Vehicle control device, vehicle control computer program, and vehicle control method

Abstract

To provide a vehicle control apparatus that reduces power consumption of electric pump oil until a driver begins to drive a vehicle after starting it.SOLUTION: A vehicle control apparatus includes: an estimation part 232 for estimating, after a vehicle 10 is started, whether a driver is beginning to drive the vehicle 10 on the basis of an image that is an image of a surrounding area of a driver seat; and a control part 231. The control part controls, in a case where the estimation part 232 estimates that the driver is not beginning to drive the vehicle 10, an electric oil pump 175 so as to supply second oil pressure being lower than first oil pressure that enables a transmission 173 to function, the transmission including a friction-engaging element that is enabled for engaging-disengaging by oil pressure, and controls, in a case where the estimation part 232 estimates that the driver is beginning to drive the vehicle 10, the electric oil pump 175 so as to supply the transmission 173 with first oil pressure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control device, a computer program for controlling a vehicle, and a vehicle control method. [Background technology]

[0002] In a control system for a hybrid vehicle having an engine and an electric motor, when the vehicle starts, an electric oil pump is driven immediately to supply an operable oil pressure to a transmission having friction engagement elements that can be hydraulically engaged and disengaged, thereby making the vehicle ready to run at any time.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a vehicle control device that starts an electric oil pump when a change in the vehicle state, such as the opening or closing of a vehicle door, is detected. As a result, this vehicle control device can create a state in which the necessary hydraulic pressure is supplied to the hydraulic system when the vehicle starts moving. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-264545 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A driver does not necessarily start driving the vehicle immediately after starting the vehicle. For example, after starting the vehicle, the driver may operate a navigation device to set a navigation route to a destination position of the vehicle, operate an air conditioner, or make a call on a mobile phone.

[0006] In this way, the timing at which the vehicle starts to run is determined by the driver. Therefore, if the electric oil pump is started based on the detection of a change in the vehicle state as in Patent Document 1, if the time between the start of the vehicle and the start of running is long, the electric oil pump may be driven during that time, consuming power.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle control device that reduces power consumption in an electric pump oil after the vehicle has started and until the driver intends to start driving the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device is provided, which is characterized by having an estimation unit that estimates whether or not a driver is about to start driving the vehicle based on an image captured around the driver's seat after the vehicle is started, and a control unit that controls an electric oil pump to supply a second hydraulic pressure lower than a first hydraulic pressure at which a transmission having a friction engagement element that can be engaged or disengaged by hydraulic pressure can operate when the estimation unit estimates that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle, and controls the electric oil pump to supply the first hydraulic pressure to the transmission when the estimation unit estimates that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle.

[0009] In addition, in this vehicle control device, it is preferable that the estimation unit estimates the direction of the driver's face based on the image, and if the driver's face is facing forward of the vehicle for a first period of time, estimates that the driver is about to start moving the vehicle.

[0010] In addition, in this vehicle control device, it is preferable that the estimation unit estimates that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle when the temperature of the oil that operates the transmission is lower than a predetermined reference temperature and the driver's face is facing toward the front of the vehicle for a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.

[0011] According to another embodiment, there is provided a computer program for controlling a vehicle, which causes a processor to execute a process including: estimating whether or not the driver is about to start driving the vehicle based on an image captured around the driver's seat after the vehicle is started; controlling an electric oil pump to supply a second hydraulic pressure lower than a first hydraulic pressure at which a transmission having a friction engagement element that can be engaged or disengaged by hydraulic pressure can operate if it is estimated that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle; and controlling an electric oil pump to supply a first hydraulic pressure to the transmission if it is estimated that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle.

[0012] According to yet another embodiment, there is provided a vehicle control method, which is executed by a vehicle control device and includes estimating whether or not the driver is about to start traveling of the vehicle based on an image captured around the driver's seat after the vehicle is started, controlling an electric oil pump to supply a second hydraulic pressure lower than a first hydraulic pressure at which a transmission having a friction engagement element that can be hydraulically engaged or disengaged can operate if it is estimated that the driver is about to start traveling of the vehicle, and controlling the electric oil pump to supply the first hydraulic pressure to the transmission if it is estimated that the driver is about to start traveling of the vehicle. Effect of the Invention

[0013] The vehicle control device of the present disclosure controls the electric oil pump to supply a lower oil pressure to the transmission than the operable oil pressure after the vehicle has started and until it is estimated that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle, thereby reducing power consumption. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the operation of the vehicle control device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle in which a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is implemented; [Diagram 3] 4 is an example of an operational flowchart relating to a vehicle control process of the vehicle control device of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is an example of an operational flowchart relating to an estimation process of the vehicle control device of the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is an example of a timing chart illustrating a vehicle control process of the vehicle control device of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the operation of the vehicle control device 16 of this embodiment. Hereinafter, an outline of the operation related to the vehicle control processing of the vehicle control device 16 disclosed in this specification will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0016] The vehicle 10 has a vehicle control device 16 and a drive device 17. The vehicle control device 16 controls the drive device 17 and the like based on a predetermined driving plan. The drive device 17 has an engine 171, an electric motor 172, and an automatic transmission 173. The vehicle 10 is a so-called hybrid vehicle.

[0017] The drive device 17 is controlled by the vehicle control device 16 to adjust the output of the engine 171 and the electric motor 172. In addition, the drive device 17 is controlled by the vehicle control device 16 to adjust the gear stage or gear ratio of the automatic transmission 173. The output of the engine 171 and the electric motor 172 is converted into a rotational force of a predetermined rotation speed by the automatic transmission 173 and transmitted to the tires 20 via the output shaft 19.

[0018] The engine 171 generates driving force by burning fuel such as gasoline. The electric motor 172 receives electric power from a battery 178 and generates driving force.

[0019] The drive device 17 has an electric oil pump (EOP) 175 and a mechanical oil pump (MOP) 176. The electric oil pump 175 and the mechanical oil pump 176 are controlled by the vehicle control device 16 and supply hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic control circuit 174. The electric oil pump 175 is driven by an electric motor (not shown) to generate hydraulic pressure. The mechanical oil pump 176 is driven by the engine 171 to generate hydraulic pressure. In the automatic transmission 173, engagement and release of the clutches C1, C2 and the brakes B1, B2, B3 are controlled by the hydraulic pressure supplied from the hydraulic control circuit 174.

[0020] When the vehicle 10 starts, the engine 171 is usually stopped, and the vehicle control device 16 supplies hydraulic pressure generated by the electric oil pump 175 to the hydraulic control circuit 174 .

[0021] In this specification, the time when the vehicle 10 starts refers to a state in which the vehicle control device 16 and the drive device 17 are operable, but the first hydraulic pressure P1 that enables the automatic transmission 173 to operate is not supplied to the automatic transmission 173. At this time, the driving force is not transmitted to the tires 20, so the vehicle 10 has not started running.

[0022] After the vehicle 10 starts, the vehicle control device 16 estimates whether the driver is about to start driving the vehicle 10 based on a surveillance image of the area around the driver's seat captured by the surveillance camera 3.

[0023] When the vehicle control device 16 estimates that the driver is not about to start driving the vehicle 10, it controls the electric oil pump 175 to supply a second hydraulic pressure P2 that is lower than a first hydraulic pressure P1 at which an automatic transmission 173 having friction engagement elements (clutches C1, C2 and brakes B1, B2, B3, etc.) that can be engaged or disengaged by hydraulic pressure can be operated. The second hydraulic pressure P2 may be zero. In this case, the electric oil pump 175 is controlled not to generate hydraulic pressure.

[0024] On the other hand, when the vehicle control device 16 estimates that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle 10, it controls the electric oil pump 175 to supply a first hydraulic pressure P1 to the automatic transmission 173. The hydraulic control circuit 174 is controlled by the vehicle control device 16 to supply the first hydraulic pressure P1, which enables the automatic transmission 173 to operate, to the automatic transmission 173. As a result, the output of the electric motor 172 is transmitted to the tires 20 via the automatic transmission 173 and the like, enabling the vehicle to drive.

[0025] As described above, the vehicle control device 16 of this embodiment controls the electric oil pump 175 to supply a second hydraulic pressure lower than the first hydraulic pressure at which the automatic transmission 173 can operate after the vehicle 10 has started until it is estimated that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle 10, thereby reducing consumption of power from the battery 178.

[0026] 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle 10 in which a vehicle control device 16 of this embodiment is implemented. The vehicle control system 1 includes a surveillance camera 3, a start switch 4, an automatic control device 15, a vehicle control device 16, a drive device 17, and the like.

[0027] The surveillance camera 3, the starter switch 4, the automatic control device 15, the vehicle control device 16, and the drive device 17 are communicatively connected via an in-vehicle network 18 that complies with a standard such as a controller area network.

[0028] The surveillance camera 3 is disposed in the vehicle interior so as to be able to capture an image of the vicinity of the driver's seat (not shown). The surveillance image showing the vicinity of the driver's seat captured by the surveillance camera 3 may include the face of the driver who drives the vehicle 10. The surveillance camera 3 is an example of an imaging device that captures surveillance images.

[0029] The surveillance camera 3 captures surveillance images including the driver's face by capturing images of the vicinity of the driver's seat 31 at surveillance image capturing times having a predetermined cycle. The predetermined cycle may be, for example, 0.1 to 1.0 seconds. Note that the predetermined cycle is not limited to these times. Every time the surveillance camera 3 captures a surveillance image, it outputs the surveillance image and the surveillance image capturing time to the vehicle control device 16, etc. via the in-vehicle network 18.

[0030] The surveillance camera 3 has a two-dimensional detector composed of an array of photoelectric conversion elements sensitive to infrared rays, such as CCD or C-MOS, and an imaging optical system that forms an image of the area to be photographed on the two-dimensional detector. The surveillance camera 3 preferably has a floodlight in addition to the two-dimensional detector. The floodlight is an LED (light-emitting diode), for example, two near-infrared LEDs arranged on both sides of the imaging optical system. By irradiating the driver with near-infrared light, the driver's face can be photographed without causing discomfort to the driver even in low-illumination situations such as at night.

[0031] The start switch 4 is disposed in the vehicle cabin so as to be operable by a driver seated in the driver's seat. The start switch 4 generates an operation signal in response to the driver's operation, and outputs this operation signal to the automatic control device 15, the vehicle control device 16, etc. via the in-vehicle network 18. Based on the operation signal, the vehicle 10 transitions between an accessory on state, an ignition on state, and a state in which the engine 171 and / or the electric motor 172 can be driven.

[0032] The automatic control device 15 has an automatic control mode in which the automatic control device 15 mainly drives the vehicle 10, and a manual control mode in which the driver mainly drives the vehicle 10. In the automatic control mode, the automatic control device 15 generates a driving plan for controlling operations such as steering, driving, and braking based on detection information from sensors (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 10, and outputs this driving plan to the vehicle control device 16 via the in-vehicle network 18.

[0033] In addition, in the manual control mode, the automatic control device 15 generates a manual control signal that controls the operation of the vehicle 10, such as steering, driving, and braking, based on the driver's operation, and outputs this manual control signal to the vehicle control device 16.

[0034] In the automatic control mode, the automatic control device 15 is primarily responsible for driving. The automatic control mode may include so-called automatic driving levels of levels 2 to 5. In the manual control mode, the driver is primarily responsible for driving. The manual control mode may include so-called automatic driving levels of levels 0 to 1.

[0035] The automatic control mode is executable in an area where a high-precision map is prepared for controlling the vehicle 10. Therefore, if the point where the vehicle 10 is started is in an area where a high-precision map is not prepared, the driver drives the vehicle 10 in the manual control mode and travels to an area where a high-precision map is prepared, and then the vehicle 10 becomes capable of traveling in the automatic control mode.

[0036] The vehicle control device 16 executes control processing and estimation processing. To that end, the vehicle control device 16 has a communication interface (IF) 21, a memory 22, and a processor 23. The communication interface 21, the memory 22, and the processor 23 are connected via a signal line 24. The communication interface 21 has an interface circuit for connecting the vehicle control device 16 to the in-vehicle network 18.

[0037] The memory 22 is an example of a storage unit and includes, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory and a non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory 22 stores computer programs of applications used in the information processing executed by the processor 23 and various data.

[0038] All or part of the functions of the vehicle control device 16 are functional modules realized by, for example, a computer program running on the processor 23. The processor 23 has a control unit 231 and an estimation unit 232. Alternatively, the functional modules of the processor 23 may be dedicated arithmetic circuits provided in the processor 23. The processor 23 has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and their peripheral circuits. The processor 23 may further have other arithmetic circuits such as a logic arithmetic unit, a numerical arithmetic unit, or a graphic processing unit.

[0039] In the automatic control mode, the control unit 231 controls each part of the vehicle 10 based on the current position, vehicle speed, yaw rate, and the driving plan generated by the automatic control device 15. For example, the control unit 231 obtains the steering angle, acceleration, and angular acceleration of the vehicle 10 according to the driving plan, the vehicle speed, and yaw rate of the vehicle 10, and sets the steering amount, accelerator opening, or brake amount so as to obtain the steering angle, acceleration, and angular acceleration. Then, the control unit 231 outputs a control signal corresponding to the set steering amount to an actuator (not shown) that controls the steered wheels of the vehicle 10 via the in-vehicle network 18. Also, the vehicle control device 16 outputs a control signal corresponding to the set accelerator opening to the drive device 17 of the vehicle 10 via the in-vehicle network 18. Alternatively, the vehicle control device 16 outputs a control signal corresponding to the set brake amount to the brake (not shown) of the vehicle 10 via the in-vehicle network 18.

[0040] In addition, in the manual control mode, the control unit 231 controls each part of the vehicle 10 based on a manual control signal generated by the automatic control device 15. The operation of the vehicle control device 16 will be described in detail later.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the drive device 17 includes an engine 171, an electric motor 172, an automatic transmission 173, a hydraulic control circuit 174, an electric oil pump 175, a mechanical oil pump 176, an oil temperature sensor 177, a battery 178, and the like.

[0042] The operation of the engine 171 and the electric motor 172, such as the rotation speed, is controlled by the vehicle control device 16. The gear stage or gear ratio of the automatic transmission 173 is controlled by the vehicle control device 16. The gear stage or gear ratio of the automatic transmission 173 can be determined according to the speed of the vehicle 10 and the required rotational force. For example, when the speed and gear stage of the vehicle 10 are determined, the rotation speed output from the electric motor 172 to the automatic transmission 173 is determined, and the rotation speed output from the engine 171 to the electric motor 172 is appropriately determined based on this rotation speed. When the vehicle 10 is traveling at a constant speed with a low load, the engine 171 may stop and the driving force may be obtained by the electric motor 172. The electric motor 172 may have multiple motors.

[0043] The gear stages or gear ratios of the automatic transmission 173 are controlled by hydraulic pressure from a hydraulic control circuit 174 to engage and disengage the clutches C1, C2 and the brakes B1, B2, B3.

[0044] The electric oil pump 175 or the mechanical oil pump 176 supplies hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic control circuit 174. The hydraulic control circuit 174 controls the hydraulic pressure supplied to the automatic transmission 173 in response to a friction material hydraulic pressure command output from the vehicle control device 16, thereby controlling the gear stage or the gear ratio.

[0045] The electric oil pump 175 and the mechanical oil pump 176 are capable of supplying to the automatic transmission 173 a first hydraulic pressure P1 that enables the clutches C1, C2 and the brakes B1, B2, B3 to be engaged or disengaged.

[0046] The mechanical oil pump 176 is driven by the engine 171 to generate hydraulic pressure. When the vehicle 10 is started, the vehicle control device 16 normally stops the engine 171 and supplies hydraulic pressure generated by the electric oil pump 175 to the hydraulic control circuit 174. Therefore, when the vehicle 10 is started, the engine 171 is normally stopped, and therefore the mechanical oil pump 176 is also stopped.

[0047] On the other hand, when the vehicle 10 starts, if the amount of electricity stored in the battery 178 is lower than a predetermined reference amount of electricity stored, the vehicle control device 16 drives the engine 171 to charge the battery 178 with electricity generated by the electric motor 172. In this case, the vehicle control device 16 stops the electric oil pump 175 and supplies the hydraulic pressure generated by the mechanical oil pump 176 to the hydraulic control circuit 174.

[0048] The oil temperature sensor 177 detects the oil temperature in the hydraulic control circuit 174, and outputs the oil temperature to the vehicle control device 16 and the like via the in-vehicle network 18.

[0049] The automatic control device 15 and the vehicle control device 16 are, for example, electronic control units (ECUs). In Fig. 2, the automatic control device 15 and the vehicle control device 16 are described as separate devices, but these devices may be configured as a single device.

[0050] Fig. 3 is an example of an operation flowchart relating to the vehicle control processing of the vehicle control device 16 of this embodiment. Next, the vehicle control processing of the vehicle control device 16 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. After the vehicle 10 starts, the vehicle control device 16 executes the vehicle control processing at a vehicle control time having a predetermined period in accordance with the operation flowchart shown in Fig. 3. The period of the vehicle control time is preferably equal to or longer than the period of the monitoring image capture time.

[0051] First, the estimation unit 232 acquires a monitoring image captured by the monitoring camera 3 (step S101). The monitoring image shows the vicinity of the driver's seat, and is considered to include the face of the driver.

[0052] Next, the estimation unit 232 estimates, based on the monitoring image, whether or not the driver is about to start driving the vehicle 10 (step S102). The details of this estimation process will be described later.

[0053] When it is estimated that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle 10 (step S102-Yes), the control unit 231 decides to supply the first hydraulic pressure P1 to the automatic transmission 173 (step S103), and ends the series of processes. The control unit 231 controls the electric oil pump 175 to supply the first hydraulic pressure P1 to the automatic transmission 173, which enables the automatic transmission 173 to operate. This enables the vehicle 10 to start driving.

[0054] On the other hand, when it is estimated that the driver is not about to start the vehicle 10 (step S102-No), the control unit 231 determines to supply a second hydraulic pressure P2 lower than the first hydraulic pressure P1 (step S104), and ends the series of processes. The control unit 231 controls the electric oil pump 175 to supply the second hydraulic pressure P2 to the automatic transmission 173. The lower the second hydraulic pressure P2, the more preferable it is from the viewpoint of reducing the consumption of electric power. On the other hand, the higher the second hydraulic pressure P2, the more preferable it is from the viewpoint of quickly supplying the first hydraulic pressure to the automatic transmission 173 when it is estimated that the driver is about to start the vehicle 10. The second hydraulic pressure P2 can be set, for example, in the range of 20% to 80% of the first hydraulic pressure P1. Also, the second hydraulic pressure P2 may be zero. In this case, the electric oil pump 175 is controlled not to generate hydraulic pressure.

[0055] 4 is an example of an operation flowchart related to the estimation process of the vehicle control device of the present embodiment. In the above-mentioned step S102, the estimation unit 232 estimates whether the driver is about to start driving the vehicle 10 according to the operation flowchart shown in FIG.

[0056] First, the estimation unit 232 judges whether the driver's face is facing forward of the vehicle 10 (step S201). The driver's face is represented by, for example, the horizontal and vertical angles between the traveling direction of the vehicle 10 and the direction in which the driver's face is facing. The estimation unit 232 has a classifier that has been trained to detect specific facial features such as the corners of the eyes, the corners of the eyes, and the corners of the mouth from an image. The estimation unit 232 inputs a surveillance image to this classifier to specify the positions of the specific features included in the surveillance image. Then, the estimation unit 232 compares the positions of the specific features detected from the surveillance image with a standard three-dimensional model of a face. Then, the estimation unit 232 detects the angle of the face direction in the three-dimensional model when the position of each feature is most compatible with the position of the feature detected from the surveillance image as the angle of the face direction in the surveillance image.

[0057] The classifier can be, for example, a convolutional neural network (CNN) having multiple layers connected in series from the input side to the output side. By inputting face images including predetermined facial features as training data to the CNN in advance and performing learning, the CNN operates as a classifier that identifies the positions of the predetermined facial features.

[0058] In addition, a publicly known technology may be used as a technology for determining the direction of the driver's face based on the monitoring image. For example, the technology disclosed in JP 2019-87150 A may be used. In addition, the estimation unit 232 may estimate the line of sight of the driver and set the line of sight of the driver as the direction of the driver's face.

[0059] The estimation unit 232 determines that the driver is facing forward of the vehicle 10, for example, when the angle of the driver's face is facing to the right or left within a predetermined angle (e.g., 30 degrees) of the forward direction of the vehicle 10, and is facing up or down within a predetermined angle (e.g., 15 degrees) of the forward direction of the vehicle 10.

[0060] If the driver's face is facing forward of the vehicle 10 (step S201-Yes), the estimation unit 232 determines whether the driver's face has been facing forward of the vehicle 10 for a first time T1 (step S203).

[0061] If the driver's face is facing forward of the vehicle 10 for the first time T1 (step S202-Yes), the estimation unit 232 estimates that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle 10 (step S202), and ends the series of processes. If the driver's face is not facing forward of the vehicle 10 for the first time T1 (step S202-No), the process returns to step S201.

[0062] On the other hand, if the driver's face is not facing forward of the vehicle 10 (step S201-No), the estimation unit 232 estimates that the driver is not about to start moving the vehicle 10 (step S204), and ends the series of processes.

[0063] 5 is an example of a timing chart illustrating the vehicle control process of the vehicle control device 16 of this embodiment. Next, the vehicle control process of the vehicle control device 16 will be described below with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG.

[0064] Fig. 5(A) shows the relationship between the state of the vehicle 10 and time, Fig. 5(B) shows the relationship between the state of the electric oil pump 175 and time, Fig. 5(C) shows the relationship between a friction material oil pressure command and time, Fig. 5(D) shows the relationship between the oil pressure supplied to the automatic transmission 173 and time, Fig. 5(E) shows the relationship between the shift position and time, and Fig. 5(F) shows the relationship between the speed of the vehicle 10 and time.

[0065] First, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the driver operates the start switch 4, and the vehicle 10 starts at time T1. Then, the vehicle control device 16 presumes that the driver does not intend to start the vehicle 10. The vehicle control device 16 decides to supply a second hydraulic pressure P2 that is lower than the first hydraulic pressure P1 at which the automatic transmission 173 is operable. Here, the vehicle control device 16 keeps the electric oil pump 175 in a stopped state. Note that the vehicle control device 16 may drive the electric oil pump 175 to supply the second hydraulic pressure P2 that is lower than the first hydraulic pressure P1 to the automatic transmission 173.

[0066] 5(B), at time T2, the vehicle control device 16 estimates that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle 10. The vehicle control device 16 operates the electric oil pump 175 to start supplying the first hydraulic pressure P1 to the automatic transmission 173.

[0067] 5(C), the vehicle control device 16 outputs a friction material oil pressure command to the oil pressure control circuit 174 to shift to first gear (friction material oil pressure command is ON). In response to this, the oil pressure of the automatic transmission 173 rises to a first oil pressure P1, as shown in FIG. 5(D).

[0068] As shown in Fig. 5(E), at time T3, the driver operates a shift selector (not shown) to change the shift position from P range to D range. The output of electric motor 172 is converted to a torque of a predetermined number of revolutions by automatic transmission 173 and transmitted to tires 20 via output shaft 19. In response to this, the speed of vehicle 10 gradually increases as shown in Fig. 5(F).

[0069] In the example of the vehicle control process described above, the electric oil pump 175 is stopped or controlled to supply a hydraulic pressure lower than the first hydraulic pressure between time T1 and time T2, thereby making it possible to reduce power consumption.

[0070] On the other hand, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 5(B), when the electric oil pump 175 starts operating immediately after the start of the vehicle 10, the first hydraulic pressure P1 is accordingly supplied to the automatic transmission 173. Therefore, a lot of power is consumed by operating the electric oil pump 175 until the driver changes the shift position from the P range to the D range at time T3.

[0071] As described above, the vehicle control device of this embodiment controls the electric oil pump to supply a lower oil pressure to the transmission than the operable oil pressure after the vehicle has started until it is estimated that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle, thereby reducing consumption of battery power.

[0072] In the present disclosure, the vehicle control device, the computer program for controlling a vehicle, and the vehicle control method of the above-mentioned embodiments can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to those embodiments, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0073] For example, when the temperature of the oil that operates the automatic transmission 173 is lower than a predetermined reference temperature, and the driver's face is facing forward of the vehicle 10 for a second time T2 that is shorter than the first time T1, the estimation unit 232 may estimate that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle 10. When the oil temperature is low, the viscosity of the oil increases, so it takes time for the oil pressure of the automatic transmission 173 to increase in response to the friction material oil pressure command. Therefore, by shortening the time required for estimation, the oil pressure is increased early, and the vehicle 10 is quickly brought into a state where it can be driven.

[0074] Also, when the vehicle 10 is started, if the amount of charge in the battery 178 is lower than a predetermined reference amount of charge, the vehicle control device 16 drives the engine 171 to charge the battery 178 with the electric power generated by the electric motor 172. In this case, the vehicle control device 16 stops the electric oil pump 175 and supplies the hydraulic pressure generated by the mechanical oil pump 176 to the hydraulic control circuit 174. Therefore, when the mechanical oil pump 176 is operating when the vehicle 10 is started, the vehicle control device 16 may control the mechanical oil pump 176 to supply a second hydraulic pressure P2 lower than the first hydraulic pressure P1 when it is estimated by the estimation unit 232 that the driver is not about to start the vehicle 10, and control the mechanical oil pump 176 to supply the first hydraulic pressure P1 to the automatic transmission 173 when it is estimated by the estimation unit 232 that the driver is about to start the vehicle 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 Vehicle Control System 2. Front camera 3. Surveillance Cameras 4 Start switch 10 Vehicles 15 Automatic control device 16 Vehicle control device 21 Communication Interface 22 Memory 23 Processors 231 Control Unit 232 Estimation Department 24 Signal Line 17 Drive unit 18 In-vehicle network

Claims

1. an estimation unit that estimates whether or not a driver is about to start driving the vehicle based on an image captured of an area near a driver's seat after the vehicle is started; a control unit that controls an electric oil pump to supply a second hydraulic pressure that is lower than a first hydraulic pressure at which a transmission having a friction engagement element that can be engaged and disengaged by hydraulic pressure can operate when the estimation unit estimates that the driver is not about to start traveling of the vehicle, and controls the electric oil pump to supply the first hydraulic pressure to the transmission when the estimation unit estimates that the driver is about to start traveling of the vehicle; A vehicle control device comprising:

2. 2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates a direction of the driver's face based on the image, and estimates that the driver is about to start moving the vehicle when the driver's face is facing forward of the vehicle for a first time period.

3. 3. The vehicle control device according to claim 2, wherein the estimation unit estimates that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle when the temperature of the oil that operates the transmission is lower than a predetermined reference temperature and the driver's face is facing toward the front of the vehicle for a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.

4. After the vehicle is started, based on an image captured of the vicinity of the driver's seat, it is estimated whether or not the driver is about to start driving the vehicle; when it is estimated that the driver is not about to start driving the vehicle, the electric oil pump is controlled to supply a second hydraulic pressure that is lower than a first hydraulic pressure at which a transmission having a friction engagement element that can be engaged and disengaged by hydraulic pressure can operate, and when it is estimated that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle, the electric oil pump is controlled to supply the first hydraulic pressure to the transmission. A computer program for vehicle control, comprising: a processor for executing a process including:

5. A vehicle control method executed by a vehicle control device, After the vehicle is started, based on an image captured of the vicinity of the driver's seat, it is estimated whether or not the driver is about to start driving the vehicle; A vehicle control method comprising: when it is estimated that the driver is not about to start driving the vehicle, controlling an electric oil pump to supply a second hydraulic pressure lower than a first hydraulic pressure at which a transmission having a friction engagement element that can be hydraulically engaged and disengaged can operate; and when it is estimated that the driver is about to start driving the vehicle, controlling the electric oil pump to supply the first hydraulic pressure to the transmission.

Images