Driving assistance method and driving assistance device

Abstract

In this driving assistance method in which a host vehicle (1) is caused to change lanes by autonomous travel control, when there is a restriction on the number of vehicles permitted to travel in a first lane of adjacent first and second lanes included in the road on which the host vehicle is traveling, a controller (20) is caused to execute a process (S2) of determining whether or not the host vehicle is traveling in the first lane in which there is a restriction on the number of vehicles permitted to travel, and when it is determined that the host vehicle is traveling in the first lane, the controller (20) is caused to execute a process (S3) in which the host vehicle is not caused to change lanes from the first lane to the second lane by autonomous travel control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a driving support method and a driving support device.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle control device that sets determination conditions for permitting a lane change of a host vehicle from its own lane to an adjacent lane according to the type of the adjacent lane, and performs driving control or assistance control related to the lane change when the determination conditions are satisfied.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Among multiple lanes on the same road, vehicles that can drive on some lanes may be restricted by regulations. In the following description, a lane on which vehicles that can drive according to regulations are restricted may be referred to as a "specific lane", and a lane other than the specific lane may be referred to as a "general lane". Even if the vehicle has an automatic lane change function, it is preferable not to perform an automatic lane change of the vehicle from the general lane to the specific lane when it is impossible to determine whether the vehicle can drive on the specific lane. In this case, when an automatic lane change from the specific lane to the general lane is executed, there is a risk that the occupant may misunderstand that an automatic lane change from the general lane to the specific lane is also possible, thinking that the automatic lane change function has nothing to do with the specific lane. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic lane change function that complies with regulations restricting vehicles that can drive on a specific lane, and to make it easier for the occupant to recognize that an automatic lane change to the specific lane is restricted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a driving assistance method is provided for changing the lane of the vehicle using an automatic lane change function. In this driving assistance method, if there are two adjacent lanes, a first lane and a second lane, on the road on which the vehicle is traveling, and the vehicles permitted to travel in the first lane are restricted, the controller is instructed to perform the following processes: determine whether the vehicle is traveling in the first lane, which is the lane on which the vehicles permitted to travel are restricted; and, if it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in the first lane, not perform a lane change from the first lane to the second lane using the automatic lane change function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, a lane-changing function is provided that complies with regulations restricting which vehicles can travel in a specific lane, and it also makes it easier for occupants to recognize that lane changes to a specific lane are restricted. The objectives and advantages of the present invention are embodied and achieved using the elements and combinations thereof set forth in the claims. Both the general description above and the detailed description below are merely illustrative and descriptive, and should be understood not to limit the invention in any way that would be limited by the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of a vehicle equipped with the driver assistance system of the embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows a part of the input device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the controller's functional configuration. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of an example of a driving assistance method according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (composition) Figure 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a vehicle equipped with the driver assistance system of the embodiment. The driver assistance system 10 installed in the vehicle 1 includes a sensor 11, a positioning device 12, a map database (map DB) 13, in-vehicle equipment 14, a navigation system 15, a display device 16, an audio output device 17, an input device 18, a vehicle behavior control device 19, and a controller 20. These devices are connected to each other by, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) or other in-vehicle LAN to send and receive information.

[0009] Sensor 11 detects the driving state of the vehicle 1. For example, sensor 11 includes cameras such as a front camera that captures images in front of the vehicle 1, a rear camera that captures images behind the vehicle 1, and side cameras that capture images to the left and right sides of the vehicle 1. Sensor 11 also includes radars such as a front radar that detects obstacles in front of the vehicle 1, a rear radar that detects obstacles behind the vehicle 1, and side radars that detect obstacles to the left and right sides of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, sensor 11 includes a vehicle speed sensor that detects the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1.

[0010] The positioning device 12 includes a GPS unit, a gyro sensor, and a vehicle speed sensor. The positioning device 12 detects radio waves transmitted from multiple satellite communications using the GPS unit and periodically acquires the position information of the vehicle 1. The positioning device 12 also detects the current position of the vehicle 1 based on the acquired position information of the vehicle 1, angle change information acquired from the gyro sensor, and vehicle speed acquired from the vehicle speed sensor.

[0011] The map database 13 is a memory that stores three-dimensional high-precision map information, including location information for various facilities and specific points, and is accessible from the controller 20. The three-dimensional high-precision map information is map information that associates detailed and high-precision location information, such as curved roads and the size of their curves (e.g., curvature or radius of curvature), road merging points, branching points, toll booths, and locations where the number of lanes decreases, as three-dimensional information. Furthermore, the three-dimensional high-precision map information includes lane-specific information (i.e., lane information), such as information for lane nodes indicating reference points on lane reference lines (e.g., the center line within a lane) and information for lane links indicating the section configuration of lanes between lane nodes. Furthermore, the map database 13 may include lane type information relating to the type of lane for each lane. The lane type information may indicate, for example, whether the lane is a specific lane where the vehicles that can travel are restricted by traffic regulations, or a general lane other than a specific lane. Specific lanes may be, for example, HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes or carpool lanes provided on freeways in the United States. Specific lanes and general lanes are examples of the "first lane" and "second lane" described in the claims, respectively.

[0012] The in-vehicle equipment 14 consists of various devices installed in the vehicle 1 and are operated by the occupants (e.g., the driver). Examples of such in-vehicle equipment include the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brake pedal, turn signals, wipers, lights, horn, and other specific switches. The navigation system 15 acquires the current location information of the vehicle 1 from the positioning device 12 and displays the location of the vehicle 1 on a navigation map on a display or the like. Furthermore, when a destination is set, the navigation system 15 sets the route from the vehicle 1's current location to the destination as the target route and performs navigation control to guide the occupants along the target route. In this navigation control, the navigation system 15 displays the target route on the map on the display and informs the occupants of the target route by voice or other means. The target route set by the navigation system 15 is also used in route driving support control by the controller 20. Route driving support control is a control that causes the vehicle 1 to autonomously drive to the destination along the set target route.

[0013] The display device 16 includes various displays, such as the display provided by the navigation system 15, a display integrated into the rearview mirror, a display integrated into the instrument cluster, and a head-up display projected onto the windshield. The display device 16 informs the occupants of various information in accordance with the control of the controller 20. The audio output device 17 is a device that outputs auditory information such as the speakers of the navigation system 15, the speakers of the audio system, and buzzers. The audio output device 17 informs the occupants of various presentation information according to the control of the controller 20.

[0014] The input device 18 is, for example, a button switch that can be operated manually by the crew, a touch panel located on the display screen, or a microphone that allows voice input by the crew. By operating the input device 18, the crew can input setting information for the information presented by the display device 16 and the voice output device 17. Figure 2 shows a part of the input device 18 of this embodiment. The input device 18 may be a group of button switches located, for example, on the spokes of the steering wheel. The input device 18 is used to set the on / off status of autonomous driving control by the controller 20. The input device 18 includes a main switch 181, a resume / accelerate switch 182, a set / coast switch 183, a cancel switch 184, a distance adjustment switch 185, and a lane change support switch 186.

[0015] The main switch 181 is a switch that turns the autonomous driving control of the controller 20 on / off. The resume / accelerate switch 182 is a switch that sets the autonomous driving control to resume at the set speed before it was turned off after being turned off, or a switch that increases the set speed. The set / coast switch 183 is a switch that starts autonomous driving control. To start autonomous driving control, turn on autonomous driving control with the main switch 181, and then press the set / coast switch 183. The set / coast switch 183 is also a switch that decreases the set speed. The cancel switch 184 is a switch that cancels autonomous driving control. The distance adjustment switch 185 is a switch for setting the distance to the preceding vehicle. The lane change support switch 186 is a switch that instructs (approves) the start of a lane change when the controller 20 confirms with the occupant that a lane change has started. In addition to the group of button switches shown in Figure 2, the turn signal lever of the turn signal indicator and other switches of in-vehicle equipment 14 can also be used as input devices 18.

[0016] The vehicle behavior control device 19 controls the vehicle behavior of the host vehicle 1. For example, when the host vehicle 1 performs constant-speed running at a set speed by autonomous driving control, the vehicle behavior control device 19 controls the operations of the drive mechanism for realizing the acceleration / deceleration and running speed and the braking operation so that the host vehicle 1 reaches the set speed. Further, when the host vehicle 1 follows a preceding vehicle by autonomous driving control, the vehicle behavior control device 19 similarly controls the operations of the drive mechanism and the brake. Note that the operation control of the drive mechanism includes the operation of the internal combustion engine in a gasoline vehicle and the operation of the driving motor in an electric vehicle system. In a hybrid vehicle, it includes the torque distribution between the internal combustion engine and the driving motor. Also, when the vehicle behavior control device 19 executes lane keeping control, lane change assist control, overtaking assist control, or route driving assist control, which will be described later, by autonomous driving control, in addition to the operation control of the drive mechanism and the brake, it controls the operation of the steering actuator to execute the steering control of the host vehicle 1.

[0017] The controller 20 is one or more electronic control units (ECUs) for controlling the running of the host vehicle 1, and includes a processor 21 and peripheral components such as a storage device 22. The processor 21 may be, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The storage device 22 may include a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, etc. The storage device 22 may include memories such as registers, cache memories, ROM and RAM used as a main storage device. The functions of the controller 20 described below are realized, for example, when the processor 21 executes a computer program stored in the storage device 22.

[0018] The controller 20 realizes a driving information acquisition function for acquiring information on the driving state of the host vehicle 1, and executes autonomous driving control for autonomously controlling the driving speed and / or steering of the host vehicle 1. The driving information acquisition function is a function for acquiring driving information on the driving state of the host vehicle 1. For example, the controller 20 may acquire, as driving information, image information of the outside of the vehicle captured by the front camera, rear camera, and side cameras of the sensor 11. Further, the controller 20 acquires, as driving information, the detection results by the front radar, rear radar, and side radars. Furthermore, the controller 20 also acquires, as driving information, the vehicle speed information of the host vehicle 1 detected by the vehicle speed sensor of the sensor 11.

[0019] Furthermore, the controller 20 acquires, as driving information, the current position information of the host vehicle 1 from the positioning device 12. The controller 20 acquires, as driving information, the set destination and the target driving route to the destination from the navigation system 15. The controller 20 acquires, as driving information, position information such as a curved road and the size of the curve (for example, curvature or radius of curvature), a merging point, a branching point, a toll gate, a position where the number of lanes decreases, and map information such as lane information from the map database 13. The controller 20 acquires, as driving information, the operation information of the in-vehicle device 14 by the occupant from the in-vehicle device 14.

[0020] In the autonomous driving control, the controller 20 autonomously controls the driving of the host vehicle 1 without relying on the operation of the occupant. The autonomous driving control of the controller 20 includes autonomous speed control for autonomously controlling the driving speed of the host vehicle 1 and autonomous steering control for autonomously controlling the steering of the host vehicle 1. 《Autonomous Speed Control》 In the autonomous speed control, when the controller 20 detects a preceding vehicle, it follows the preceding vehicle while performing inter-vehicle control to maintain an inter-vehicle distance corresponding to the vehicle speed, with the vehicle speed set by the occupant or the speed limit as the upper limit. On the other hand, when no preceding vehicle is detected, it performs constant-speed driving at the vehicle speed set by the occupant or the speed limit. The former is also called inter-vehicle control, and the latter is also called constant-speed control. The occupant may set the inter-vehicle distance in the inter-vehicle control by operating the inter-vehicle adjustment switch 185.

[0021] Constant speed control is performed when the forward radar of sensor 11 detects that there is no preceding vehicle in the lane in which vehicle 1 is traveling. In constant speed control, the vehicle behavior control device 19 controls the operation of the drive mechanisms such as the engine and brakes while feeding back vehicle speed data from the vehicle speed sensor in order to maintain the set driving speed. Inter-vehicle distance control is performed when the forward radar of sensor 11 detects the presence of a preceding vehicle in the lane in which vehicle 1 is traveling. In inter-vehicle distance control, the vehicle behavior control device 19 controls the operation of the drive mechanisms such as the engine and brakes, while feeding back inter-vehicle distance data detected by the forward radar, up to the set driving speed limit, in order to maintain a set distance between vehicles.

[0022] Autonomous steering control In autonomous steering control, the controller 20 controls the operation of the steering actuator based on the driving information acquired by the driving information acquisition function, thereby performing steering control of the vehicle 1. Autonomous steering control includes lane keeping control, lane change support control, overtaking support control, and route driving support control. In lane keeping control, the controller 20 assists the occupant's steering by controlling the steering actuator, for example, to keep the vehicle near the center of the lane.

[0023] In lane change support control, the controller 20 illuminates the turn signal when the occupant operates the turn signal lever and determines whether predetermined lane change initiation conditions are met based on various driving information acquired by the driving information acquisition function. If the lane change initiation conditions are met, the lane change operation is initiated. The operation of the turn signal lever by the occupant in lane change support control is an example of the "instruction input for lane change" described in the claims. During a lane change operation, the controller 20 performs a lane change maneuver, moving the vehicle 1 laterally to the adjacent lane to which it is changing (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "destination lane"). While the lane change operation is being performed, the controller 20 displays information to the occupants via the display device 16 indicating that an automatic lane change is being performed. Once the lane change operation is complete, the controller 20 turns off the turn signal and starts the lane keeping function in the lane after the lane change. Hereafter, the function of the controller 20 that performs lane change support control may be referred to as the "lane change support function".

[0024] In overtaking support control, the controller 20 proposes to the occupants to change lanes using autonomous driving control and overtake the preceding vehicle when a preceding vehicle is present in the lane ahead of the vehicle 1 and predetermined overtaking proposal conditions are met. Hereinafter, the proposal to change lanes to overtake the preceding vehicle may be referred to as the "overtaking proposal". When an overtaking suggestion is presented, and the occupant approves it by operating the lane change support switch 186 on the input device 18, and the predetermined conditions for executing the overtaking suggestion are met, the controller 20 executes an automatic lane change. In an automatic lane change, the controller 20 executes a lane change operation so that the vehicle 1 moves into the destination lane.

[0025] Furthermore, if the vehicle 1 has overtaken a preceding vehicle and the predetermined lane return proposal conditions are met, the controller 20 will use the display device 16 to propose to the occupant that the vehicle change lanes using autonomous driving control to return to the original lane before overtaking. Hereinafter, the proposal to change lanes to return to the original lane after overtaking a preceding vehicle may be referred to as the "lane return proposal." If the occupant approves the lane return proposal by operating the lane change support switch 186 on the input device 18 and the predetermined lane return execution conditions are met, the controller 20 will execute the automatic lane change. In the automatic lane change, the controller 20 will execute the lane change operation so that the vehicle 1 moves back to the original lane. Hereinafter, the function of the controller 20 that performs overtaking support control may be referred to as the "overtaking support function."

[0026] In route driving support control, when the controller 20 meets predetermined route driving execution conditions before a branching point, merging point, exit, toll booth, or other point where the direction of travel changes on the target driving route set by the navigation system 15, it proposes to the occupant to perform an autonomous driving control lane change (i.e., a lane change in accordance with the navigation that guides the vehicle along the target driving route) in order to drive the vehicle along the target driving route. Hereinafter, the proposal to change lanes in order to drive the vehicle along the target driving route may be referred to as the "route driving proposal". When the occupant approves the route driving proposal by operating the lane change support switch 186 on the input device 18 and the predetermined route driving execution conditions are met, the controller 20 performs an automatic lane change. In an automatic lane change, the controller 20 performs a lane change operation so that its own vehicle 1 moves into the destination lane. Hereinafter, the function of the controller 20 that performs route driving support control may be referred to as the "route driving support function". These support functions (lane change support function, overtaking support function, route driving support function) that automatically change the lane of the vehicle 1 through autonomous steering control are collectively referred to as "autonomous lane change function".

[0027] As described above, some of the multiple lanes on the same road that operate in the same direction may be designated as specific lanes (lanes in which the vehicles that can travel are restricted by regulations). Whether or not the lane in which vehicle 1 is traveling is a specific lane can be determined, for example, based on the measurement result of the vehicle 1's current position by the positioning device 12 and the lane type information in the map database 13. Alternatively, it may be determined by detecting road markings indicating that it is a specific lane using the camera of sensor 11. However, a function to determine whether or not the vehicle meets the permit conditions for driving in a specific lane may not be installed in the vehicle itself. For example, an HOV lane is a lane that can only be driven in by vehicles with a predetermined number of occupants or more, and in order to determine whether or not a vehicle can drive in an HOV lane, it is necessary to have a function to detect the number of occupants. Furthermore, even if a vehicle has a function to determine whether or not the permit conditions are met, it is not always possible to make an appropriate determination.

[0028] If it is not possible to determine whether or not it is possible to drive in a specific lane, it is preferable not to change lanes from a general lane to a specific lane. For this reason, the controller 20 restricts the automatic lane change function from general lanes to specific lanes. Specifically, the controller 20 will not execute the overtaking assistance function and the route driving assistance function if the destination lane is a designated lane. For example, it will prohibit automatic lane changes from a general lane to a designated lane using the overtaking assistance function and the route driving assistance function. However, if the occupant operates the turn signal lever to instruct a lane change from a general lane to a specific lane, the lane change assist function will automatically execute the lane change from the general lane to the specific lane. This is because such lane changes are initiated by the occupant's will, and it is preferable to respect the occupant's wishes.

[0029] If lane changes from a general lane to a specific lane are restricted in this way, then when a lane change is performed from a specific lane to a general lane, the occupants may mistakenly believe that the lane change function is unrelated to the specific lane, and therefore that lane changes from a general lane to a specific lane are not restricted. Therefore, when the vehicle 1 is traveling in a specific lane, the controller 20 does not execute any of the automatic lane change functions installed in the vehicle 1 (in this example, the lane change assist function, the overtaking assist function, and the route driving assist function). This makes it easier for the occupants to recognize that automatic lane changes to a specific lane are restricted.

[0030] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example of the functional configuration of the controller 20. The controller 20 includes a specific lane recognition unit 30, a preceding vehicle recognition unit 31, a surrounding situation recognition unit 32, a lane change request determination unit 33, a lane change feasibility determination unit 34, and a lane change state management unit 35. The specific lane recognition unit 30 determines, for example, whether the lane in which the vehicle 1 is currently traveling (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "current lane") is a specific lane, and whether the current lane becomes a specific lane ahead of the vehicle 1's path, based on the measurement result of the vehicle 1's current position by the positioning device 12 and the lane type information in the map database 13. Furthermore, the specific lane recognition unit 30 determines whether the lane adjacent to the current lane is a specific lane, and whether the adjacent lane becomes a specific lane ahead of the vehicle 1's path. The specific lane recognition unit 30 may also make these determinations by detecting road markings indicating that it is a specific lane using the camera of the sensor 11.

[0031] The preceding vehicle recognition unit 31 recognizes a preceding vehicle located in front of the lane in which the vehicle 1 is traveling, based on the driving information, and detects the relative speed Vr of the preceding vehicle with respect to the vehicle 1 (Vr = speed of the preceding vehicle - speed of the vehicle 1). The surrounding situation recognition unit 32 recognizes the situation around the vehicle 1 (for example, other vehicles and white lines) based on driving information. For example, the surrounding situation recognition unit 32 recognizes the distance d between the vehicle 1 and other vehicles on the destination lane in the direction of lane extension. When the preceding vehicle recognition unit 31 recognizes a preceding vehicle, the lane change request determination unit 33 determines whether or not predetermined overtaking suggestion conditions are met. For example, the overtaking suggestion conditions may include the following conditions. • The overtaking assist function is enabled. • The relative speed Vr of the preceding vehicle to vehicle 1 is less than the threshold speed Vt. The distance d between your vehicle 1 and another vehicle in the destination lane is greater than or equal to the interval threshold Dp. For example, the interval d may be the distance between your vehicle 1 and another vehicle in the direction of lane extension, or it may be the interval time. • Lane changes to the destination lane are permitted (for example, lane markings do not prohibit lane changes, the road's radius of curvature is 250m or more, etc.). • The lane is not currently a designated lane. • The destination lane is not a designated lane. When the conditions for an overtaking suggestion are met, the lane change request determination unit 33 outputs an overtaking suggestion request to the lane change status management unit 35. In other words, the lane change request determination unit 33 does not output an overtaking suggestion request if the vehicle 1 is traveling in a specific lane. It also does not output an overtaking suggestion request for changing lanes from a general lane to a specific lane.

[0032] Once the overtaking maneuver using the overtaking support control is complete, the lane change request determination unit 33 determines whether or not the predetermined lane return proposal conditions are met. For example, the lane return proposal conditions may include the following conditions. • The overtaking assist function is enabled. The distance d between the vehicle 1 and another vehicle in the destination lane is greater than or equal to the distance threshold Dp. • It is possible to change lanes back to the original lane before overtaking. • The lane is not currently a designated lane. • The destination lane is not a designated lane. When the conditions for a lane return proposal are met, the lane change request determination unit 33 outputs a lane return proposal request to the lane change status management unit 35. In other words, the lane change request determination unit 33 does not output a lane return proposal request if the vehicle 1 is traveling in a specific lane. It also does not output a lane return proposal request for changing lanes from a general lane to a specific lane.

[0033] Meanwhile, the lane change request determination unit 33 selects the lane that the vehicle 1 should currently be driving in in order to travel along the target driving route set by the navigation system 15 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "target lane"), and determines whether or not the predetermined route driving suggestion conditions are met. For example, the route driving suggestion conditions may include the following conditions. • Route driving assistance function is enabled. • The lane that vehicle 1 is currently traveling in is different from the target lane. The distance dr from the current position of vehicle 1 to the point where the vehicle changes direction is less than or equal to distance da and greater than or equal to distance db. For example, distance da may be (2300m + 400m × N) and distance db may be (700m + 400m × N). The natural number N is the number of lane changes required for vehicle 1 to move from the lane it is currently traveling in to the target lane. • It is possible to change lanes towards the target lane. • The lane is not currently a designated lane. • The destination lane is not a designated lane. When the route driving suggestion conditions are met, the lane change request determination unit 33 sets a suggested point, which is the point at which a route driving suggestion is presented. When the vehicle 1 reaches the suggested point, the lane change request determination unit 33 outputs a route driving suggestion request to the lane change status management unit 35. In other words, the lane change request determination unit 33 does not output a route driving suggestion request if the vehicle 1 is driving in a specific lane. Also, it does not output a route driving suggestion request for changing lanes from a general lane to a specific lane.

[0034] When the lane change request determination unit 33 outputs an overtaking suggestion request, the lane change state management unit 35 outputs overtaking information via the display device 16 and the voice output device 17 to present the overtaking suggestion to the occupants. When the lane change request determination unit 33 outputs a lane return suggestion request, the lane change state management unit 35 outputs lane return information via the display device 16 and the voice output device 17 to present the lane return suggestion to the occupants. When the lane change request determination unit 33 outputs a route driving suggestion request, the lane change state management unit 35 outputs route driving information via the display device 16 and the voice output device 17 to present the route driving suggestion to the occupants. For this reason, when the vehicle 1 is driving in a specific lane, the lane change state management unit 35 does not present overtaking suggestions, lane return suggestions, or route driving suggestions to the occupants. Furthermore, it does not present overtaking suggestions, lane return suggestions, or route driving suggestions for changing lanes from a general lane to a specific lane.

[0035] When an overtaking suggestion is presented, and the occupant approves it by operating the lane change support switch 186 on the input device 18, the lane change state management unit 35 illuminates the turn signal. When an overtaking suggestion is presented to the occupant, the lane change feasibility determination unit 34 determines whether or not predetermined overtaking execution conditions are met. For example, the overtaking execution conditions may include the following conditions. • The overtaking assist function is enabled. • The relative speed Vr of the preceding vehicle to vehicle 1 is less than the threshold speed Vt. The distance d between another vehicle in the destination lane and the vehicle 1 in the direction of lane extension is greater than or equal to the distance threshold Dp. • It is possible to change lanes to the destination lane. • The lane is not currently a designated lane. • The destination lane is not a designated lane.

[0036] When the occupant approves the overtaking suggestion and the overtaking execution conditions are met, the lane change state management unit 35 executes an automatic lane change. In an automatic lane change, the lane change state management unit 35 starts the lane change operation so that the vehicle 1 moves to the destination lane. Therefore, if the vehicle 1 is traveling in a specific lane, the lane change state management unit 35 does not execute an automatic lane change. Also, it does not execute an automatic lane change from a general lane to a specific lane.

[0037] When the occupant approves the lane change support switch 186 on the input device 18 in response to the lane change proposal, the lane change state management unit 35 illuminates the turn signal. When the lane change feasibility determination unit 34 is presented with a lane change proposal, it determines whether the predetermined lane change execution conditions are met. For example, the lane change execution conditions may include the following conditions. • The overtaking assist function is enabled. The distance d between another vehicle in the destination lane and the vehicle 1 in the direction of lane extension is greater than or equal to the distance threshold Dp. • It is possible to change lanes back to the original lane before overtaking. • The lane is not currently a designated lane. • The destination lane is not a designated lane.

[0038] When the occupant approves the lane return proposal and the conditions for executing the lane return are met, the lane change state management unit 35 executes the automatic lane change. In an automatic lane change, the lane change state management unit 35 starts the lane change operation so that the vehicle 1 moves to the destination lane. Therefore, if the vehicle 1 is traveling in a specific lane, the lane change state management unit 35 will not execute the automatic lane change. Also, it will not execute an automatic lane change from a general lane to a specific lane.

[0039] When the occupant approves the proposed route by operating the lane change support switch 186 on the input device 18, the lane change state management unit 35 illuminates the turn signal. When the lane change feasibility determination unit 34 is presented with a proposed route, it determines whether the predetermined route driving execution conditions are met. For example, the route driving execution conditions may include the following conditions. • Route driving assistance function is enabled. • The lane that vehicle 1 is currently traveling in is different from the target lane. The distance dr from the current position of vehicle 1 to the point where the direction of travel will be changed is less than or equal to distance da and greater than or equal to distance db. The distance d between another vehicle in the destination lane and the vehicle 1 in the direction of lane extension is greater than or equal to the distance threshold Dp. • It is possible to change lanes towards the target lane. • The lane is not currently a designated lane. • The destination lane is not a designated lane.

[0040] When the occupant approves the proposed route and the conditions for executing the route are met, the lane change state management unit 35 executes an automatic lane change. In an automatic lane change, the lane change state management unit 35 starts the lane change operation so that the vehicle 1 moves to the destination lane. Therefore, if the vehicle 1 is traveling in a specific lane, the lane change state management unit 35 does not execute an automatic lane change. Also, it does not execute an automatic lane change from a general lane to a specific lane.

[0041] On the other hand, with the lane change assistance function, when an occupant operates the turn signal lever, the lane change state management unit 35 illuminates the turn signal. The lane change feasibility determination unit 34 determines whether or not predetermined lane change initiation conditions are met. The lane change initiation conditions may include, for example, the following conditions. • Lane change assist function is enabled. The distance d between the vehicle 1 and another vehicle in the destination lane is greater than or equal to the distance threshold Dp. • It is possible to change lanes to the destination lane. • The lane is not currently a designated lane. When the conditions for initiating a lane change are met, the lane change state management unit 35 executes an automatic lane change. In an automatic lane change, the lane change state management unit 35 initiates a lane change operation so that the vehicle 1 moves into the destination lane.

[0042] Therefore, the lane change status management unit 35 executes an automatic lane change from a general lane to a specific lane using the lane change support function as described above. On the other hand, if vehicle 1 is traveling in a specific lane, the lane change assist function will not perform an automatic lane change. This prevents disruption to the traffic flow in a specific lane, for example, when vehicle 1 attempts to change lanes from a specific lane to a general lane. In other words, because specific lanes are restricted to vehicles that can travel in them, they are generally less congested than general lanes, and vehicles traveling in specific lanes travel at higher speeds than vehicles traveling in general lanes. Therefore, if vehicle 1 slows down in a specific lane because it is difficult to change lanes from a specific lane to a congested general lane, it may obstruct following vehicles. By not attempting to change lanes when vehicle 1 is traveling in a specific lane, this disruption to the traffic flow in that lane can be prevented.

[0043] The vehicle behavior control device 19 controls the operation of the steering actuator based on a command from the lane change state management unit 35, thereby performing steering control of the vehicle 1.

[0044] (operation) Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example of a driving assistance method according to the embodiment. In step S1, the controller 20 recognizes the adjacent lanes to the current lane in which the vehicle 1 is currently traveling, as well as the type of the current lane. In step S2, the controller 20 determines whether the current lane is a designated lane or whether the current lane will become a designated lane ahead of the vehicle 1's path. If the current lane is a designated lane or will become a designated lane ahead of the vehicle 1's path (step S2:Y), the process proceeds to step S3. If the current lane is not a designated lane AND the current lane will not become a designated lane ahead of the vehicle 1's path (step S2:N), the process proceeds to step S4. In step S3, the controller 20 prohibits all automatic lane changes performed by the vehicle 1 using all automatic lane change functions (in this example, lane change assist function, overtaking assist function, and route driving assist function). The process then terminates.

[0045] In step S4, the controller 20 determines whether the adjacent lane is a designated lane or whether the adjacent lane becomes a designated lane ahead of the path of vehicle 1. If the adjacent lane is a designated lane or the adjacent lane becomes a designated lane ahead of the path of vehicle 1 (step S4: Y), the process proceeds to step S5. adjacent When the lane is not a designated lane and is ahead of the path of vehicle 1 adjacent The process ends if the lane does not become a designated lane (Step S4:N). In this case, none of the automatic lane changes by the lane change assist function, overtaking assist function, or route driving assist function are prohibited. Step S 5 In this state, the controller 20 prohibits automatic lane changes to adjacent lanes due to the overtaking support function and automatic lane changes to adjacent lanes due to the route driving support function. After that, the process ends.

[0046] (Effects of the embodiment) (1) The controller 20 performs driving assistance control to change the lane of the vehicle 1 using the automatic lane change function. The controller 20 performs the following processes: when the vehicle 1 is traveling on a road, and there are two adjacent lanes, the first lane and the second lane, that are all traveling in the same direction, and the first lane is restricted to vehicles that are permitted to travel in that lane, the controller 20 determines whether the vehicle 1 is traveling in the first lane, and if it determines that the vehicle 1 is traveling in the first lane, the controller 20 does not perform a lane change from the first lane to the second lane using the automatic lane change function. This makes it easier for occupants to recognize that changing into the first lane is restricted, when providing an automatic lane change function that complies with regulations that limit which vehicles can travel in the first lane.

[0047] (2) The controller 20 may receive a lane change instruction input from the occupant, and if it receives an instruction input to change lanes from the second lane to the first lane, it may control the driving of its own vehicle 1 to change lanes from the second lane to the first lane. If it receives an instruction input to change lanes from the first lane to the second lane, it may prohibit the lane change from the first lane to the second lane using the automatic lane change function. This allows the driver's intention to change lanes to the first lane to be respected, while also preventing disruption to the traffic flow in the first lane when vehicle 1 attempts to change lanes from the first lane to the second lane.

[0048] (3) The automatic lane change function may include a first automatic lane change function that changes lanes to an adjacent lane when the speed of the vehicle preceding the vehicle 1 is slower than the speed of the vehicle 1. The controller 20 does not have to perform the first automatic lane change function that changes lanes from the first lane to the second lane, nor does it have to perform the first automatic lane change function that changes lanes from the second lane to the first lane. The automatic lane change function may include a second automatic lane change function that changes lanes to an adjacent lane based on a pre-set target driving path. The controller 20 does not need to perform the second automatic lane change function that changes lanes from the first lane to the second lane, nor does it need to perform the second automatic lane change function that changes lanes from the second lane to the first lane. This provides an automatic lane-changing function that complies with regulations restricting which vehicles can travel in the first lane, and also makes it easier for occupants to recognize that automatic lane changes to the first lane are restricted.

[0049] (4) The controller 20 may, if it determines that there are restrictions on vehicles traveling in the first lane on which its own vehicle 1 is traveling, refrain from executing all of the automatic lane change functions installed in its own vehicle 1. This makes it easier for occupants to recognize that changing into the first lane is restricted, when providing an automatic lane change function that complies with regulations that limit which vehicles can travel in the first lane.

[0050] All examples and conditional terms set forth herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the concepts given by the inventors for the advancement of the invention and the art, and should be interpreted without limitation to the examples and conditions specifically described herein, as well as the configuration of examples relating to demonstrating the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although embodiments of the invention are described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1...Vehicle, 10...Driving assistance system, 11...Sensor, 12...Positioning device, 13...Map database, 14...In-vehicle equipment, 15...Navigation system, 16...Display device, 17...Audio output device, 18...Input device, 19...Vehicle behavior control system, 20...Controller, 21...Processor, 22...Storage device

Claims

1. A driving assistance method that performs lane changes of the vehicle using an automatic lane change function, The process of determining whether the vehicle is traveling in the first lane, which is one of two adjacent lanes in the same direction of travel on the road on which the vehicle is traveling, and in which the vehicles permitted to travel in the first lane are restricted, When it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in the first lane, even though changing lanes from the first lane to the second lane is not prohibited at the vehicle's position, the system does not perform the lane change from the first lane to the second lane using the automatic lane change function as a control to automatically change the vehicle's lane from the first lane to the second lane, A driving assistance method characterized by having a controller execute the following.

2. The aforementioned controller, The vehicle receives lane change instructions from the occupants. When an instruction to change lanes from the second lane to the first lane is received, the vehicle's movement is controlled to change lanes from the second lane to the first lane. When an instruction to change lanes from the first lane to the second lane is received, the lane change from the first lane to the second lane will not be performed by the automatic lane change function. The driving assistance method according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned lane change function includes a first lane change function that changes lanes to an adjacent lane when the speed of the vehicle preceding the vehicle is slower than the speed of the vehicle itself. The controller does not perform the first lane change function for changing lanes from the first lane to the second lane, nor does it perform the first lane change function for changing lanes from the second lane to the first lane. The driving assistance method according to feature 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned lane change function includes a second lane change function that changes lanes to an adjacent lane based on a pre-set target driving path. The controller controls the second vehicle which changes lanes from the first lane to the second lane. The change function is not performed, and the second lane change function, which changes lanes from the second lane to the first lane, is not performed. The driving assistance method according to any one of the features 1 to 3.

5. The driving assistance method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the controller does not execute any of the automatic lane change functions installed in the vehicle when it determines that vehicles traveling in the first lane on which the vehicle is traveling are restricted.

6. A driver assistance system that performs lane changes of the vehicle using an automatic lane change function, The process of determining whether the vehicle is traveling in the first lane, which is one of two adjacent lanes in the same direction of travel on the road on which the vehicle is traveling, and in which the vehicles permitted to travel in the first lane are restricted, When it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in the first lane, even though changing lanes from the first lane to the second lane is not prohibited at the vehicle's position, the system does not perform the lane change from the first lane to the second lane using the automatic lane change function as a control to automatically change the vehicle's lane from the first lane to the second lane, A driving assistance device characterized by having a controller perform the following actions.

7. A driving assistance method for changing the lane of the vehicle using an automatic lane change function, The process of determining whether the vehicle is traveling in the first lane, which is one of two adjacent lanes in the same direction of travel on the road on which the vehicle is traveling, and in which the vehicles permitted to travel in the first lane are restricted, When it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in the first lane, even though it is possible to change lanes from the first lane to the second lane at the vehicle's position, the system does not perform the lane change from the first lane to the second lane using the automatic lane change function as a control to automatically change the vehicle's lanes from the first lane to the second lane. The controller executes this, The aforementioned controller, The vehicle receives lane change instructions from the occupants. When an instruction to change lanes from the second lane to the first lane is received, the vehicle's movement is controlled to change lanes from the second lane to the first lane. When an instruction to change lanes from the first lane to the second lane is received, the lane change from the first lane to the second lane will not be performed by the automatic lane change function. A driving assistance method characterized by the following features.

8. A driving assistance device that performs a lane change of the vehicle by an automatic lane change function, The process of determining whether the vehicle is traveling in the first lane, which is one of two adjacent lanes in the same direction of travel on the road on which the vehicle is traveling, and in which the vehicles permitted to travel in the first lane are restricted, When it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in the first lane, even though it is possible to change lanes from the first lane to the second lane at the vehicle's position, the system does not perform the lane change from the first lane to the second lane using the automatic lane change function as a control to automatically change the vehicle's lanes from the first lane to the second lane. The controller executes this, The aforementioned controller, The vehicle receives lane change instructions from the occupants. When an instruction to change lanes from the second lane to the first lane is received, the vehicle's movement is controlled to change lanes from the second lane to the first lane. When an instruction to change lanes from the first lane to the second lane is received, the lane change from the first lane to the second lane will not be performed by the automatic lane change function. A driving assistance device characterized by the following features.

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