Travel Mode Switching Support Method, Travel Mode Switching Support Program, and Travel Mode Switching Support System

Abstract

To provide a travel mode switching support method and a travel mode switching support system which suppress discomfort felt by a driver.SOLUTION: A travel mode switching support method supports the switching of a travel mode of a vehicle capable of traveling in a plurality of travel modes. The method includes: determining whether the vehicle is present in a preparation area set adjacently to a restriction area where a specific travel mode to be set is predetermined; transmitting a preparation signal indicating that the vehicle is present in the preparation area, when it is determined that the vehicle is present in the preparation area; and outputting a prescribed output for switching from a travel mode in use to the specific travel mode, when the preparation signal is received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a driving mode switching support method and a driving mode switching support system capable of selecting and setting any one of a plurality of driving modes when a vehicle is running.

Background Art

[0002] The hybrid vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 switches to an electric driving mode when it reaches a regulated area where the entry of automobiles that emit exhaust gas is restricted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this case, if the driver is not aware of reaching the regulated area, the driver may feel discomfort due to the mode change associated with reaching the regulated area.

[0005] Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to suppress the discomfort of the driver.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The driving mode switching support method of the present disclosure is a method for supporting the switching of the driving mode of a vehicle capable of running in a plurality of driving modes, including determining whether the vehicle exists in a preparation area set adjacent to a regulated area where a specific driving mode to be set is predetermined, transmitting a preparation signal indicating that the vehicle exists in the preparation area when it is determined that the vehicle exists in the preparation area, and outputting a predetermined output for switching from the currently used driving mode to the specific driving mode when the preparation signal is received.

[0007] In addition, the driving mode switching support system of the present disclosure is a system that supports switching of the driving mode of a vehicle capable of driving in a plurality of driving modes, and includes a support control device capable of receiving a preparation signal indicating that the vehicle is present in a preparation area set adjacent to a regulated area where a specific driving mode to be set is set in advance, and an output device capable of communicating with the support control device and outputting a predetermined output for switching from the currently used driving mode to the specific driving mode. When the support control device receives the preparation signal, the support control device causes the output device to output the predetermined output.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, before the vehicle enters the regulated area, the driver is notified in advance that the vehicle is present in the preparation area, or driving assistance is provided such as switching the driving mode according to the preparation signal. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the driving mode from being unexpectedly switched when entering the regulated area, which may cause discomfort to the driver.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, a driving mode switching support system and a driving mode switching support method according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle 1 (a vehicle) employing a traveling mode switching support system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the vehicle 1 is an example of a saddle-riding vehicle on which a driver straddles, and in the present embodiment, it is a hybrid motorcycle. The vehicle 1 has, as traveling modes when traveling, an EV mode in which the vehicle travels driven only by a drive motor, an ICE mode in which the vehicle travels driven only by an engine, and a MIX mode in which the vehicle travels driven by both the drive motor and the engine.

[0012] The vehicle 1 includes a front wheel 2, a rear wheel 3, a vehicle body frame 4, a front suspension 6 that connects the front wheel 2 to the front portion of the vehicle body frame 4, and a rear suspension 7 that connects the rear wheel 3 to the rear portion of the vehicle body frame 4. The front suspension 6 is provided at the lower part of a steering shaft 8 and is connected to brackets 8 that are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. The steering shaft 8 connected to a bracket 9 is supported by a head pipe 4a that is a part of the vehicle body frame 4 so as to be angularly displaceable.

[0013] A handle 10 that a driver holds by hand is provided on the steering shaft 8. The handle 10 has an accelerator operator 10a that adjusts the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle 1 by operation. A fuel tank 11 is provided on the rear side of the handle 10, and a seat 12 on which the driver sits is provided on the rear side of the fuel tank 11. A power unit 13 that serves as a traveling drive source is mounted on the vehicle body frame 4 between the front wheel 2 and the rear wheel 3.

[0014] The power unit 13 includes an engine E that is an internal combustion engine as a prime mover and a drive motor M that has a drive shaft and is an electric motor as a prime mover. In the present embodiment, the engine E and the drive motor M have a function as prime movers that generate a rotational driving force transmitted to the rear wheel 3. A transmission 14 is arranged on the rear side of the engine E.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the power system of the motorcycle 1 in FIG. 1. The transmission 14 has an input shaft, an output shaft, and a plurality of sets of gear trains with different reduction ratios. The transmission 14 is configured to be able to transmit power from the input shaft to the output shaft via the gear trains, and selects any one set of the gear trains to shift gears. For example, the transmission 14 is a dog clutch type transmission. One end of the crankshaft Ea of the engine E is connected to the primary gear 15 so as to be able to transmit power.

[0016] The primary gear 15 is provided around the axis of the transmission 14 so as to be rotatable relative to the transmission 14. The primary gear 15 is connected to the transmission 14 so as to be able to transmit power via the main clutch 16. The main clutch 16 cuts off and connects the power path from the crankshaft Ea to the transmission 14. The main clutch 16 is driven by hydraulic pressure to cut off and connect the power path from the crankshaft Ea to the transmission 14.

[0017] A sprocket 17 is provided between the primary gear 15 and the transmission 14. The drive motor M includes a motor housing Ma and a motor drive shaft Mb protruding from the motor housing Ma, and a sprocket 18 is provided on the motor drive shaft Mb so as to rotate together with the motor drive shaft Mb. Instead of the sprockets 17 and 18, gears or pulleys may be used as the rotating members. And a chain 19 is connected to the sprocket 17 on the transmission 14 side and the sprocket 18 on the motor drive shaft Mb side. Thereby, the driving force of the drive motor M is transmitted to the transmission 14 via the sprocket 17. The transmission 14 transmits the driving force to the rear wheel 3 via an output transmission member 20 (for example, a chain, a belt, etc.).

[0018] The ECU 21 (output device) controls the engine E. Specifically, it controls the throttle device T, the fuel injection device F, and the ignition device I. Also, as described above, the ECU 21 controls the connection and disconnection of the main clutch 16, and switches whether to transmit the drive of the engine E to the rear wheels 3, which are the drive wheels. Further, the ECU 21 controls the drive of the drive motor M via the BMU (battery management unit) 22, the battery 23, and the inverter 24. Therefore, the ECU 21 can switch whether to drive the rear wheels 3 by the engine E, by the drive motor M, or by both the engine E and the drive motor M. As a result, the ECU 21 selects the driving mode when the vehicle 1 travels from the EV mode, the ICE mode, and the MIX mode.

[0019] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the control system of the vehicle 1 shown in Figure 1. The ECU 21 receives output signals from a driving mode input unit 25, the BMU 22, an accelerator sensor 26, a vehicle speed sensor 27, an engine speed sensor 28, etc. The BMU 22 detects the remaining amount, voltage, etc. of the battery 23 (Figure 2). The accelerator sensor 26 detects the operation amount of the accelerator operator 10a operated by the driver (i.e., the degree of acceleration / deceleration request). The vehicle speed sensor 27 detects the traveling speed of the vehicle 1. The engine speed sensor 28 detects the rotational speed of the crankshaft Ea of the engine E.

[0020] The ECU 21 has, on the hardware side, a processor 29, a memory 30, and communication units 31, 32. The ECU 21 has, on the functional side, a mode program execution unit 33, a driving mode switching unit 34, a motor control unit 35, an engine control unit 36, a clutch control unit 37, a display control unit 38, and a mode program storage unit 39.

[0021] The communication unit 32 is connected to the inverter 24, fuel injector F, ignition device I, throttle device 40, clutch actuator 41, and display 42. The inverter 24 adjusts the power supplied to the motor M and controls the drive by the motor M. The fuel injector F adjusts the amount of fuel supplied to the combustion chamber of the engine E. The ignition device I controls the ignition by the injector in the engine E. The throttle device 40 adjusts the intake air amount in the engine E. By controlling the fuel injector F, ignition device I, and throttle device 40, the drive by the engine E is controlled. The clutch actuator 41 controls which of the drive by the engine E or the drive by the motor M is transmitted to the rear wheel 3, or whether the drive by both is transmitted to the rear wheel 3, by operating the connection and disconnection of the main clutch 16 and sprockets 17, 18.

[0022] The motor control unit 35, engine control unit 36, and clutch control unit 37 perform drive control of the power unit 13 when the vehicle 1 is running. The processor 29 performs arithmetic processing by the mode program execution unit 33 according to the information from the accelerator sensor 25, vehicle speed sensor 26, and rotation speed sensor 27, or the input from the driver via the driving mode input unit 25, according to the program stored in the mode program storage unit 39 of the memory 30, and the driving mode is set.

[0023] The mode program execution unit 33 controls the motor M and the output of the engine E by controlling the outputs of the inverter 24, fuel injector F, and ignition device I to the motor control unit 35, engine control unit 36, and clutch control unit 37 according to the set driving mode. The driving mode set by the mode program execution unit 33 according to the program stored in the mode program storage unit 39 can be changed by switching by the driving mode switching unit 34. By transmitting a signal for switching the driving mode from the driving mode switching unit 34 to the mode program execution unit 33, the set driving mode can be switched.

[0024] The mode program storage unit 39 is realized by the memory 30. The mode program storage unit 39 stores in advance a plurality of types of driving mode programs in which the presence or absence of driving of the electric motor M and the engine E and the driving mode are determined. For example, in the driving mode program, changes in the states of the electric motor M and the engine E according to vehicle conditions (for example, required torque, engine speed, etc.) are determined.

[0025] The motor control unit 35 controls the operation of the motor M by controlling the inverter 24 according to a command from the mode program execution unit 33. The engine control unit 36 controls the operation of the engine E by controlling the fuel injector F, the ignition device I, and the throttle device 40 according to a command from the mode program execution unit 33. The clutch control unit 37 controls the clutch actuator 41 according to a command from the mode program execution unit 33. In this embodiment, the form in which the motor control unit 35, the engine control unit 36, the clutch control unit 37, and the display control unit 38 are connected to the communication unit 32 inside the ECU 21 has been described, but it is not limited to this. Other control units other than the motor control unit 35, the engine control unit 36, the clutch control unit 37, and the display control unit 38 may be connected to the communication unit 32. Also, among the motor control unit 35, the engine control unit 36, the clutch control unit 37, and the display control unit 38, only some of the control units may be connected to the communication unit 32. The control unit connected to the communication unit 32 does not have to be the above four control units.

[0026] Also, in this embodiment, the vehicle 1 includes an assist control device 60 separately from the ECU 21. In this embodiment, the assist control device 60 is provided inside the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the configuration in which the ECU 21 and the assist control device 60 are separately provided inside the vehicle 1 has been described, but it is not limited to the above embodiment. The assist control device 60 may be included in the ECU 21.

[0027] The support control device 60 includes a processor 43, a memory 44, and communication units 48 and 49. The processor 43 has a support control execution unit 45. A support control program storage unit 50 stores a program for performing support control.

[0028] The support control execution unit 45 performs arithmetic processing based on the program stored in the support control program storage unit 50. In this embodiment, as will be described later, a signal is transmitted from the support control device 60 to the ECU 21. Based on the signal from the support control device 60, the ECU 21 causes the display control unit 38 to display a prompt for switching the driving mode on the display 42, thereby notifying the driver of the switching of the driving mode.

[0029] The support control unit 45 of the support control device 60 can acquire the position information of the vehicle 1 by receiving it from the GPS (Global Positioning System) 46 as a positioning satellite. Also, it can acquire the map information by receiving it from the cloud 47. Here, the cloud 47 is an example of a server and is a storage unit where data is stored on the network. The user can access the cloud 47 at any time to acquire and use the map information data stored in the cloud 47. For example, the cloud 47 may be a part of the storage space of a data center where devices such as a plurality of server devices are intensively arranged. That is, the cloud 47 may be composed of server devices. Note that the map information may be stored in a server device other than the cloud. The support control execution unit 45 of the support control device 60 detects which area the area where the vehicle 1 exists is based on the position information of the vehicle 1 obtained from the GPS 46 and the map information obtained from the cloud. In this embodiment, the GPS 46 is used as the positioning satellite for detecting its own position, but it is not limited to the GPS 46. As the positioning satellite, for example, other satellites such as Galileo or Michibiki may be used. In this embodiment, when acquiring the position information of the vehicle 1, it is acquired by receiving it from the GPS 46 as a positioning satellite, but it is not limited to this. The position information of the vehicle 1 may be acquired by other methods other than the positioning satellite. For example, receivers are arranged at a plurality of positions in the town, and the position information of the vehicle 1 may be acquired from the positions of the receivers that have received the signals transmitted from the transmitter mounted on the vehicle 1.

[0030] In the map information of the cloud 47, a restricted area is set where a specific driving mode to be set when driving inside a specific area is predetermined. The restricted area boundary information indicating the boundary between the inside and outside of the restricted area is acquired from the map information acquired from the cloud 47.

[0031] There may be a regulated area where a specific driving mode to be set when the vehicle 1 travels is predetermined at a specific position on the map. For example, due to administrative requirements or requests from facilities, it may be determined that when traveling in the area, the vehicle should travel in EV mode so as not to emit exhaust gas. In this case, the specific driving mode is the EV mode. Thus, the specific driving mode refers to the driving mode to be set within the regulated area, which is predetermined for each regulated area. For example, if there is a densely populated area in a town and it is desired to improve the environment of the residents in the densely populated area, the densely populated area may be set as a regulated area so that the vehicle does not emit exhaust gas in the densely populated area, and the EV mode may be set as the specific driving mode in the regulated area. Also, in order to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from the vehicle 1, the EV mode may be set as the specific driving mode in the regulated area. Further, in order to regulate the noise generated by the vehicle 1, the EV mode may be set as the specific driving mode in the regulated area. The regulated area may or may not have legal binding force. When the regulated area has legal binding force, a penalty may be imposed on the driver of the vehicle if the vehicle travels in a driving mode other than the specific driving mode in the regulated area. Also, when traveling in the regulated area in the specific driving mode, points may be given to the driver, and it may be possible to shop according to the points, or it may be in a form that gives incentives to the drivers who comply with the specific driving mode.

[0032] In the present embodiment, a preparation area is set adjacent to the regulated area outside the regulated area. The preparation area is an area surrounding the outside of the regulated area. In the present embodiment, the preparation area is set to be a strip-shaped area provided outside the regulated area by a predetermined distance. Also, in the present embodiment, the preparation area information indicating the preparation area is generated by the support control device 60 and set on the map. Note that the preparation area may be set on the map in advance, and map information in which the regulated area and the preparation area are already set may be stored in the cloud.

[0033] Next, the driving support when the vehicle 1 enters the restricted area through the preparation area will be described. In the present embodiment, the support control device determines whether the vehicle 1 is in the preparation area. To determine whether the vehicle 1 is in the preparation area, the position information of the vehicle 1 is received from the GPS 46, and the map information is received from the cloud 47. At this time, in the map information received from the cloud 47, based on the position of the restricted area set in advance, the support control device 60 sets the preparation area. At this time, based on the program stored in the support control program storage unit 50 of the memory 44, the preparation area is set on the map.

[0034] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the vehicle 1 and the driver in the process of the vehicle 1 traveling from outside the preparation area through the preparation area and into the restricted area. In FIG. 4, the restricted area is designated as R1, and the preparation area is designated as R2. In the present embodiment, a hospital is shown on the map, and a restricted area R1 where the vehicle should travel in the EV mode so as not to emit exhaust noise from the internal combustion engine is set around the hospital. As shown in FIG. 4, since the preparation area R2 is set so as to surround the outside of the restricted area R1, the vehicle 1 enters the preparation area R2 before entering the restricted area R1. In FIG. 4, the outer edge of the restricted area R1 is indicated by a line L1, and the outer edge of the preparation area R2 is indicated by a line L2. The restricted area R1 is an area inside the line L1, and the preparation area R2 is an area between the line L1 and the line L2.

[0035] When the vehicle 1 enters the preparation area R2, the support control device 60 determines that the vehicle 1 has entered the preparation area R2 based on the position information acquired from the GPS 46 and the map information acquired from the cloud 47. When it is determined by the support control device 60 that the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2, a preparation signal indicating that the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2 is transmitted to the ECU 21.

[0036] When the ECU 21 receives the preparation signal, if the driving mode has already been set to the EV mode, the vehicle 1 will continue to drive in its current state. If the driving mode is set to an ICE mode or a MIX mode different from the EV mode, without changing the driving mode, the display control unit 38 will cause the display 42 to display a message prompting the switch to the EV mode.

[0037] Fig. 5 shows an image on the display 42 that prompts the switch of the driving mode to the EV mode. The display 42 is provided with a preparation area notification unit 51 that blinks to inform the driver that the vehicle 1 has entered the preparation area R2 when it is determined that the vehicle 1 is in the preparation area R2. The display 42 is also provided with a driving mode display unit 52 that displays the current driving mode. In this embodiment, before the driving mode is switched, the vehicle is driven in the ICE mode.

[0038] Also, in this embodiment, the display 42 is provided with a restricted area notification unit 53 that blinks to inform the driver that the vehicle 1 has entered the restricted area R1 when it is determined that the vehicle 1 is in the restricted area R1.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 5, when the vehicle 1 enters the preparation area R2, the preparation area notification unit 51 blinks to notify the driver that the vehicle 1 has entered the preparation area R2. When the driver confirms that the preparation area notification unit 51 on the display 42 is blinking and also confirms the display prompting the switch of the driving mode to the EV mode, the driver operates the driving mode input unit 25 to switch the driving mode to the EV mode. Therefore, before the vehicle 1 enters the restricted area R1, that is, while the vehicle 1 is in the preparation area R2, the driver switches the driving mode to the EV mode.

[0040] When the driver switches the driving mode to the EV mode, the driving mode display unit 52 displays that the current driving mode has become the EV mode. FIG. 6 shows an image on the display 42 in a state where the driving mode display unit 52 displays that the current driving mode has become the EV mode. The driver can confirm that the driving mode has become the EV mode by visually recognizing that the display of the driving mode display unit 52 has become the EV mode.

[0041] In the present embodiment, when the ECU 21 receives the preparation signal, the preparation area notification unit 51 continues to blink until the driver executes the switching to the EV mode. That is, until the switching to the specific driving mode defined corresponding to the restricted area R1 is executed, the preparation area notification unit 51 continues to notify information prompting the switching of the driving mode.

[0042] When the vehicle 1 continues to travel, passes through the preparation area R2, and enters the restricted area R1, the restricted area notification unit 53 blinks. FIG. 7 shows the display on the display 42 when the vehicle 1 enters the restricted area R1 and the restricted area notification unit 53 is blinking. In the present embodiment, since the preparation area notification unit 51 and the restricted area notification unit 53 are provided at different positions, the notification forms from the respective notification units are made different. Therefore, the driver can confirm which area the vehicle 1 is traveling in just by looking at the display 42, and can easily grasp the area where the vehicle 1 is traveling.

[0043] Also, in the present embodiment, even if the vehicle 1 is traveling in the preparation area, when the vehicle 1 is traveling in an exception area such as a highway, the preparation signal is not transmitted. Thus, when a highway as an exception area is provided inside a restricted area or a preparation area, inside the exception area, the vehicle 1 is not urged to switch to a specific driving mode prior to the restricted area or the preparation area, and the vehicle 1 continues to travel on the highway without changing the driving mode. Here, the exception area refers to an area where, when the vehicle 1 enters the exception area, even if the vehicle 1 enters the preparation area R2, the vehicle 1 does not urge the driver to switch to a specific driving mode, and the vehicle 1 does not perform a driving mode switch.

[0044] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of the vehicle 1 and the driver when a part of the preparation area R2 overlaps with a part of the highway H as an exception area and the vehicle 1 is traveling on the highway H. As shown in FIG. 8, when the vehicle 1 is traveling on the highway H and the support control device 60 determines that the vehicle 1 is passing through the highway H based on the position information acquired from the GPS 46 and the map information acquired from the cloud 47, even when it is determined by the support control device 60 that the vehicle 1 has entered the preparation area R2, a signal is not transmitted from the support control device 60 to the ECU 21. Therefore, a display prompting the switching of the driving mode is not performed on the display 42. Thereby, while the vehicle 1 is traveling on the highway H, the driver can concentrate on driving. In the above embodiment, the exception area is a highway, and even if it is determined that the vehicle 1 has entered the preparation area R2, a form in which a display prompting the change of the driving mode is not performed on the highway has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The exception area where a display prompting the change of the driving mode is not performed even if it is determined that the vehicle 1 has entered the preparation area R2 may be another area. For example, on an exclusive motorway other than a highway, in an area where a soundproof wall or the like is provided on the side of the road, or on a main road extending away from the city center, etc., even if it is determined that the vehicle 1 has entered the preparation area R2, it may be set so that a display prompting the change of the driving mode is not performed. That is, an exception area other than a highway may be configured so as not to perform a display prompting the change of the driving mode prior to the restricted area R1 and the preparation area R2. Even when the vehicle 1 is traveling in another exception area and the support control device 60 determines that the vehicle 1 is traveling in another exception area based on the position information and the map information, when it is determined by the support control device 60 that the vehicle 1 has entered the preparation area R2, it may be configured so that a signal is not transmitted from the support control device 60 to the ECU 21.

[0045] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, the driving mode switching support method of the present embodiment will be described. First, the vehicle 1 acquires position information from the GPS 46 and acquires map information from the cloud 47 (S1). In the present embodiment, since the map information of the cloud 47 includes restricted area boundary information indicating the boundary inside and outside the restricted area R1, when the vehicle 1 receives the map information from the cloud 47, the support control device 60 of the vehicle 1 simultaneously receives the restricted area boundary information.

[0046] Based on the restricted area boundary information received by the support control device 60, preparation area information indicating a preparation area R2 is generated outside the restricted area R1 (S2: preparation area information generation step). When the preparation area information is generated, it is determined whether the vehicle 1 exists in the preparation area R2 (S3: determination step).

[0047] If the vehicle 1 does not exist in the preparation area R2, the flow returns to before step S1. When it is determined that the vehicle 1 exists in the preparation area R2, a preparation signal indicating that the vehicle 1 exists in the preparation area R2 is transmitted to the ECU 21 (S4: preparation signal transmission step).

[0048] When the ECU 21 receives the preparation signal, it is detected whether the current driving mode is different from the specific driving mode (S5). If the driving mode already becomes the specific driving mode, the driving mode is not switched, and the flow proceeds to before step S8. If the driving mode is different from the specific driving mode, the ECU 21 controls the output on the display 42 by the display control unit 38, and the display 42 performs notification (predetermined output) of information prompting the switching to the specific driving mode defined corresponding to the restricted area R1.

[0049] When the display 42 is caused to display information prompting the driver to switch the driving mode to a specific driving mode, the driver visually recognizes the display 42, and the driver performs an operation to switch the driving mode to the specific driving mode (S7). When the driving mode of the vehicle 1 is switched to the specific driving mode, the driving mode of the vehicle 1 becomes the specific driving mode, and there is no problem even if the vehicle 1 enters the restricted area R1. When the driving mode of the vehicle 1 becomes the specific driving mode, the vehicle 1 enters the restricted area R1 (S8). When the vehicle 1 enters the restricted area, the driving support of the vehicle 1 is terminated.

[0050] According to the present embodiment, when the vehicle 1 enters the preparation area R2 before entering the restricted area R1, the ECU 21 receives a preparation signal, thereby detecting in advance that the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2, and the display 42 displays that the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2. Therefore, before the vehicle 1 enters the restricted area R2, by giving a notice prompting the driver to prepare for entering the restricted area R1, the driver can be made aware that the vehicle 1 is about to enter the restricted area R1. As a result, if the vehicle 1 is set such that the driving mode automatically switches when it enters the restricted area R1, it is possible to suppress the driving mode from switching unexpectedly, and it is possible to suppress giving discomfort to the driver. Also, it is possible to suppress the driving mode from unexpectedly switching and affecting the driving. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the vehicle 1 is a motorcycle, if the driving mode unexpectedly switches, the driver may lose balance, which may have a significant impact on driving. In the present embodiment, before the driving mode switches, the driver can recognize that the driving mode is about to switch, so the driver can prepare for the switch of the driving mode before the driving mode switches, and it is possible to suppress the driving mode from affecting the driving.

[0051] Also, if the vehicle 1 is set such that the driver manually switches the driving mode before entering the restricted area R1, the driver can surely perform the driving mode switching operation before the vehicle 1 enters the restricted area R1 by switching the driving mode before the vehicle 1 enters the restricted area R1. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the vehicle 1 from entering the restricted area R1 in a driving mode other than the specified restricted driving mode without switching the driving mode, and the driver can surely comply with the regulations in the restricted area R1.

[0052] Also, in the present embodiment, since the preparation area information indicating the preparation area R2 is generated by the support control device 60, it is not necessary for a setter such as the driver to set and generate the information indicating the preparation area R2. Therefore, the convenience of the vehicle 1 can be improved.

[0053] Also, in the present embodiment, when the vehicle 1 enters the preparation area R1, information prompting the switching of the driving mode is notified until the driving mode is switched, so that the driver can more surely switch the driving mode.

[0054] Also, in the present embodiment, the support control device 60 mounted on the vehicle 1 determines whether the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2, and when it is determined that the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2, the support control device 60 transmits a preparation signal to the ECU 21 mounted on the vehicle 1, so that a signal can be transmitted by wired communication within the vehicle 1. Therefore, the reliability of signal transmission can be improved.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the form in which the vehicle 1 is a motorcycle has been described. However, the vehicle 1 is not limited to a motorcycle. The vehicle 1 may be a four-wheeled vehicle. If the vehicle 1 is a four-wheeled vehicle, even if the vehicle 1 enters the restricted area R1 without notifying the driver who is in the preparation area R2 and the driving mode suddenly switches, it is unlikely that this will affect the driving. However, the characteristics of the vehicle may suddenly change due to the unexpected switching of the driving mode, which may give the driver a sense of discomfort. In this embodiment, when the vehicle 1 enters the preparation area R2 before entering the restricted area R1, it is detected in advance that the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2 by receiving a preparation signal, and it is displayed on the display 42 that the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2. Therefore, even if the vehicle 1 is a four-wheeled vehicle, by giving the driver a notice prompting preparation to enter the restricted area R1 before the vehicle 1 enters the restricted area R1, the driver can be made aware that the vehicle is about to enter the restricted area R1. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the unexpected switching of the driving mode and suppress giving the driver a sense of discomfort. Thus, even when the vehicle 1 is a four-wheeled vehicle, it is suitable because the driver can drive without a sense of discomfort, but it is more suitable when the vehicle 1 is a lightweight vehicle. When the vehicle 1 is a lightweight vehicle, when the driving mode is switched, the change in feeling due to that is large. Therefore, when the vehicle 1 unexpectedly enters the restricted area R1, there is a possibility of giving the driver a greater sense of discomfort. Therefore, when the vehicle 1 is a lightweight vehicle, there is a great merit in notifying the driver that the vehicle 1 is about to enter the restricted area R1 before the vehicle 1 enters the restricted area R1. In particular, it is more suitable when the vehicle 1 is a straddle-type vehicle.

[0056] Also, when the vehicle 1 is a four-wheeled vehicle and the driver is set to manually switch the driving mode before entering the restricted area R1, similar to the case of a motorcycle, the driver can surely perform the switching operation of the driving mode before entering the restricted area R1.

[0057] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the form in which only one line indicating the boundary of the outer edge in the preparation area R2 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Two lines indicating the outer edge of the preparation area R2 may be set. Specifically, when the support control device 60 sets the preparation area R2, information indicating the inner outer edge and the outer outer edge set outside the inner outer edge may be generated as the preparation area boundary information indicating the outer boundary of the preparation area R2, respectively.

[0058] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of the vehicle 1 and the driver when the vehicle 1 travels in the preparation area R2. As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, two lines, an outer outer edge L2 and an inner outer edge L3, are shown as the lines indicating the boundary of the outer edge of the preparation area R2. As shown in FIG. 10, the preparation area R2 is an area between the outer edge L1 of the regulation area R1 and the outer outer edge L2. When the preparation area boundary information is generated, information indicating the inner outer edge L3 of the preparation area R2 and the outer outer edge L2 set outside the inner outer edge L3 is generated by the support control device 60, respectively.

[0059] When the support control device 60 generates the preparation area boundary information, the inner outer edge L3 inside the preparation area R2 and the outer outer edge L2 are set. Therefore, when the vehicle 1 travels through the preparation area R2 from the outside of the preparation area R2 toward the regulation area R1, it is possible to detect when the vehicle 1 passes through the outer outer edge L2 and when it passes through the inner outer edge L3, respectively.

[0060] In this embodiment, when the vehicle 1 enters inside the inner outer edge L3, a preparation signal is transmitted from the assistance control device 60 to the ECU 21. When the vehicle 1 enters inside the inner outer edge L3, it is determined that the vehicle 1 has entered the preparation area R2. Further, when the vehicle 1 exits outside the outer outer edge L2, the preparation signal is no longer transmitted from the assistance control device 60 to the ECU 21. Since the trigger position at which the preparation signal is transmitted is different from the trigger position at which the preparation signal is no longer transmitted, the preparation signal is not transmitted unless the vehicle 1 advances a certain distance inside the preparation area R2 toward the restricted area R1. When the vehicle 1 enters a position closer to the restricted area R1 than the inner outer edge L3 through the route A shown in FIG. 10, it is determined that the vehicle 1 has entered the preparation area R2 and the preparation signal is transmitted. When the vehicle 1 exits outside the preparation area R2 without entering a position closer to the restricted area R1 than the inner outer edge L3 through the route B shown in FIG. 10, the preparation signal is not transmitted. Therefore, for example, when the vehicle 1 travels along the outer edge of the preparation area R2, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the state in which the preparation signal is transmitted to the vehicle 1 and the state in which the preparation signal is no longer transmitted alternate with each other.

[0061] Also, in the above embodiment, the restricted area R1 has been described as being set in a certain range around the area of the hospital, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The restricted area R1 may be set in other areas other than the hospital. For example, the restricted area R1 may be set in a place where the influence of noise is relatively large, such as around a school, and the EV mode may be set as a specific driving mode. The size of the restricted area R1 may be any size. For example, the restricted area R1 may be set over a relatively wide area covering the entire town, or may be set only in a relatively narrow area around the hospital or school.

[0062] (Second Embodiment) Next, a driving mode switching support system according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that descriptions of parts having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment are omitted, and only different parts will be described. In the first embodiment, when the vehicle 1 enters the preparation area, the preparation area notification unit of the display 42 blinks to notify the driver that the vehicle 1 has entered the preparation area. In the second embodiment, when the vehicle 1 enters the preparation area, it is different from the first embodiment in that the vehicle 1 automatically switches to a specific driving mode to be traveled.

[0063] FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of the vehicle 1 and the driver in the process of the vehicle 1 traveling from outside the preparation area R2 through the preparation area R2 and entering the inside of the restricted area R1. As shown in FIG. 11, in the second embodiment, when the vehicle 1 enters the preparation area R2 and satisfies a specific condition, the vehicle 1 automatically switches the driving mode.

[0064] In this embodiment, when it is determined that the vehicle 1 has entered the preparation area R2, it is detected whether the vehicle 1 satisfies a predetermined driving mode allowable condition. The driving mode allowable condition here is a condition for whether the vehicle 1 is in a state where it may switch the driving mode. In this embodiment, when the traveling speed of the vehicle is equal to or lower than a certain speed (for example, 40 km / h or lower) and the vehicle is not tilted, the support control device 60 determines that the driving mode allowable condition is satisfied. When it is determined by the support control device 60 that the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2 and the vehicle 1 satisfies the driving mode allowable condition, the support control device 60 outputs a control signal (predetermined output) for instructing the ECU 21 to switch to a specific driving mode, and the ECU 21 switches the driving mode.

[0065] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12, a driving mode switching support method according to the second embodiment will be described. First, the vehicle 1 acquires position information from the GPS 46 and acquires map information from the cloud 47 (S11). In the present embodiment, since the map information of the cloud 47 includes regulation area boundary information indicating the boundary inside and outside the regulation area R1, when the vehicle 1 receives the map information from the cloud 47, the vehicle 1 acquires the regulation area boundary information.

[0066] Based on the regulation area boundary information received by the vehicle 1, preparation area information indicating a preparation area R2 is generated outside the regulation area (S12: preparation area information generation step). When the preparation area information is generated, it is determined whether the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2 (S13: determination step). If it is determined that the vehicle 1 is not present in the preparation area R2, the flow returns to before step S11. If it is determined that the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2, it is determined whether the driving state of the vehicle 1 satisfies a predetermined driving mode allowable condition (S14). If it is determined that the driving state of the vehicle 1 does not satisfy the driving mode allowable condition, the flow returns to before step S14 until it is determined that the driving state of the vehicle 1 satisfies the driving mode allowable condition.

[0067] If it is determined that the driving state of the vehicle 1 satisfies the driving mode allowable condition, a control signal (predetermined output) for instructing the ECU 21 to switch to a specific driving mode is output (S15). Thereby, a preparation signal indicating that the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2 is transmitted to the ECU 21 (preparation signal transmission step).

[0068] When the ECU 21 receives the preparation signal, it is detected whether the current driving mode is different from the specific driving mode set in the regulated area (S16). If the driving mode has already been the specific driving mode, the driving mode is not switched, and the flow proceeds to before step S18. If the driving mode is different from the specific driving mode, the ECU 21 transmits a signal to the driving mode switching unit 34, causing the driving mode switching unit 34 to switch the driving mode to the specific driving mode (S17). In the present embodiment, the driving mode switching unit 34 switches the driving mode to the EV mode. Specifically, when the driving mode switching unit 34 transmits a signal to the mode program execution unit 33 and the mode program execution unit 33 receives the signal, the mode program execution unit 33 reads out the mode program of the specific driving mode to be set in the regulated area R1 from the mode program storage unit 39 of the memory 30, and according to the read mode program, outputs operation command values to the motor control unit 35, the engine control unit 36, and the clutch control unit 37. In the present embodiment, since the specific driving mode to be set in the regulated area R1 is the EV mode, the driving mode is switched to the EV mode.

[0069] When the driving mode is switched to the specific driving mode, since the vehicle 1 will be in a state where there is no problem even if it enters the regulated area, the vehicle 1 enters the regulated area (S18). When the vehicle 1 enters the regulated area, the driving support of the vehicle 1 is terminated.

[0070] In the present embodiment, when the vehicle 1 enters the preparation area and the driving state satisfies the driving mode allowable conditions, a control signal for instructing the switching to the specific driving mode is output, so that the switching to the specific driving mode is automatically performed without the driver performing an operation for the switching. Therefore, the labor of the driver can be saved. In addition, the driver does not need to be distracted by the switching of the driving mode and can concentrate more on driving.

[0071] (Third Embodiment) Next, the driving mode switching support system according to the third embodiment will be described. Note that descriptions of parts having the same configuration as those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and only different parts will be described. In the third embodiment, it is different from the first and second embodiments in that the ECU 21 is mounted on the vehicle 1 and the support control device is mounted on a smartphone as a mobile terminal.

[0072] FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram for explaining a form in which the support control device is mounted on the smartphone 61. The driver of the vehicle 1 has the smartphone 61. In the present embodiment, the support control device 60 is mounted on the smartphone 61. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the CPU of the smartphone 61 executes a support control program downloaded to the smartphone functions as the support control device 60.

[0073] In the present embodiment, since the smartphone 61 functions as the support control device 60, in the determination step of determining whether or not the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2, the smartphone 61 determines whether or not the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2. Further, when it is determined that the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2, in the preparation signal transmission step of transmitting a preparation signal indicating that the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2, the smartphone 61 transmits the preparation signal to the ECU 21 of the vehicle 1. Therefore, it is not necessary to mount on the vehicle 1 a device for determining whether or not the vehicle 1 is present in the preparation area R2 and a transmission device, and the configuration of the vehicle 1 can be simplified. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the vehicle 1 can be reduced. Further, the vehicle 1 can be lightened, and the motion performance of the vehicle 1 can be improved.

[0074] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a driving mode switching support system according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Note that descriptions of parts configured in the same manner as in the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and only different parts will be described. In the first to third embodiments, the restricted area R1 is set in advance, and the form in which the specific driving mode is a restricted area where the EV mode is used due to environmental and noise requirements has been described. In the fourth embodiment, it is different from the first to third embodiments in that the restricted area can be individually set by the driver, and the specific driving mode set in the restricted area can be individually set by the driver.

[0075] FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram for explaining a form in which the restricted area and the specific driving mode set in the restricted area can be individually set by the driver. In the present embodiment, in the driving mode of the vehicle 1, the ICE mode is set in a subdivided manner, such as a driving mode that emphasizes fuel efficiency or a driving mode that maximally exhibits driving performance. The driver sets the driving mode when driving in the ICE mode from the subdivided driving modes in the ICE mode. The ECU 21 controls the output of the engine E by controlling the throttle device T, the fuel injection device F, and the ignition device I according to the driving mode set by the driver. The engine E drives the drive wheels with an output according to the driver's operation for each driving mode.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, the driver of the vehicle 1 has set a restricted area R1 around the circuit. Also, in the restricted area R1, the specific driving mode has been set by the driver of the vehicle 1 such that the driving mode is set to a driving mode that maximally exhibits driving performance in the ICE mode.

[0077] Thus, in this embodiment, the restricted area R1 is individually set by the driver, and the specific driving mode set for each restricted area R1 is individually set by the driver. In setting the restricted area R1, the driver may input, for example, by writing on the map displayed on the display 42 of the vehicle 1 by pen input, or may display a map on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone and input by writing on the map by pen input. Further, a map may be displayed on a PC and input may be performed on the map displayed on the PC.

[0078] In addition, outside the restricted area R1, a preparation area is set for each restricted area R1. Regarding the preparation area R2, preparation area information indicating the preparation area R2 is generated by the support control device 60 according to the restricted area R1 set by the driver, and thus the preparation area R2 is set.

[0079] Since the restricted area R1 can be freely set according to the driver's circumstances, and the specific driving mode set for each restricted area R1 can be freely set according to the driver's circumstances, the usability can be improved.

[0080] When the vehicle 1 enters the preparation area R2, a signal is transmitted from the support control device 60 to the ECU 21, and a display prompting the driver to switch the driving mode to the specific driving mode is performed through the display 42, or a signal is transmitted from the support control device 60 to the ECU 21, and the driving mode switching unit 34 automatically switches the driving mode to the specific driving mode, which is the same as in the first to third embodiments.

[0081] In this embodiment, a configuration in which both the restricted area R1 and the specific driving mode set for each restricted area R1 can be individually set by the driver has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. A configuration in which either the restricted area R1 or the specific driving mode set for each restricted area R1 can be individually set by the driver may be used.

[0082] Further, in the above embodiment, the area around the circuit is set as the restricted area R1 by the driver, and in the restricted area R1, the driving mode is set to a driving mode that maximizes the driving performance in the ICE mode. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The driver may set other areas as the restricted area R1, such as the area around the driver's home. Also, in the area around the home, the EV mode may be set as a specific driving mode so that no sound is emitted from the vehicle 1. As described above, the driver can freely set the restricted area R1 and freely set the specific driving mode of the restricted area R1.

[0083] Further, in the above embodiment, in the restricted area R1, as a specific driving mode, the driving mode is set to a driving mode that maximizes the driving performance in the ICE mode. However, it may be a driving mode in which the vehicle 1 travels at the maximum speed, or a driving mode in which the engine E outputs the maximum output.

[0084] Also, in the restricted area R1, in order to promote a smooth traffic flow, as a specific driving mode, it may be a driving mode in which a minimum speed is set, such as on a highway.

[0085] The functions of the elements disclosed in this specification can be executed using a circuit or processing circuit including a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor, an integrated circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a conventional circuit, and / or a combination thereof, which is configured or programmed to execute the disclosed functions. Since a processor includes transistors and other circuits, it is regarded as a processing circuit or a circuit. In the present disclosure, a circuit, unit or means is hardware that executes the listed functions, or hardware programmed to execute the listed functions. The hardware may be the hardware disclosed in this specification, or other known hardware programmed or configured to execute the listed functions. When the hardware is a processor considered to be a type of circuit, the circuit, means or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used for the configuration of the hardware and / or the processor.

[0086] As described above, the above embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and is also applicable to embodiments with appropriate changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. Further, it is also possible to combine the respective components described in the above embodiments to form a new embodiment. For example, some configurations or methods in one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, and some configurations in an embodiment can be arbitrarily extracted separately from other configurations in that embodiment. Further, among the components described in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description, there are not only the components essential for solving the problem, but also the components not essential for solving the problem for exemplifying the technology.

[0087] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the map information is acquired from the cloud 47 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The map information may be stored in a memory mounted on the vehicle. The memory mounted on the vehicle may be the ECU 21. Further, the map information may be stored in a memory mounted on a smartphone.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0088] 1 Vehicle 21 ECU (Output Device) 47 Cloud (Server Device) 60 Support Control Device E Engine M Drive Motor R1 Regulation Area R2 Preparation Area L2 Outer Outer Edge L3 Inner Outer Edge

Claims

1. A method for assisting in switching the driving mode of a vehicle capable of driving in a plurality of driving modes, comprising: determining whether the vehicle is present in a preparation area set adjacent to a regulated area where a specific driving mode to be set is set in advance; when it is determined that the vehicle is present in the preparation area, transmitting a preparation signal indicating that the vehicle is present in the preparation area; outputting a predetermined output for switching from the currently used driving mode to the specific driving mode; and outputting the predetermined output includes instructing the display to display information prompting a switch to a driving mode defined corresponding to the regulated area, the driving mode switching assistance method.

2. The driving mode switching assistance method according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the vehicle is present in the preparation area and the switch to the specific driving mode is executed, information indicating that the driving mode has become the specific driving mode is notified.

3. When it is determined that the vehicle is present in the regulated area, transmitting a regulation signal indicating that the vehicle is present in the regulated area; further comprising, when receiving the regulation signal, notifying the driver of regulation information indicating that the vehicle is in the regulated area; The driving mode switching assistance method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a notification form when it is determined that the vehicle is present in the preparation area is different from a notification form when it is determined that the vehicle is present in the regulated area.

4. A method for assisting in switching the driving mode of a vehicle capable of driving in a plurality of driving modes, comprising: determining whether the vehicle is present in a preparation area set adjacent to a regulated area where a specific driving mode to be set is set in advance; when it is determined that the vehicle is present in the preparation area, transmitting a preparation signal indicating that the vehicle is present in the preparation area; when receiving the preparation signal, outputting a predetermined output for switching from the currently used driving mode to the specific driving mode; receiving regulation area boundary information indicating the boundary inside and outside the regulated area, and based on the received regulation area boundary information, generating preparation area information indicating the preparation area outside the regulated area; and Generating the preparation area information includes generating, as the preparation area boundary information, information indicating an inner outer edge and an outer outer edge set outside the inner outer edge respectively. Transmitting the preparation signal includes transmitting the preparation signal when the vehicle enters inside the inner outer edge, and not transmitting the preparation signal when the vehicle exits outside the outer outer edge, which is a driving mode switching support method.

5. The predetermined output is a notification of information prompting a switch to a driving mode defined corresponding to the restricted area. Outputting the predetermined output includes outputting the notification to the driver, which is the driving mode switching support method according to Claim 4.

6. Outputting the predetermined output includes notifying information prompting a switch of the driving mode until a switch to the driving mode defined corresponding to the restricted area is executed when the preparation signal is received, which is the driving mode switching support method according to Claim 5.

7. When it is determined that the vehicle is present in the preparation area, blinking a preparation area notification unit provided on the display of the vehicle, which is the driving mode switching support method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. When it is determined that the vehicle is present in the preparation area, if the current driving mode is different from the specific driving mode, notifying information prompting a switch of the driving mode until a switch to the driving mode defined corresponding to the restricted area is executed, if the current driving mode is the same as the specific driving mode, not notifying information prompting a switch of the driving mode, which is the driving mode switching support method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7.

9. The predetermined output is a control signal for instructing a switch to the specific driving mode. Outputting the predetermined output includes outputting the control signal when the driving state of the vehicle satisfies a predetermined driving mode allowable condition, which is the driving mode switching support method according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

10. When it is determined that a vehicle is present in the restricted area, further comprising transmitting a restriction signal indicating that the vehicle is present in the restricted area. Outputting the predetermined output includes notifying the driver of information indicating that the vehicle is in the preparation area when the preparation signal is received, and notifying the driver of restriction information indicating that the vehicle is in the restricted area when the restriction signal is received. The notification form when notifying information indicating that the vehicle is in the preparation area when the preparation signal is received, and the notification form when notifying information indicating that the vehicle is in the restriction area when the restriction signal is received are different. The driving mode switching support method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method for assisting the switching of a driving mode of a vehicle capable of traveling in a plurality of driving modes, Determining whether the vehicle exists in a preparation area set adjacent to a restriction area where a specific driving mode to be set is set in advance; When it is determined that the vehicle exists in the preparation area, transmitting a preparation signal indicating that the vehicle exists in the preparation area; When receiving the preparation signal, outputting a predetermined output for switching from the currently used driving mode to the specific driving mode; Comprising: Either the restriction area or the driving mode set in the restriction area is individually set by the driver. A driving mode switching support method.

12. A driving mode switching support program that causes at least one processor to execute the driving mode switching support method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A system for assisting the switching of a driving mode of a vehicle capable of traveling in a plurality of driving modes, A support control device capable of receiving a preparation signal indicating that the vehicle exists in a preparation area set adjacent to a restriction area where a specific driving mode to be set is set in advance; A display that is communicable with the support control device and capable of displaying information prompting a switch from the currently used driving mode to the specific driving mode. The support control device, when receiving the preparation signal, displays on the display information prompting a switch from the currently used driving mode to the driving mode defined corresponding to the restriction area. A driving mode switching support system.

14. A system for assisting the switching of a driving mode of a vehicle capable of traveling in a plurality of driving modes, A support control device capable of receiving a preparation signal indicating that the vehicle exists in a preparation area set adjacent to a restriction area where a specific driving mode to be set is set in advance; An output device that is communicable with the support control device and capable of outputting a predetermined output for switching from the currently used driving mode to the specific driving mode. The support control device Receive regulation area boundary information indicating the boundary inside and outside the regulation area, and based on the received regulation area boundary information, generate preparation area information including information indicating the preparation area outside the regulation area, an inner outer edge, and an outer outer edge set outside the inner outer edge. When receiving the preparation signal, cause the output device to output the predetermined output. A driving mode switching support system, including: when the vehicle enters inside the inner outer edge, transmitting the preparation signal; and when the vehicle exits outside the outer outer edge, the support control device does not transmit the preparation signal.

15. A system for assisting in switching the driving mode of a vehicle capable of driving in a plurality of driving modes, A support control device capable of receiving a preparation signal indicating that the vehicle is present in a preparation area set adjacent to a regulation area where a specific driving mode to be set is predetermined, An output device capable of communicating with the support control device and outputting a predetermined output for switching from the currently used driving mode to the specific driving mode. The support control device, When receiving the preparation signal, causes the output device to output the predetermined output. A driving mode switching support system that individually sets either the regulation area or the driving mode set in the regulation area by the driver.

Images