preventing the occupant from overlooking the image.

[0102] In S34, the brake ECU 20 causes the display control unit 24 to end the display of the first information regarding the brake hold. After that, the brake ECU 20 ends the process in FIG.

[0103] As a third example, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a second operation suggestion determination process. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a second information display control process. As an example, the processes shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are repeatedly performed at a predetermined cycle in a state where the occupant has disallowed the traction control in response to the display of the first information in FIG. 5. Note that the processes shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 may be performed in a state where the occupant has voluntarily disallowed the traction control regardless of the display of the first information in FIG. 5, or may be performed in a state where the traction control is allowed.

[0104] First, as shown in FIG. 8, in S41, the brake ECU 20 causes the permission state acquisition unit 21 to acquire the permission state in the same manner as in S01 of FIG.

[0105] In S42, the brake ECU 20 determines whether or not the traction control has been disallowed by the first operation using the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 determines whether or not the traction control has been disallowed by the first operation based on, for example, the history of displaying the first information in Fig. 5 and the current permission state. If the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the traction control has been disallowed by the first operation (S42: YES), such as when the traction control has been disallowed by the first operation of the occupant according to the first information displayed by the processing in Figs. 4 and 5, the brake ECU 20 transitions to S43.

[0106] In S43, the brake ECU 20 acquires a time threshold, a driving wheel speed, and a rolling wheel speed by the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 acquires a first time threshold, a second time threshold, a driving wheel speed, and a rolling wheel speed, for example, based on a pre-stored time threshold and the recognition result of the vehicle state recognition unit 22 (detection results of the driving wheel speed sensor 3 and the rolling wheel speed sensor 4). In S43, the brake ECU 20 calculates a spin condition by the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 calculates a spin condition, for example, based on at least the detection result of the driving wheel speed sensor 3.

[0107] In S44, the brake ECU 20 causes the proposal determination unit 23 to determine whether the disallowed time of traction control is equal to or greater than a first time threshold. The proposal determination unit 23 determines whether the disallowed time of traction control is equal to or greater than the first time threshold, for example, based on a comparison result between the elapsed time since traction control was disabled and the first time threshold. When the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the disallowed time of traction control is equal to or greater than the first time threshold (S44: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S45.

[0108] In S45, the brake ECU 20 uses the proposal determination unit 23 to determine whether or not the time during which the spin condition is not satisfied is equal to or longer than the second time threshold. The proposal determination unit 23 determines whether or not the time during which the spin condition is not satisfied is equal to or longer than the second time threshold, for example, based on a comparison result between the time elapsed since the spin condition was not satisfied and the second time threshold. When the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the time during which the spin condition is not satisfied is equal to or longer than the second time threshold (S45: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S46.

[0109] In S46, the brake ECU 20 determines whether the vehicle 100 is in a stopped state using the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 determines whether the vehicle 100 is in a stopped state, for example, based on a known predetermined condition for limiting the display of the display 7a while the vehicle is moving. When the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the vehicle 100 is in a stopped state (S46: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S47.

[0110] In S47, the brake ECU 20 determines, via the proposal determination unit 23, to propose the second operation for the traction control to the occupant. After that, the brake ECU 20 ends the process in FIG. 8, and proceeds to the process in FIG.

[0111] On the other hand, if the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the traction control is not disabled by the first operation (S42: NO), if the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the traction control is not disabled for a period equal to or longer than the first time threshold (S44: NO), if the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the non-establishment period of the spin condition is not equal to or longer than the second time threshold (S45: NO), or if the vehicle 100 is not in a stopped state (S46: NO), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S48. In S48, the proposal determination unit 23 of the brake ECU 20 determines that the second operation for the traction control is not to be proposed to the occupant. After that, the brake ECU 20 ends the process of FIG. 8.

[0112] 9, in S51, the brake ECU 20 causes the display control unit 24 to display the second information about the traction control on the display unit. The display control unit 24 causes the display 7a to display, for example, the image of Fig. 12 or Fig. 13. In the process of Fig. 9, the "Don't notify me again" button in the image of Fig. 12 or Fig. 13 does not have to be displayed.

[0113] In S52, the brake ECU 20 determines whether or not the spin condition is satisfied by the display control unit 24. The display control unit 24 determines whether or not the spin condition is satisfied based on the spin condition calculated, for example, in the same manner as in the processing of S43 in Fig. 8. If the display control unit 24 determines that the spin condition is not satisfied (the spin condition remains unsatisfied) (S52: NO), the brake ECU 20 repeats the processing of S51.

[0114] When the display control unit 24 determines that the spin condition is satisfied (S52: YES), in S53, the brake ECU 20 causes the display control unit 24 to continue displaying the second information about the traction control for a predetermined time. The display control unit 24 keeps the image of Fig. 12 or 13 displayed on the display 7a until a predetermined time has elapsed since the spin condition was satisfied, thereby preventing the occupant from overlooking the image.

[0115] In S54, the brake ECU 20 causes the display control unit 24 to end the display of the second information regarding the traction control. After that, the brake ECU 20 ends the process in FIG.

[0116] As a fourth example, Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the second operation suggestion determination process. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the second information display control process. The processes shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are repeatedly performed at a predetermined cycle when the occupant voluntarily disables the traction control permission state, regardless of whether the first information in Fig. 5 is displayed or not.

[0117] 10, in S61, the brake ECU 20 acquires the setting state of the notification stop by the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 acquires the setting state of the notification stop based on, for example, the setting history of the notification stop during the trip stored in the brake ECU 20.

[0118] In S62, the brake ECU 20 determines whether or not the notification stop during the trip has not been set using the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 determines whether or not the notification stop during the trip has not been set based on, for example, the acquired current setting state of the notification stop. If the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the notification stop during the trip has not been set (S62: YES), for example, when the occupant has not yet input the notification stop in response to a notification stop inquiry displayed by the processing in Fig. 11 described later, the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S63.

[0119] In S63, the brake ECU 20 causes the proposal determination unit 23 to acquire the time threshold, the driving wheel speed, and the rolling wheel speed in the same manner as in S43 of Fig. 8. In S63, the brake ECU 20 causes the proposal determination unit 23 to calculate the slip condition in the same manner as in S43 of Fig. 8.

[0120] In S64, the brake ECU 20 causes the proposal determination unit 23 to determine whether or not the disallowed time of the traction control is equal to or greater than the first time threshold, for example, in the same manner as in S44 of Fig. 8. If the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the disallowed time of the traction control is equal to or greater than the first time threshold (S64: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S65.

[0121] In S65, the brake ECU 20 determines whether the time during which the spin condition is not satisfied is equal to or longer than the second time threshold value by using the proposal determination unit 23, for example, in the same manner as in S45 of Fig. 8. When the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the time during which the spin condition is not satisfied is equal to or longer than the second time threshold value (S65: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S66.

[0122] In S66, the brake ECU 20 determines whether the vehicle 100 is in a stopped state by the proposal determination unit 23, for example, in the same manner as in S46 of Fig. 8. If the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the vehicle 100 is in a stopped state (S66: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S67.

[0123] In S67, the brake ECU 20 determines, via the proposal determination unit 23, to propose the second operation for the traction control to the occupant. After that, the brake ECU 20 ends the process in FIG. 10, and proceeds to the process in FIG.

[0124] On the other hand, if the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the notification stop during the trip is not unset (the notification stop during the trip is already set) (S62: NO), if the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the traction control disallowance time is not equal to or greater than the first time threshold (S64: NO), if the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the spin condition is not satisfied for a time period not equal to or greater than the second time threshold (S65: NO), or if the vehicle 100 is not in a stopped state (S66: NO), the brake ECU 20 determines in S68 by the proposal determination unit 23 not to propose the second operation for the traction control to the occupant. After that, the brake ECU 20 ends the processing of FIG. 10.

[0125] 11, in S71, the brake ECU 20 causes the display control unit 24 to display the second information about the traction control on the display 7a. The display control unit 24 causes the display 7a to display, for example, the image of FIG. 12 or FIG. 13.

[0126] In S72, the brake ECU 20 causes the display control unit 24 to display a notification stop inquiry to the occupant on the display 7a. The display control unit 24 causes the display 7a to display, for example, an image of Fig. 12 or 13. The image of Fig. 12 or 13 includes both the second information about the traction control and the notification stop inquiry to the occupant.

[0127] In S73, the brake ECU 20 causes the display control unit 24 to continue displaying the second information about the traction control and the notification stop inquiry to the occupant for a predetermined time. The display control unit 24 keeps the image of Fig. 12 or 13 displayed on the display 7a, for example, to prevent the occupant from overlooking it.

[0128] In S74, the brake ECU 20 causes the display control unit 24 to display the second information about the traction control and the notification stop inquiry to the occupant, and ends the display.

[0129] In S75, the brake ECU 20 determines whether or not an input to stop notification has been made by the display control unit 24. The display control unit 24 determines whether or not an input to stop notification has been made by the occupant based on whether or not an input operation of the "Don't notify me again" button has been made in the image of Fig. 12 or Fig. 13 displayed by the processing of S72 described above has been made. When the display control unit 24 determines that an input to stop notification has been made (S75: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S76.

[0130] In S76, the brake ECU 20 performs a notification stop setting using the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 sets the notification stop by, for example, causing the brake ECU 20 to store a setting history indicating that notification of the second information regarding traction control during the trip will not be performed thereafter. Thereafter, the brake ECU 20 ends the processing of Fig. 11. Note that the brake ECU 20 may reset the notification stop setting history to "no notification stop setting" the next time the vehicle 100 is powered on.

[0131] On the other hand, if the display control unit 24 determines that there has been no input to stop the notification (S75: NO), the brake ECU 20 ends the process in FIG.

[0132] [Display control program] The display control program causes the brake ECU 20 of the vehicle 100 to function (operate) as the above-mentioned permission state acquisition unit 21, vehicle state recognition unit 22, proposal determination unit 23, and display control unit 24. The display control program is provided by a non-transitory recording medium such as a ROM or a semiconductor memory. The display control program may also be provided via communication such as a network.

[0133] According to the display control device 10 described above, the display control device 10 (the vehicle display device 50, the vehicle 100, the display control method, and the display control program) determines whether to propose to the occupant a first operation for disallowing the execution of the target control whose permission state is permitted, based on the permission state indicating permission or disallowance of the execution of the target control (traction control and brake hold) and the state of the vehicle 100. If it is determined that the first operation is to be proposed to the occupant, first information regarding the first operation is displayed on the display 7a of the HMI 7. Alternatively, based on the permission state and the state of the vehicle 100, it is determined whether to propose to the occupant a second operation for allowing the execution of the target control whose permission state is not permitted. If it is determined that the second operation is to be proposed to the occupant, second information regarding the second operation is displayed on the display 7a. This makes it easier for the occupant to recognize the option of permission or disallowance according to the state of the vehicle 100 for the execution of the target control. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the occupant to perform an operation to switch between permission and disallowance of the execution of the target control according to the state of the vehicle 100.

[0134] The target controls include a first control (traction control and brake hold) whose permitted state is automatically set to permitted when the power source of the vehicle 100 is turned on. It is determined whether or not to propose a first operation for the first control to the occupant. When it is determined that the first operation is to be proposed to the occupant, first information about the first control is displayed on the display 7a. This makes it possible to prompt the occupant to perform a first operation that disallows execution of the first control whose permitted state was automatically set to permitted when the power source of the vehicle 100 was turned on, depending on the situation of the vehicle.

[0135] When a predetermined time has elapsed since execution of the target control was not permitted in response to the first operation, it is determined that the second operation should be proposed to the occupant. This makes it possible to prompt the occupant to re-permit execution of the first control, which was not permitted in response to the first operation, by using the second operation according to the situation of the vehicle 100.

[0136] The target control is traction control. The internal sensor includes a drive wheel speed sensor 3 that detects the drive wheel speed of the drive wheels. When a spin condition is satisfied based on the detection result of the drive wheel speed sensor, it is determined that a first operation regarding the traction control is to be proposed to the occupant. When it is determined that the first operation is to be proposed to the occupant, first information regarding the traction control is displayed on the display 7a. Even when the spin condition is satisfied, there is a possibility that the execution of the traction control is not necessarily suitable for the situation of the vehicle 100. Therefore, the occupant can be prompted to perform a first operation that disallows the execution of the traction control depending on the situation of the vehicle 100.

[0137] The internal sensors include a rolling wheel speed sensor 4 that detects the rolling wheel speed of the rolling wheels, and an accelerator sensor that detects the accelerator opening. When the rolling wheel speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined rolling wheel speed threshold and the accelerator opening is equal to or higher than a predetermined opening threshold, it is determined that a first operation for traction control should be suggested to the occupant. In this case, for example, there is a possibility that the vehicle is trying to escape from being stuck on a snowy road or the like, and both the left and right drive wheels are likely to spin. Therefore, the occupant can be prompted to perform a first operation that disables the execution of traction control depending on the situation of the vehicle 100.

[0138] The drive wheel speed sensor 3 detects the drive wheel speeds of the left and right drive wheels. When the left-right ratio of the drive wheel speeds is greater than a predetermined left-right ratio threshold, it is determined that the first operation is not to be proposed to the occupant. In this case, for example, one of the left and right drive wheels is spinning, and it is possible that executing traction control is suitable for the situation of the vehicle 100. Therefore, the proposal to the occupant of the first operation to not permit execution of traction control can be refrained from depending on the situation of the vehicle.

[0139] When the execution of traction control is not permitted in response to the first operation, if the spin condition is not satisfied for a predetermined period of time, it is determined that the second operation should be suggested to the occupant. As a result, for example, after the execution of traction control is not permitted by the occupant's voluntary operation, there is a possibility that the occupant may forget to return the permitted state to permit the execution of traction control. Therefore, the occupant can be prompted to return the execution of traction control to permitted by the second operation.

[0140] [Variations] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. The present invention can be embodied in various forms including the above-mentioned embodiment and various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the processes shown in Figures 4 and 5, 6 and 7, 8 and 9, and 10 and 11 are illustrated as the first to fourth examples, but the brake ECU 20 does not need to execute all of these. The brake ECU 20 may execute at least one of the first to fourth examples. In addition, some of the decision blocks (for example, at least one of S07, S13, S33, S45, S46, S53, S65, S66, and S73) may be omitted from the first to fourth examples.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the traction control is the first control in which the permitted state is automatically enabled when the power supply of the vehicle 100 is turned on, but the present invention is not limited to this. The traction control may be the second control in which the permitted state is automatically disabled, or the traction control may be a specification in which the settings from the previous trip are maintained for the current trip. In addition, the contents described regarding the traction control in the above embodiment may be applied to an anti-skid device [ESC: Electric Stability Control] together with or instead of the traction control as a target control for a predetermined function.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the brake hold is the first control in which the permitted state is automatically changed to permitted when the power source of the vehicle 100 is turned on, but this is not limited to the first control. The brake hold may be the second control in which the permitted state is automatically changed to unauthorized, or the brake hold may be a specification in which the setting from the previous trip is maintained during the current trip, for example.

[0144] As an example, in the case of the second control in which the brake hold is automatically changed from an permitted state to a prohibited state, the brake ECU 20 may perform the process shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing another example of the process for determining whether or not the second operation is proposed.

[0145] 14, in S81, the brake ECU 20 acquires the setting state of the notification stop for the brake hold by the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 acquires the setting state of the notification stop for the brake hold based on, for example, the setting history of the notification stop during the trip stored in the brake ECU 20.

[0146] In S82, the brake ECU 20 determines whether or not notification stop for the brake hold during the trip has not been set using the proposal determination unit 23. The proposal determination unit 23 determines whether or not notification stop for the brake hold during the trip has not been set, for example, based on the acquired current notification stop setting state. If the proposal determination unit 23 determines that notification stop for the trip has not been set (S82: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S83.

[0147] In S83, the brake ECU 20 causes the proposal determination unit 23 to acquire the gradient in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal gradient) of the vehicle 100. The proposal determination unit 23 acquires the gradient in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100 based on the detection result of an acceleration sensor, for example.

[0148] In S84, the brake ECU 20 determines whether or not the longitudinal gradient of the stopped vehicle 100 is equal to or greater than the gradient threshold value, using the proposal determination unit 23. If the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the longitudinal gradient of the stopped vehicle 100 is equal to or greater than the gradient threshold value (S84: YES), the brake ECU 20 proceeds to S85.

[0149] In S85, the brake ECU 20 determines, by the proposal determination unit 23, to propose the second operation regarding the brake hold to the occupant. After that, the brake ECU 20 ends the processing in Fig. 14. After that, the brake ECU 20 may proceed to the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 11 in which S71 is replaced with "display second information regarding the brake hold on the display unit."

[0150] On the other hand, if the proposal determination unit 23 determines that the notification stop for the brake hold during the trip is not unset (the notification stop during the trip is already set) (S82: NO), or if the longitudinal gradient is not equal to or greater than the gradient threshold (S84: NO), the brake ECU 20 determines in S86 using the proposal determination unit 23 not to propose the second operation for the brake hold to the occupant. After that, the brake ECU 20 ends the processing of FIG.

[0151] As described above, according to the processing shown in FIG. 14, for example, when the vehicle 100 is stopped on a slope whose longitudinal gradient is equal to or greater than a gradient threshold, the occupant can be prompted to perform a second operation that permits execution of brake hold (second control), which was automatically set to a prohibited state when the vehicle 100 was powered on, depending on the situation of the vehicle 100.

[0152] The vehicle 100 may have a drive system other than that of a FF vehicle or a FR vehicle. In the vehicle 100, all the wheels may be drive wheels, or the vehicle may be automatically switched between four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 3...driving wheel speed sensor (internal sensor), 4...rolling wheel speed sensor (internal sensor), 6...acceleration sensor (internal sensor), 7a...display (display unit), 8...accelerator sensor (internal sensor), 10...display control device, 21...permission state acquisition unit, 22...vehicle state recognition unit, 23...proposal determination unit, 24...display control unit, 50...vehicle display device, 100...vehicle.

Claims

1. A display control device for a vehicle configured to allow or disallow execution of target control for a predetermined function by an operation of an occupant, a permission status acquisition unit that acquires a permission status indicating whether execution of the target control is permitted or not; a vehicle state recognition unit that recognizes a state of the vehicle based on a detection result of an internal sensor that detects a state of the vehicle; a proposal determination unit that determines, based on the permission state and a state of the vehicle, whether to propose to the occupant a first operation that disallows execution of the target control whose permission state is permitted, or a second operation that allows execution of the target control whose permission state is not permitted; A display control unit that controls a display unit provided in the vehicle, The display control unit is When it is determined that the first operation is to be proposed to the occupant, first information regarding the first operation is displayed on the display unit; or when it is determined that the second operation should be proposed to the occupant, displaying second information regarding the second operation on the display unit; the target control is a brake hold that starts holding a braking force in response to a predetermined operation including depression of a brake pedal to a certain degree or more, and ends holding the braking force in response to a predetermined operation including depression of an accelerator pedal to a certain degree or more, The internal sensor includes an accelerator sensor that detects an accelerator opening degree, the proposal determination unit determines to propose to the occupant the first operation regarding the brake hold when a brake hold condition is satisfied, the brake hold condition being a condition regarding the brake hold that is not satisfied when the accelerator opening degree increases and reaches or exceeds a certain opening degree, based on at least a detection result of the accelerator sensor; the display control unit, when it is determined that the first operation regarding the brake hold should be suggested to the occupant, causes the display unit to display the first information regarding the brake hold, The suggestion determination unit determines that the first operation for the brake hold should be suggested to the occupant when the brake hold condition is satisfied and the shift position is in reverse.

2. A display control device for a vehicle configured to be able to switch between permission and non-permission of execution of target control for a predetermined function by an occupant's operation, a permission status acquisition unit that acquires a permission status indicating whether execution of the target control is permitted or not; a vehicle state recognition unit that recognizes a state of the vehicle based on a detection result of an internal sensor that detects a state of the vehicle; a proposal determination unit that determines, based on the permission state and a state of the vehicle, whether to propose to the occupant a first operation that disallows execution of the target control whose permission state is permitted, or a second operation that allows execution of the target control whose permission state is not permitted; A display control unit that controls a display unit provided in the vehicle, The display control unit is When it is determined that the first operation is to be proposed to the occupant, first information regarding the first operation is displayed on the display unit; or when it is determined that the second operation should be proposed to the occupant, displaying second information regarding the second operation on the display unit; the target control is a brake hold that starts holding a braking force in response to a predetermined operation including depression of a brake pedal to a certain degree or more, and ends holding the braking force in response to a predetermined operation including depression of an accelerator pedal to a certain degree or more, The internal sensor includes an accelerator sensor that detects an accelerator opening degree, the proposal determination unit determines to propose to the occupant the first operation regarding the brake hold when a brake hold condition is satisfied, the brake hold condition being a condition regarding the brake hold that is not satisfied when the accelerator opening degree increases and reaches or exceeds a certain opening degree, based on at least a detection result of the accelerator sensor; the display control unit, when it is determined that the first operation regarding the brake hold should be suggested to the occupant, causes the display unit to display the first information regarding the brake hold, the target control includes a traction control which is a first control in which the permitted state is automatically changed to permitted when a power source of the vehicle is turned on; a notification stop during a trip of the vehicle after setting the display of the second information about the traction control on the display unit can be set by an operation of the occupant, The display control device, wherein the proposal determination unit determines that the second operation for the traction control should be proposed to the occupant when the notification stop during the trip is not set, and determines that the second operation for the traction control should not be proposed to the occupant when the notification stop during the trip is not set.

3. A display control device according to claim 1 or 2; The display unit is controlled by the display control unit.

4. A vehicle comprising the display device for vehicle according to claim 3.

5. A display control method for controlling a display unit provided in a vehicle configured to be able to switch between permission and non-permission of execution of a target control for a predetermined function by an operation by an occupant, comprising: Obtaining a permission state indicating whether execution of the target control is permitted or not; Recognizing a state of the vehicle based on a detection result of an internal sensor that detects the state of the vehicle; determining whether to propose to the occupant a first operation for disallowing execution of the target control whose permission state is permitted, or a second operation for allowing execution of the target control whose permission state is not permitted, based on the permission state and the state of the vehicle; displaying, on the display unit, first information regarding the first operation when it is determined that the first operation should be proposed to the occupant, or displaying, on the display unit, second information regarding the second operation when it is determined that the second operation should be proposed to the occupant; the target control is a brake hold that starts holding a braking force in response to a predetermined operation including depression of a brake pedal to a certain degree or more, and ends holding the braking force in response to a predetermined operation including depression of an accelerator pedal to a certain degree or more, The internal sensor includes an accelerator sensor that detects an accelerator opening degree, determining that the first operation regarding the brake hold is to be suggested to the occupant when a brake hold condition, which is a condition regarding the brake hold that is not satisfied when the accelerator opening degree increases and reaches or exceeds a certain opening degree based on at least a detection result of the accelerator sensor, is satisfied; When it is determined that the first operation regarding the brake hold should be suggested to the occupant, displaying the first information regarding the brake hold on the display unit; A display control method comprising: determining, when the brake hold condition is satisfied and the shift position is in reverse, that the first operation for the brake hold is to be suggested to the occupant.

6. A display control program for operating an ECU of a vehicle to control a display unit provided in the vehicle, the display unit being configured to be able to switch between permission and non-permission of execution of a target control for a predetermined function by an operation by an occupant, the display control program comprising: a permission status acquisition unit that acquires a permission status indicating whether execution of the target control is permitted or not; a vehicle state recognition unit that recognizes a state of the vehicle based on a detection result of an internal sensor that detects the state of the vehicle; a proposal determination unit that determines, based on the permission state and a state of the vehicle, whether to propose to the occupant a first operation that disallows execution of the target control whose permission state is permitted, or a second operation that allows execution of the target control whose permission state is not permitted; and A display control unit that controls a display unit provided in the vehicle; and operating the ECU as the In the display control unit, When it is determined that the first operation is to be proposed to the occupant, first information regarding the first operation is displayed on the display unit; or when it is determined that the second operation should be proposed to the occupant, displaying second information regarding the second operation on the display unit; the target control is a brake hold that starts holding a braking force in response to a predetermined operation including depression of a brake pedal to a certain degree or more, and ends holding the braking force in response to a predetermined operation including depression of an accelerator pedal to a certain degree or more, The internal sensor includes an accelerator sensor that detects an accelerator opening degree, the proposal determination unit determines to propose to the occupant the first operation regarding the brake hold when a brake hold condition, which is a condition regarding the brake hold that is not satisfied when the accelerator opening degree increases and reaches or exceeds a certain opening degree, is satisfied based on at least a detection result of the accelerator sensor, When it is determined that the first operation regarding the brake hold is to be suggested to the occupant, the display control unit causes the first information regarding the brake hold to be displayed on the display unit, The display control program, in which the proposal determination unit determines that the first operation for the brake hold should be proposed to the occupant when the brake hold condition is satisfied and the shift position is in reverse.

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