Display control device, vehicle provided with display control device, display control method, and display control program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a display control device that allows a user of a support system to easily grasp a use state of the support system. [Solution] A display control device 10 controls the operation of a display device 40 for displaying information on a support system to be used for a vehicle 100. The support system is provided with a plurality of different support functions. The display control device displays, by means of the display device on the basis of the operation state of each of the support functions, the result of the evaluation comprehensively evaluated with respect to the use state of the support system.

Description

Display control device, vehicle equipped with display control device, display control method, and display control program

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

[0002] A vehicle driving assistance device that controls the operation of an assistance system that has multiple assistance functions to assist an operator in driving a vehicle is known. One such vehicle driving assistance device includes a display control device that is configured to display on a display device which of the assistance functions is activated and which of the assistance functions is in an operable state (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent No. 6460019

[0004] As described above, conventional display control devices are configured to display on a display device which assistance functions are operating and which assistance functions are in an operable state. However, if the number of assistance functions displayed on the display device becomes too large, there is a possibility that the operator of the vehicle may find it difficult to grasp the usage status of the assistance system.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a display control device that allows a user of an assistance system to easily understand the usage status of the assistance system, a vehicle equipped with the display control device, a display control method, and a display control program.

[0006] The display control device according to the present invention includes a control device that controls the operation of a display device that displays information about an assistance system used by the vehicle. The assistance system includes a plurality of different assistance functions. The control device is configured to display, on the display device, a comprehensive evaluation result of the usage status of the assistance system based on the operating status of each of the assistance functions.

[0007] According to the display control device of the present invention, when an assistance system has multiple assistance functions, the display device does not display the usage status of each assistance function, but rather displays a comprehensive evaluation of the usage status of the multiple assistance functions (i.e., the usage status of the assistance system), making it easier for users of the assistance system to understand the usage status of the assistance system.

[0008] In addition, in the display control device of the present invention, the control device can be configured to display the results of the evaluation on the display device when the assistance system is operating, and to stop displaying the results of the evaluation on the display device when the operation of the assistance system is stopped.

[0009] According to the display control device of the present invention, the comprehensive evaluation result is displayed only when there is an advantage to displaying the comprehensive evaluation result, thereby preventing the user of the support system from feeling annoyed by unnecessary display of the comprehensive evaluation result.

[0010] Furthermore, in the display control device according to the present invention, for example, when the assistance system has two assistance functions, an evaluation value is set for each operating state of each of the assistance functions, and when the sum of the evaluation values ​​set for each current operating state of each of the assistance functions is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the evaluation becomes the highest evaluation, and when the evaluation value set for the current operating state of one of the assistance functions is equal to or greater than a first evaluation value, but the evaluation value set for the current operating state of the other of the assistance functions is smaller than a second evaluation value which is smaller than the first evaluation value, the evaluation value is set for each operating state of each of the assistance functions so that the sum of the evaluation values ​​set for each current operating state of each of the assistance functions does not become equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0011] According to the display control device of the present invention, even if one assistance function is in an operating state with a high evaluation value, if the other assistance function is in an operating state with a low evaluation value, the sum of the evaluation values ​​will not exceed a predetermined value, and the overall evaluation will not be high. This makes it possible to encourage users of the assistance system to use as many assistance functions as possible in operating states with relatively high evaluation values.

[0012] Furthermore, in the display control device of the present invention, for example, if the evaluation value set for the current operating state of one of the support functions is a value greater than or equal to the first evaluation value, and the evaluation value set for the current operating state of the other support function is a value smaller than the first evaluation value but greater than or equal to the second evaluation value, the evaluation value is set for each operating state of each of the support functions so that the sum of the evaluation values ​​set for each current operating state of each of the support functions is greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

[0013] According to the display control device of the present invention, when both assistance functions are in an operating state with a medium evaluation value, the sum of the evaluation values ​​is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the overall evaluation is a high evaluation. This makes it possible to give the user of the assistance system a sense of satisfaction in using the assistance functions. This encourages the user of the assistance system to use as many assistance functions as possible in an operating state with a relatively high evaluation value.

[0014] In the display control device according to the present invention, the evaluation value is set to a higher value, for example, as the degree of contribution to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle increases.

[0015] According to the display control device of the present invention, the benefits of using more support functions can be more accurately reflected in the overall evaluation.

[0016] In the display control device according to the present invention, the operation state of the assistance function is, for example, a control mode in which the assistance function is being executed.

[0017] According to the display control device of the present invention, an evaluation value can be set for each control mode, and a comprehensive evaluation can be performed based on the sum of these evaluation values.

[0018] In the display control device according to the present invention, the assistance function is, for example, a function of autonomously accelerating and decelerating the host vehicle, and the control modes include a coasting acceleration / deceleration mode and a normal acceleration / deceleration mode. In this case, the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode is, for example, a control mode in which, when a preceding vehicle is present ahead of the host vehicle, the host vehicle autonomously accelerates and decelerates so that the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle fluctuates between an upper limit value and a lower limit value of a set inter-vehicle distance range, and the host vehicle is decelerated by coasting. Furthermore, the normal acceleration / deceleration mode is, for example, a control mode in which, when the preceding vehicle is present, the host vehicle autonomously accelerates and decelerates so that the inter-vehicle distance is maintained at a target inter-vehicle distance. The evaluation value set for the normal acceleration / deceleration mode is, for example, lower than the evaluation value set for the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode.

[0019] According to the display control device of the present invention, the overall evaluation when the assistance function is operating in the normal acceleration / deceleration mode is lower than the overall evaluation when the assistance function is operating in the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode, thereby allowing the user of the assistance system to understand whether the assistance function is in a profitable or unprofitable operating state.

[0020] In the display control device according to the present invention, the evaluation value set for the normal acceleration / deceleration mode is, for example, zero.

[0021] According to the display control device of the present invention, the overall evaluation is lowered when the assistance function is operating in the normal acceleration / deceleration mode, thereby allowing the user of the assistance system to understand that the assistance function is in an operating state with little benefit.

[0022] In the display control device according to the present invention, the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode may include, for example, an acceleration mode and a coasting deceleration mode, where the acceleration mode is a mode for accelerating the host vehicle and the coasting deceleration mode is a mode for decelerating the host vehicle by coasting. In this case, the evaluation value set for the acceleration mode is, for example, higher than the evaluation value set for the normal acceleration / deceleration mode, and the evaluation value set for the coasting deceleration mode is, for example, higher than the evaluation value set for the acceleration mode.

[0023] Although the amount of energy consumed for the vehicle's travel when the assistance function is operating in acceleration mode is relatively large, the operation of the assistance function in acceleration mode is essential for the subsequent operation of the assistance function in coasting deceleration mode. According to the display control device of the present invention, when the assistance function is operating in acceleration mode, the overall evaluation is higher than when the assistance function is operating in normal acceleration / deceleration mode. As a result, when the assistance function is operating in an operating state that can reduce the amount of energy consumed for the vehicle's travel overall, the overall evaluation can be made high.

[0024] In the display control device of the present invention, the evaluation is, for example, the highest evaluation when the sum of the evaluation values ​​is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the evaluation value set for the coasting deceleration mode is, for example, the largest value in a range smaller than the predetermined value.

[0025] According to the display control device of the present invention, the evaluation value set for the coasting deceleration mode is set to the largest value within a range smaller than a predetermined value (the sum of the evaluation values ​​that results in the highest overall evaluation). This increases the likelihood that the overall evaluation will be the highest, and as a result, increases the likelihood that the user of the assistance system will be satisfied with using the assistance functions.

[0026] In the display control device according to the present invention, the operating state is, for example, a driving environment of the vehicle realized by the assistance function.

[0027] The magnitude of the benefit obtained by activating the assistance function varies depending on the driving environment of the vehicle. According to the display control device of the present invention, the operating state is the driving environment of the vehicle realized by the assistance function. Therefore, an evaluation value according to the driving environment of the vehicle is set, and a comprehensive evaluation is performed based on the sum of the evaluation values. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation can be performed that more accurately reflects the magnitude of the benefit obtained by activating the assistance function.

[0028] In addition, in the display control device according to the present invention, the assistance system may include, as the assistance functions, a following driving function having a following driving mode in which the host vehicle autonomously accelerates or decelerates so that the host vehicle follows a preceding vehicle, and an air resistance reduction driving function having an air resistance reduction driving mode in which the target inter-vehicle distance is set so that the air resistance reduction effect of the preceding vehicle on the host vehicle is enhanced when the following driving function is activated in the following driving mode. In this case, the driving environment of the host vehicle is, for example, the vertical projection area of ​​the preceding vehicle and the inter-vehicle distance when the air resistance reduction driving function is activated in the air resistance reduction driving mode.

[0029] The vertical projection area and following distance of the preceding vehicle when the reduced drag driving function is activated in the reduced drag driving mode affect the amount of benefit obtained by activating the assistance function. With the display control device according to the present invention, an evaluation value is set according to the vertical projection area and following distance of the preceding vehicle, and a comprehensive evaluation is performed based on the sum of these evaluation values. This makes it possible to perform a comprehensive evaluation that more accurately reflects the amount of benefit obtained by activating the assistance function.

[0030] Furthermore, in the display control device of the present invention, the evaluation value set for the reduced air resistance driving mode is higher when a predetermined driving environment condition is met, for example, that the vertical projection area is equal to or greater than a predetermined area and the inter-vehicle distance is less than a predetermined distance, than when the predetermined driving environment condition is not met.

[0031] The larger the vertical projection area, the greater the effect of reducing air resistance of the host vehicle by having the host vehicle follow the preceding vehicle. Furthermore, the shorter the inter-vehicle distance, the greater the effect of reducing air resistance of the host vehicle by having the host vehicle follow the preceding vehicle. According to the display control device of the present invention, a higher evaluation value is set when the predetermined driving environment condition, that is, the vertical projection area is equal to or greater than a predetermined area and the inter-vehicle distance is less than a predetermined distance, is met, compared to when the predetermined driving environment condition is not met. This makes it possible to perform a comprehensive evaluation that more accurately reflects the magnitude of the benefit obtained by activating the assistance function.

[0032] In the display control device according to the present invention, the evaluation value set for the reduced air resistance driving mode is acquired, for example, from a lookup table that uses the vertical projection area and the inter-vehicle distance as arguments.

[0033] According to the display control device of the present invention, the rating value is acquired from a lookup table, which reduces the load on the control device for acquiring the rating value.

[0034] In addition, in the display control device according to the present invention, the evaluation value set for the reduced air resistance driving mode is, for example, three or more types of values ​​according to combinations of the vertical projection area and the inter-vehicle distance.

[0035] When three or more types of evaluation values ​​are set, not only the maximum and minimum evaluation values ​​but also intermediate evaluation values ​​between the maximum and minimum evaluation values ​​are set. According to the display control device of the present invention, three or more types of evaluation values ​​are set. Therefore, even if the operation states of many of the assistance functions are not necessarily the operation states set with the maximum evaluation values, as long as they are the operation states set with intermediate evaluation values, a relatively high overall evaluation can be obtained. This can encourage users of the assistance system to use more assistance functions.

[0036] A vehicle according to the present invention includes the above-described display control device.

[0037] According to the vehicle of the present invention, for the same reasons as those described above, it is possible to make it easier for the user of the assistance system to understand the usage status of the assistance system.

[0038] A display control method according to the present invention is a method for controlling the operation of a display device that displays information about an assistance system provided for use in a vehicle and that has a plurality of different assistance functions. The display control method according to the present invention includes a step of displaying, on the display device, a result of a comprehensive evaluation of the usage status of the assistance system based on the operating status of each of the assistance functions.

[0039] According to the display control method of the present invention, for the same reasons as those described above, it is possible to make it easier for the user of the assistance system to understand the usage status of the assistance system.

[0040] A display control program according to the present invention is a program for controlling the operation of a display device that displays information about an assistance system provided for use in a vehicle and that has a plurality of different assistance functions. The display control program according to the present invention is configured to display, on the display device, a result of a comprehensive evaluation of the usage status of the assistance system based on the operating status of each of the assistance functions.

[0041] According to the display control program of the present invention, for the same reasons as those described above, it is possible to make it easier for the user of the assistance system to understand the usage status of the assistance system.

[0042] The components of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments of the present invention described below with reference to the drawings. Other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will be easily understood from the description of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle driving assistance device including a display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a scene where a preceding vehicle is present. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a scene where a preceding vehicle is not present. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a routine executed by a vehicle driving assistance device including a display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing evaluation values ​​and the like for a coasting following cruise control function and an air resistance reduction cruise control function. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a comprehensive evaluation image. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a comprehensive evaluation image when the comprehensive evaluation is a first evaluation (lowest evaluation). FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a comprehensive evaluation image when the comprehensive evaluation is a second evaluation. FIG. 6C is a diagram showing a comprehensive evaluation image when the comprehensive evaluation is a third evaluation. FIG. 6D is a diagram showing a comprehensive evaluation image when the comprehensive evaluation is a fourth evaluation. FIG. 6E is a diagram showing a comprehensive evaluation image when the comprehensive evaluation is a fifth evaluation (highest evaluation). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing evaluation values ​​and the like for an air conditioning intensity setting function and an acceleration setting function. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing evaluation values ​​and the like for a following cruise control and a vehicle speed limiting function. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing evaluation values ​​and the like relating to the following cruise control and the vehicle speed limiting function.

[0044] A display control device, a vehicle equipped with the display control device, a display control method, and a display control program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a vehicle driving assistance device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is included in the vehicle driving assistance device 10. However, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 and the display control device may be configured separately, and some of the functions of the vehicle driving assistance device 10 described below (particularly, the function of controlling the operation of a display device, which will be described later) may be performed by the display control device, and the remaining functions may be performed by the vehicle driving assistance device 10.

[0045] The vehicle driving assistance device 10 is mounted on the host vehicle 100. Hereinafter, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 will be described using an example in which the operator of the host vehicle 100 is a person who gets into the host vehicle 100 and drives the host vehicle 100 (i.e., the driver of the host vehicle 100).

[0046] However, the operator of the vehicle 100 may be a person who drives the vehicle 100 remotely without being in the vehicle 100 (i.e., a remote operator of the vehicle 100). When the operator of the vehicle 100 is a remote operator, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 is mounted on the vehicle 100 and on a remote operation facility installed outside the vehicle 100 for remotely driving the vehicle 100, and the functions of the vehicle driving assistance device 10 described below are shared between the vehicle driving assistance device 10 mounted on the vehicle 100 and the vehicle driving assistance device 10 mounted on the remote operation facility.

[0047] The present invention can also be applied to vehicles that run by automatic driving without the need for driving by a driver or a remote operator. Therefore, when the vehicle 100 is a vehicle that runs by automatic driving, the display device described below displays the results of the comprehensive evaluation to a passenger on board the vehicle 100 or a remote monitor who monitors the running of the vehicle 100 using remote control equipment.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle driving assistance device 10 includes an ECU (electronic control unit) 90 as a control device. The ECU 90 includes a microcomputer as a main component. The microcomputer includes a CPU, storage media such as ROM, RAM, and non-volatile memory, as well as an interface. The CPU executes instructions, programs, or routines stored in the storage media to realize various functions. In particular, in this example, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 stores programs in the storage media that realize various controls executed by the vehicle driving assistance device 10.

[0049] In this example, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 has only one ECU 90, but it may also be configured to have multiple ECUs, with each ECU sharing the functions of the vehicle driving assistance device 10 described below.

[0050] Furthermore, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 may be configured so that the program stored in the storage medium can be updated via wireless communication with an external device (for example, via the Internet).

[0051] The host vehicle 100 is equipped with a power unit 20, a braking unit 30, a display unit 40, a surrounding information detection unit 50, and an assistance function switch 60.

[0052] The power unit 20 is a device that generates power to be applied to the host vehicle 100 (particularly the drive wheels of the host vehicle 100), and in this example, includes an internal combustion engine 21 and an electric motor 22. The power unit 20 is electrically connected to the ECU 90. The vehicle driving assistance device 10 can control the power applied to the host vehicle 100 by controlling the operation of the internal combustion engine 21 and the electric motor 22.

[0053] The braking device 30 is a device that applies braking force to the host vehicle 100 (particularly, the wheels of the host vehicle 100), and in this example, includes a hydraulic brake device 31. The braking device 30 is electrically connected to the ECU 90. The vehicle driving assistance device 10 can control the braking force applied to the host vehicle 100 by controlling the operation of the hydraulic brake device 31.

[0054] The display device 40 is a device that displays various images to the driver of the vehicle 100, and in this example, includes a display 41. The display device 40 is electrically connected to the ECU 90. The vehicle driving assistance device 10 can display various images on the display 41 using the display device 40.

[0055] In particular, the display device 40 displays information relating to an assistance system (described later) that is used by the vehicle 100 , and the vehicle driving assistance device 10 controls the operation of the display device 40 .

[0056] The surrounding information detection device 50 is a device that detects information about the surroundings of the vehicle 100, and in this example, includes an electromagnetic wave sensor 51 and an image sensor 52. The surrounding information detection device 50 is electrically connected to the ECU 90.

[0057] The electromagnetic wave sensor 51 is, for example, a radar sensor (such as a millimeter wave radar), a sound wave sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor (clearance sonar), or an optical sensor such as a laser radar (LiDAR). The vehicle driving assistance device 10 acquires information related to objects present around the host vehicle 100 using the electromagnetic wave sensor 51 as surrounding detection information IS.

[0058] The image sensor 52 is, for example, a camera sensor. The vehicle driving assistance device 10 acquires image information about the surroundings of the host vehicle 100 using the image sensor 52 as surroundings detection information IS.

[0059] The vehicle driving assistance device 10 can acquire various information such as the distance from the host vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle using a known method based on the surroundings detection information IS.

[0060] The assistance function switch 60 is a device operated by the driver of the vehicle 100 to activate or deactivate various assistance functions of the assistance system. Therefore, the driver can activate or deactivate each assistance function by operating the assistance function switch 60. Furthermore, for assistance functions that have multiple control modes, the driver can also operate the assistance function in a specific control mode by operating the assistance function switch 60. In other words, the driver can select the operation state of the assistance function by operating the assistance function switch 60.

[0061] The assistance system is a system provided for use by the vehicle 100. In particular, the assistance system described below is a system that assists the driver in driving the vehicle 100. The assistance function is a function that provides various types of assistance to a person using the display device 40 (a user of the display device 40). In particular, the assistance function described below is a function that provides various types of assistance to the driver of the vehicle 100. The assistance function may also include an automatic driving function that automatically drives the vehicle 100. The users of the display device 40 include, for example, the occupants of the vehicle 100, including the driver, as well as a remote operator who remotely drives the vehicle 100 using remote control equipment, and a remote monitor who monitors the status of the vehicle 100 that is traveling automatically using the remote control equipment.

[0062] In this example, the assistance system has, as assistance functions, a normal following function, a coasting following function, an air resistance reduction function, an acceleration setting function, an air conditioning intensity setting function, a vehicle speed limit function, and a following function.

[0063] <Normal following driving function> The normal following driving function is also called normal following driving control or adaptive cruise control, which is one type of automatic driving, and is a support function that autonomously accelerates and decelerates the host vehicle 100. The normal following driving function is a support function that has an off mode, a normal following driving mode, and a normal vehicle speed control mode as control modes.

[0064] The off mode of the normal follow-up travel function is a mode in which the operation of the normal follow-up travel function is stopped.

[0065] 2A , the normal following travel mode of the normal following travel function is one of the follow-up travel modes in which, when a preceding vehicle 200 is present, the host vehicle 100 autonomously accelerates or decelerates so that the host vehicle 100 follows the preceding vehicle 200. More specifically, the normal following travel mode of the normal following travel function is a follow-up travel mode in which the host vehicle 100 autonomously accelerates or decelerates so that the inter-vehicle distance DF (the distance between the preceding vehicle 200 and the host vehicle 100) is maintained at the target inter-vehicle distance DFtgt.

[0066] In addition, the normal vehicle speed control mode of the normal following driving function is a vehicle speed control mode in which, when there is no preceding vehicle 200, the host vehicle 100 is caused to travel by autonomously accelerating and decelerating so that the traveling speed of the host vehicle 100 (host vehicle speed V) is maintained at the set vehicle speed Vset, as shown in Figure 2B.

[0067] The preceding vehicle 200 is another vehicle traveling in the host vehicle's lane (the lane in which the host vehicle 100 is traveling) within a certain distance DFpre ahead of the host vehicle 100. The target inter-vehicle distance DFtgt is the target inter-vehicle distance DF in the normal following driving mode. The target inter-vehicle distance DFtgt is a distance shorter than the certain distance DFpre. The set vehicle speed Vset is the host vehicle's speed V that is a target in the vehicle speed control mode.

[0068] The driver can select whether the normal follow-up travel function is in an active state or in an inactive state (off mode) by operating the support function switch 60. When the normal follow-up travel function is in an active state, the vehicle driving support device 10 activates the normal follow-up travel function in a normal follow-up travel mode when a preceding vehicle 200 is present, and activates the normal follow-up travel function in a normal vehicle speed control mode when a preceding vehicle 200 is not present.

[0069] <Coasting Following Function> The coasting following function, also called coasting following control, is a support function that autonomously accelerates and decelerates the host vehicle 100. The coasting following function has an off mode, a coasting acceleration / deceleration mode, and a normal acceleration / deceleration mode as control modes. Furthermore, the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode has a coasting following mode and a coasting vehicle speed control mode as control modes. Furthermore, the normal acceleration / deceleration mode is a support function that has a normal following mode and a normal vehicle speed control mode as control modes.

[0070] The coasting following travel function off mode is a mode in which the coasting following travel function is stopped from operating.

[0071] The coasting following mode is one of the following traveling modes in which the host vehicle 100 autonomously accelerates and decelerates so as to travel while following the preceding vehicle 200. In particular, in this example, the coasting following traveling mode has a coasting deceleration mode and an acceleration mode as control modes.

[0072] The coasting deceleration mode is a mode in which the host vehicle 100 is decelerated by coasting the host vehicle 100. The acceleration mode is a mode in which the host vehicle 100 is accelerated. In particular, the acceleration mode is an optimal acceleration mode in which the power unit 20 is operated with optimal energy efficiency to accelerate the host vehicle 100.

[0073] When the coasting following function is operating in the acceleration mode of the coasting following mode and the inter-vehicle distance DF decreases and reaches the lower limit of the set inter-vehicle distance range Rdf, the control mode is switched from the acceleration mode to the coasting deceleration mode.On the other hand, when the coasting following function is operating in the coasting deceleration mode of the coasting following mode and the inter-vehicle distance DF increases and reaches the upper limit of the set inter-vehicle distance range Rdf, the control mode is switched from the coasting deceleration mode to the acceleration mode.

[0074] The coasting vehicle speed control mode is one of the vehicle speed control modes that causes the host vehicle 100 to travel while autonomously accelerating and decelerating so that the host vehicle speed V fluctuates within a set vehicle speed range Rv when there is no preceding vehicle 200. In particular, in this example, the coasting vehicle speed control mode has a coasting deceleration mode and an acceleration mode as control modes.

[0075] Like the coasting deceleration mode of the coasting following mode, the coasting deceleration mode of the coasting vehicle speed control mode is a mode in which the host vehicle 100 is decelerated by coasting the host vehicle 100. Also, like the acceleration mode of the coasting following mode, the acceleration mode of the coasting vehicle speed control mode is a mode in which the host vehicle 100 is accelerated. In particular, like the acceleration mode of the coasting following mode, the acceleration mode of the coasting vehicle speed control mode is an optimal acceleration mode in which the power unit 20 is operated with optimal energy efficiency to accelerate the host vehicle 100.

[0076] When the coasting following function is operating in the acceleration mode of the coasting vehicle speed control mode and the host vehicle speed V increases and reaches the upper limit of the set vehicle speed range Rv, the control mode is switched from the acceleration mode to the coasting deceleration mode.On the other hand, when the coasting following function is operating in the coasting deceleration mode of the coasting vehicle speed control mode and the host vehicle speed V decreases and reaches the lower limit of the set vehicle speed range Rv, the control mode is switched from the coasting deceleration mode to the acceleration mode.

[0077] The normal following running mode of the normal acceleration / deceleration mode of the coasting following running function is the same as the normal following running mode of the normal following running function described above.

[0078] The normal vehicle speed control mode of the normal acceleration / deceleration mode of the coasting following function is the same as the normal vehicle speed control mode of the normal following function described above.

[0079] The driver can select whether the coasting following function is in an active state or in an inactive state (off mode) by operating the support function switch 60 .

[0080] When the coasting following function is in an active state, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the coasting following function in a coasting acceleration / deceleration mode if a predetermined condition (executable condition Cexe) is met, and activates the coasting following function in a normal acceleration / deceleration mode if the executable condition Cexe is not met.

[0081] Furthermore, when the vehicle driving assistance device 10 is operating the coasting following function in the coasting acceleration mode, if a preceding vehicle 200 is present, it operates the coasting following function in the coasting following mode, and if a preceding vehicle 200 is not present, it operates the coasting following function in the coasting vehicle speed control mode.

[0082] Furthermore, when the vehicle driving assistance device 10 is operating the coasting following function in the normal acceleration / deceleration mode, if a preceding vehicle 200 is present, it operates the coasting following function in the normal following mode, and if a preceding vehicle 200 is not present, it operates the coasting following function in the normal vehicle speed control mode.

[0083] The executable condition Cexe is, for example, a condition that the distance between the leading vehicle 200 and the following vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance. The following vehicle is another vehicle traveling in the vehicle's own lane within a certain distance DRpre behind the vehicle 100.

[0084] <Air Resistance Reduction Travel Function> The air resistance reduction travel function is an assistance function that has at least an off mode and an air resistance reduction travel mode as control modes.

[0085] The off mode of the reduced air resistance driving function is a mode in which the operation of the reduced air resistance driving function is stopped.

[0086] In addition, the air resistance reduction driving mode is a mode in which the target inter-vehicle distance DFtgt is set so as to enhance the effect of the preceding vehicle 200 in reducing the air resistance of the host vehicle 100 when the normal following driving function or the coasting following driving function is activated.

[0087] When the host vehicle 100 is traveling following the preceding vehicle 200, the shorter the inter-vehicle distance DF, the smaller the air resistance experienced by the host vehicle 100, resulting in a smaller amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100. Furthermore, when the host vehicle 100 is traveling following the preceding vehicle 200, the larger the vertical projection area VPA of the preceding vehicle 200, the smaller the air resistance experienced by the host vehicle 100, resulting in a smaller amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100. However, if the inter-vehicle distance DF is extremely short, there is a possibility that the host vehicle 100 will rear-end the preceding vehicle 200 when the preceding vehicle 200 suddenly decelerates, for example.

[0088] From the above, more specifically, the air resistance reduction driving mode is a mode that sets a target inter-vehicle distance DFtgt that is appropriate for reducing the air resistance that the host vehicle 100 experiences when the host vehicle 100 drives behind the preceding vehicle 200 when the normal following driving function or the coasting following driving function is activated, and that prevents the host vehicle 100 from rear-ending the preceding vehicle 200 due to sudden deceleration of the preceding vehicle 200, etc., when taking into account the host vehicle speed V.

[0089] The higher the host vehicle speed V, the higher the risk that the host vehicle 100 will collide with the preceding vehicle 200. Therefore, the target inter-vehicle distance DFtgt is set to a shorter distance as the host vehicle 100 is higher.

[0090] The target inter-vehicle distance DFtgt set in the reduced air resistance travel mode is used as the target inter-vehicle distance DFtgt in the normal following travel function and the coasting following travel function.

[0091] Furthermore, the vertical projection area VPA of the preceding vehicle 200 is the area of ​​the preceding vehicle 200 when the preceding vehicle 200 is projected onto a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal line in front of and behind the preceding vehicle 200 (a line extending horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the preceding vehicle 200).

[0092] The driver can select whether the reduced air resistance driving function is activated or deactivated by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the reduced air resistance driving function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the reduced air resistance driving function in the reduced air resistance driving mode.

[0093] <Acceleration Setting Function> The acceleration setting function is a support function that has at least an off mode, a high acceleration mode (power mode), a normal acceleration mode (normal mode), and a low acceleration mode (eco mode) as control modes.

[0094] The off mode of the acceleration setting function is a mode in which the operation of the acceleration setting function is stopped. The high acceleration mode is a mode in which the vehicle 100 accelerates at a relatively high acceleration in response to a certain change in the accelerator pedal operation amount of the vehicle 100. The normal acceleration mode is a mode in which the vehicle 100 accelerates at a medium (reference) acceleration in response to a certain change in the accelerator pedal operation amount. The low acceleration mode is a mode in which the vehicle 100 accelerates at a relatively low acceleration in response to a certain change in the accelerator pedal operation amount.

[0095] The driver can select whether to activate the assist function switch 60 or deactivate it (off mode). Furthermore, by operating the assist function switch 60, the driver can select which control mode the acceleration setting function will operate in when the acceleration setting function is activated: high acceleration mode, normal acceleration mode, or low acceleration mode. When the acceleration setting function is activated, the vehicle driving assist device 10 activates the acceleration setting function in the selected control mode.

[0096] <Air Conditioner Intensity Setting Function> The air conditioner intensity setting function is a support function that has at least an off mode, a weak mode, a medium mode, and a strong mode as control modes.

[0097] The off mode of the air conditioner intensity setting function is a mode in which the operation of the air conditioner intensity setting function is stopped, i.e., a mode in which the operation of the air conditioner of the vehicle 100 is stopped. The weak mode is a mode in which the air conditioner operates with low heating / cooling performance. The medium mode is a mode in which the air conditioner operates with medium heating / cooling performance. The strong mode is a mode in which the air conditioner operates with high heating / cooling performance.

[0098] The driver can select whether the air conditioning intensity setting function is activated or deactivated by operating the assist function switch 60. The driver can also select which control mode the air conditioning intensity setting function will be activated in, from strong mode, medium mode, weak mode, and off mode, by operating the assist function switch 60. When the air conditioning intensity setting function is activated, the vehicle driving assist device 10 activates the air conditioning intensity setting function in the selected control mode.

[0099] <Vehicle Speed ​​Limiting Function> The vehicle speed limiting function is a support function that has at least an off mode and a vehicle speed limiting mode as control modes.

[0100] The off mode of the vehicle speed limiting function is a mode in which the operation of the vehicle speed limiting function is stopped, and the vehicle speed limiting mode is a mode in which the vehicle speed V is controlled so that the vehicle speed V does not exceed the limit vehicle speed Vlimit.

[0101] The driver can select whether the vehicle speed limiting function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. The driver can also set the vehicle speed limit Vlimit by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the vehicle speed limiting function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the vehicle speed limiting function in the vehicle speed limit mode.

[0102] <Follow-up traveling function> The follow-up traveling function is an assistance function that has the above-mentioned normal follow-up traveling function and coasting follow-up traveling function. Therefore, the follow-up traveling function is an assistance function that has at least the off mode, the above-mentioned normal follow-up traveling mode, the above-mentioned normal vehicle speed control mode, the above-mentioned coasting acceleration / deceleration mode, and the above-mentioned normal acceleration / deceleration mode as control modes.

[0103] The off mode of the follow-following function is a mode in which the operation of the follow-following function is stopped. In other words, the off mode of the follow-following function is a mode in which the operation of the normal follow-following function and the coasting follow-following function is stopped.

[0104] The driver can select whether the following cruise function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assist function switch 60. The driver can also select whether the normal following cruise function is activated or the coasting following cruise function is activated by operating the assist function switch 60.

[0105] In addition to the above-mentioned assistance functions, the assistance system may also have assistance functions such as a lane keeping function, an automatic lane change function, an automatic overtaking function, an automatic shunting function, an automatic merging function, a lane departure warning function, a lane departure prevention function, a blind spot monitor function, an other vehicle approach warning function, a pedestrian approach warning function, an automatic high beam change function, an automatic headlight direction control function, an automatic headlight / fog lamp turn-on function, an automatic wiper operation function, an automatic defroster operation function, an automatic surrounding conditions notification function, an automatic start in traffic jams function, an automatic hazard lamp turn-on function, an automatic air conditioning internal air recirculation function, an automatic seat position change function, an automatic traffic congestion information display function, an automatic video broadcast function, an automatic audio volume adjustment function, and a jerk reduction driving function.

[0106] <Lane Keeping Function> The lane keeping function is an assistance function that has at least an off mode and a lane keeping mode as control modes.

[0107] The lane keeping function off mode is a mode in which the lane keeping function is deactivated, and the lane keeping mode is a mode in which the vehicle 100 is autonomously steered to return to the center of the lane when the vehicle 100 deviates from the center of the lane by a predetermined amount.

[0108] The driver can select whether to activate or deactivate the lane keeping function (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the lane keeping function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the lane keeping function in lane keeping mode.

[0109] <Automatic Lane Change Function> The automatic lane change function is an assistance function that has at least an off mode and an automatic lane change mode as control modes.

[0110] The off mode of the automatic lane change function is a mode in which the operation of the automatic lane change function is stopped, and the automatic lane change mode is a mode in which the vehicle 100 is autonomously steered while autonomously accelerating and decelerating as necessary to change lanes of the vehicle 100.

[0111] The driver can select whether the automatic lane change function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the automatic lane change function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the automatic lane change function in the automatic lane change mode.

[0112] <Automatic Overtaking Function> The automatic overtaking function is a support function that has at least an off mode and an automatic overtaking mode as control modes.

[0113] The off mode of the automatic overtaking function is a mode in which the operation of the automatic overtaking function is stopped. The automatic overtaking mode is a mode in which the host vehicle 100 autonomously steers the host vehicle 100 while autonomously accelerating and decelerating as necessary so that the host vehicle 100 overtakes the preceding vehicle 200.

[0114] The driver can select whether the automatic overtaking function is in an active state or in an inactive state (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the automatic overtaking function is in an active state, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the automatic overtaking function in the automatic overtaking mode.

[0115] <Automatic Flow Diversion Function> The automatic flow diversion function is a support function that has at least an off mode and an automatic flow diversion mode as control modes.

[0116] The off mode of the automatic diverging function is a mode in which the operation of the automatic diverging function is stopped, and the automatic diverging mode is a mode in which the vehicle 100 autonomously steers while autonomously accelerating and decelerating as necessary so that the vehicle 100 enters a lane (a branch lane or a deceleration lane) branching off from a main lane of the expressway.

[0117] The driver can select whether the automatic flow shunting function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the automatic flow shunting function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the automatic flow shunting function in the automatic flow shunting mode.

[0118] <Automatic Merging Function> The automatic merging function is a support function that has at least an off mode and an automatic merging mode as control modes.

[0119] The off mode of the automatic merging function is a mode in which the operation of the automatic merging function is stopped. The automatic merging mode is a mode in which the vehicle 100 autonomously steers while autonomously accelerating and decelerating as necessary so that the vehicle 100 enters the main lane of the expressway from a lane that merges with the main lane (a merging lane or an acceleration lane).

[0120] The driver can select whether the automatic merging function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the automatic merging function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the automatic merging function in the automatic merging mode.

[0121] <Lane Departure Warning Function> The lane departure warning function is an assistance function that has at least an off mode and a lane departure warning mode as control modes.

[0122] The lane departure warning function off mode is a mode in which the lane departure warning function is deactivated, and the lane departure warning mode is a mode in which the host vehicle 100 is monitored by a known method to determine whether there is a possibility that the host vehicle 100 will depart from its lane, and an alarm is issued to the driver when it is determined that there is a possibility that the host vehicle 100 will depart from its lane.

[0123] The driver can select whether the lane departure warning function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assist function switch 60. When the lane departure warning function is activated, the vehicle driving assist device 10 activates the lane departure warning function in the lane departure warning mode.

[0124] <Lane Departure Prevention Function> The lane departure prevention function is an assistance function that has at least an off mode and a lane departure prevention mode as control modes.

[0125] The lane departure prevention function off mode is a mode in which the lane departure prevention function is deactivated. The lane departure prevention mode is a mode in which the host vehicle 100 is monitored by a known method to determine whether there is a possibility that the host vehicle 100 will depart from the lane, and when it is determined that there is a possibility that the host vehicle 100 will depart from the lane, the host vehicle 100 is autonomously steered so that the host vehicle 100 will head toward the center of the lane.

[0126] The driver can select whether the lane departure prevention function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the lane departure prevention function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the lane departure prevention function in the lane departure prevention mode.

[0127] <Blind Spot Monitor Function> The blind spot monitor function is a support function that has at least an off mode and a blind spot monitor mode as control modes.

[0128] The blind spot monitor function off mode is a mode in which the blind spot monitor function is deactivated, and the blind spot monitor mode is a mode in which an image captured by the blind spot monitor is displayed on the display device 40. The blind spot monitor is attached to the vehicle 100 so that it can capture images of areas that are blind spots for the driver or areas that are difficult for the driver to see.

[0129] The driver can select whether the blind spot monitor function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the blind spot monitor function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the blind spot monitor function in the blind spot monitor mode.

[0130] <Other Vehicle Approach Warning Function> The other vehicle approach warning function is a support function that has at least an off mode and a other vehicle approach warning mode as control modes.

[0131] The off mode of the other vehicle approach warning function is a mode in which the operation of the other vehicle approach warning function is stopped. The other vehicle approach warning mode is a mode in which the presence of another vehicle approaching within a predetermined distance from the vehicle 100 is monitored by a known method, and an alarm is issued to the driver when it is determined that another vehicle is approaching within the predetermined distance from the vehicle 100.

[0132] The driver can select whether the other vehicle approach warning function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the other vehicle approach warning function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the other vehicle approach warning function in the other vehicle approach warning mode.

[0133] <Pedestrian Approach Warning Function> The pedestrian approach warning function is a support function that has at least an off mode and a pedestrian approach warning mode as control modes.

[0134] The pedestrian proximity warning function off mode is a mode in which the operation of the pedestrian proximity warning function is stopped, and the pedestrian proximity warning mode is a mode in which the presence of a pedestrian approaching within a predetermined distance from the vehicle 100 is monitored by a known method, and an alarm is issued to the driver when it is determined that a pedestrian approaching within the predetermined distance from the vehicle 100 is present.

[0135] The driver can select whether to activate the pedestrian proximity warning function or deactivate it (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the pedestrian proximity warning function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the pedestrian proximity warning function in the pedestrian proximity warning mode.

[0136] <Automatic High Beam Changing Function> The automatic high beam changing function is a support function that has at least an off mode and an automatic high beam changing mode as control modes.

[0137] The off mode of the automatic high beam changing function is a mode in which the operation of the automatic high beam changing function is stopped. Also, the automatic high beam changing mode is a mode in which the headlights are automatically switched from high beam mode to low beam mode and turned on when it is determined that an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian of interest is present in front of the vehicle 100 using a known method, and the headlights are automatically switched from low beam mode to high beam mode and turned on when it is determined that an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian of interest is not present in front of the vehicle 100.

[0138] The driver can select whether the automatic high-beam changing function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the automatic high-beam changing function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the automatic high-beam changing function in the automatic high-beam changing mode.

[0139] <Automatic Headlight Direction Control Function> The automatic headlight direction control function is a support function that has at least an off mode and an automatic headlight direction control mode as control modes.

[0140] The off mode of the automatic headlight direction control function is a mode in which the operation of the automatic headlight direction control function is stopped, and the automatic headlight direction control mode is a mode in which the situation ahead of the vehicle 100 is acquired by a known method and the illumination direction of the headlights of the vehicle 100 is automatically changed to an appropriate direction depending on the situation.

[0141] The driver can select whether to activate or deactivate the automatic headlight direction control function by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the automatic headlight direction control function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the automatic headlight direction control function in the automatic headlight direction control mode.

[0142] <Automatic Headlight / Fog Lamp Turn-On Function> The automatic headlight / fog lamp turn-on function is a support function that has at least an off mode and an automatic headlight / fog lamp turn-on mode as control modes.

[0143] The off mode of the automatic headlight / fog lamp function is a mode in which the operation of the automatic headlight / fog lamp function is stopped. The automatic headlight / fog lamp mode is a mode in which the vehicle monitors the conditions around the vehicle 100 (vehicle surrounding conditions) using a known method, automatically turns on the headlights of the vehicle 100 when it is determined based on the vehicle surrounding conditions that the headlights need to be turned on, automatically turns off the headlights when it is determined based on the vehicle surrounding conditions that the headlights do not need to be turned on, automatically turns on the fog lamps of the vehicle 100 when it is determined based on the vehicle surrounding conditions that the fog lamps need to be turned on, and automatically turns off the fog lamps when it is determined based on the vehicle surrounding conditions that the fog lamps do not need to be turned on.

[0144] The driver can select whether the automatic headlight and fog lamp turn-on function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assist function switch 60. When the automatic headlight and fog lamp turn-on function is activated, the vehicle driving assist device 10 activates the automatic headlight and fog lamp turn-on function in the automatic headlight and fog lamp turn-on mode.

[0145] <Automatic Wiper Operation Function> The automatic wiper operation function is a support function that has at least an off mode and an automatic wiper operation mode as control modes.

[0146] The off mode of the automatic wiper operation function is a mode in which the operation of the automatic wiper operation function is stopped. The automatic wiper operation mode is a mode in which the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 100 are monitored by a known method, and the wipers are automatically operated when it is determined based on the surrounding conditions that the wipers of the vehicle 100 need to be operated, and the operation of the wipers is automatically stopped when it is determined based on the surrounding conditions that the wipers of the vehicle 100 do not need to be operated.

[0147] The driver can select whether the automatic wiper operation function is in an activated state or in an inactivated state (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the automatic wiper operation function is in an activated state, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the automatic wiper operation function in the automatic wiper operation mode.

[0148] <Automatic Defroster Operation Function> The automatic defroster operation function is a support function that has at least an off mode and an automatic defroster operation mode as control modes.

[0149] The off mode of the automatic defroster operation function is a mode in which the operation of the automatic defroster operation function is stopped. The automatic defroster operation mode is a mode in which the state of the front windshield and rear windshield of the vehicle 100 is monitored by a known method, and the defroster is automatically operated when it is determined that the defroster of the vehicle 100 needs to be operated based on the windshield state, and the defroster operation is automatically stopped when it is determined that the defroster of the vehicle 100 does not need to be operated based on the windshield state.

[0150] The driver can select whether the automatic defroster operation function is in an activated state or in an inactivated state (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the automatic defroster operation function is in an activated state, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the automatic defroster operation function in the automatic defroster operation mode.

[0151] <Automatic Surrounding Condition Presentation Function> The automatic surrounding condition presentation function is a support function that has at least an off mode and an automatic surrounding condition presentation mode as control modes.

[0152] The off mode of the automatic surrounding condition presentation function is a mode in which the operation of the automatic surrounding condition presentation function is stopped. The automatic surrounding condition presentation mode is a mode in which the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 100 are acquired by a known method and the acquired conditions are automatically presented to the driver by, for example, automatically displaying them on the display device 40 as necessary.

[0153] The driver can select whether the automatic surrounding condition presentation function is in an active state or in an inactive state (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the automatic surrounding condition presentation function is in an active state, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 operates the automatic surrounding condition presentation function in the automatic surrounding condition presentation mode.

[0154] <Automatic Start Function in Congestion> The automatic start function in congestion is a support function that has at least an off mode and an automatic start mode in congestion as control modes.

[0155] The off mode of the automatic start function in traffic congestion is a mode in which the operation of the automatic start function in traffic congestion is stopped. The automatic start mode in traffic congestion is a mode in which, in a situation where traffic congestion occurs ahead of the vehicle 100, the vehicle 100 that has stopped due to the traffic congestion becomes able to start, and the vehicle 100 is automatically started.

[0156] The driver can select whether the automatic start function in traffic congestion is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the automatic start function in traffic congestion is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the automatic start function in traffic congestion automatic start mode.

[0157] <Hazard Lamp Automatic Turn-On Function> The hazard lamp automatic turn-on function is a support function that has at least an off mode and a hazard lamp automatic turn-on mode as control modes.

[0158] The off mode of the hazard lamp automatic lighting function is a mode in which the operation of the hazard lamp automatic lighting function is stopped. Also, the hazard lamp automatic lighting mode is a mode in which, in a situation where a traffic jam occurs ahead of the vehicle 100, the hazard lamps of the vehicle 100 are automatically turned on when the vehicle speed V becomes low due to the deceleration of the vehicle 100 caused by the traffic jam, and then the hazard lamps are automatically turned off.

[0159] The driver can select whether the hazard lamp automatic lighting function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the hazard lamp automatic lighting function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the hazard lamp automatic lighting function in the hazard lamp automatic lighting mode.

[0160] <Air Conditioner Internal Air Recirculation Automatic Switching Function> The air conditioner internal air recirculation automatic switching function is a support function that has at least an off mode and an air conditioner internal air recirculation automatic switching mode as control modes.

[0161] The off mode of the air conditioner internal air recirculation automatic switching function is a mode in which the operation of the air conditioner internal air recirculation automatic switching function is stopped. The air conditioner internal air recirculation automatic switching mode is a mode in which, in a situation where traffic congestion occurs ahead of the vehicle 100, the air circulation by the air conditioner of the vehicle 100 is automatically switched from external air recirculation to internal air recirculation when a switching condition Csw is satisfied, that is, when the vehicle 100 is stopped due to the traffic congestion or when the vehicle 100 is traveling at an extremely low speed, and when the switching condition Csw is no longer satisfied, the air circulation by the air conditioner is automatically switched from internal air recirculation to external air recirculation.

[0162] The driver can select whether the air conditioner automatic recirculation air switching function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the air conditioner automatic recirculation air switching function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the air conditioner automatic recirculation air switching function in the air conditioner automatic recirculation air switching mode.

[0163] The outside air circulation is an air circulation in which the air conditioner takes in outside air into the interior of the vehicle 100 and expels the air inside the interior of the vehicle 100 to the outside of the vehicle 100. The inside air circulation is an air circulation in which the air conditioner takes in air inside the interior of the vehicle 100 and returns that air to the interior of the vehicle 100.

[0164] <Automatic Seat Position Changing Function> The automatic seat position changing function is a support function that has at least an off mode and an automatic seat position changing mode as control modes.

[0165] The off mode of the automatic seat position changing function is a mode in which the operation of the automatic seat position changing function is stopped, and the automatic seat position changing mode is a mode in which, when there is traffic congestion ahead of the vehicle 100, the driver's seat is automatically moved to a position appropriate for the situation.

[0166] The driver can select whether the automatic seat position changing function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assist function switch 60. When the automatic seat position changing function is activated, the vehicle driving assist device 10 activates the automatic seat position changing function in the automatic seat position changing mode.

[0167] <Automatic Traffic Jam Information Display Function> The automatic traffic jam information display function is a support function that has at least an off mode and an automatic traffic jam information display mode as control modes.

[0168] The off mode of the automatic traffic congestion information display function is a mode in which the operation of the automatic traffic congestion information display function is stopped. Also, the automatic traffic congestion information display mode is a mode in which, when a traffic congestion occurs ahead of the vehicle 100, information about the traffic congestion is automatically displayed on the display device 40.

[0169] The driver can select whether the automatic traffic congestion information display function is in an active state or in an inactive state (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the automatic traffic congestion information display function is in an active state, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the automatic traffic congestion information display function in the automatic traffic congestion information display mode.

[0170] <Automatic Video Playback Function> The automatic video playback function is a support function that has at least an off mode and an automatic video playback mode as control modes.

[0171] The off mode of the automatic video broadcasting function is a mode in which the operation of the automatic video broadcasting function is stopped. Also, the automatic video broadcasting mode is a mode in which, in a scene where traffic congestion occurs ahead of the vehicle 100, a video is automatically broadcast when the vehicle 100 is stopped due to the traffic congestion.

[0172] The driver can select whether the automatic video broadcasting function is in an active state or in an inactive state (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the automatic video broadcasting function is in an active state, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 operates the automatic video broadcasting function in the automatic video broadcasting mode.

[0173] <Automatic Audio Volume Adjustment Function> The automatic audio volume adjustment function is a support function that has at least an off mode and an automatic audio volume adjustment mode as control modes.

[0174] The off mode of the automatic audio volume adjustment function is a mode in which the operation of the automatic audio volume adjustment function is stopped. The automatic audio volume adjustment mode is a mode in which the audio volume of the vehicle 100 is automatically adjusted in accordance with the vehicle speed V when there is a traffic jam ahead of the vehicle 100.

[0175] The driver can select whether the automatic audio volume adjustment function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assistance function switch 60. When the automatic audio volume adjustment function is activated, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 activates the automatic audio volume adjustment function in the automatic audio volume adjustment mode.

[0176] <Reduced-jerk driving function> The reduced-jerk driving function is a support function that has at least an off mode and a reduced-jerk driving mode as control modes.

[0177] The off mode of the jerk reduction driving function is a mode in which the operation of the jerk reduction driving function is stopped. The jerk reduction driving mode is a mode in which the jerk (rate of increase in acceleration) of the vehicle 100 is automatically limited so that it does not exceed a certain value when there is traffic congestion ahead of the vehicle 100.

[0178] The driver can select whether the jerk-reduced driving function is activated or deactivated (off mode) by operating the assist function switch 60. When the jerk-reduced driving function is activated, the vehicle driving assist device 10 activates the jerk-reduced driving function in the jerk-reduced driving mode.

[0179] <Operation of Vehicle Driving Assistance Device> Next, a description will be given of the operation of the vehicle driving assistance device 10. The vehicle driving assistance device 10 is configured to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the usage status of the assistance system based on the operating status of each of the above-mentioned assistance functions by executing the routine shown in Figure 3 at a predetermined calculation interval, and to display the results of the comprehensive evaluation on the display device 40.

[0180] <Operation Example 1> First, the operation of the vehicle driving assistance device 10 in a case where the two assistance functions to be comprehensively evaluated by the vehicle driving assistance device 10 are the coasting following function and the air resistance reduction function will be described.

[0181] 3, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 starts processing from step S300, and proceeds to step S305 to determine whether the assistance system is operating, i.e., whether at least one of the assistance functions that are the subject of comprehensive evaluation by the vehicle driving assistance device 10 is operating. In this example, the assistance functions that are the subject of comprehensive evaluation by the vehicle driving assistance device 10 are the coasting following function and the air resistance reduction function, and therefore it is determined whether at least one of the coasting following function and the air resistance reduction function is operating.

[0182] If the determination in step S305 is "Yes," the vehicle driving assistance device 10 proceeds to step S310, where it obtains a total evaluation value EVtotal as described below.

[0183] In this example, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state of the coasting following function and the air resistance reduction function, as shown in Fig. 4. That is, for the coasting following function, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state as follows:

[0184] (1) An evaluation value EV of "0" is set for an operating state in which the coasting following function is in the off mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "0" is set for the off mode of the coasting following function.

[0185] (2) An evaluation value EV of "0" is set for an operating state in which the coasting following function is operating in the normal acceleration / deceleration mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "0" is set for the normal acceleration / deceleration mode of the coasting following function.

[0186] (3) An evaluation value EV of "1" is set for an operating state in which the coasting following travel function is operating in the acceleration mode of the coasting following travel mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "1" is set for the acceleration mode of the coasting following travel mode of the coasting following travel function.

[0187] (4) An evaluation value EV of "3" is set for an operating state in which the coasting following travel function is operating in the coasting deceleration mode of the coasting following travel mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "3" is set for the coasting deceleration mode of the coasting following travel mode of the coasting following travel function.

[0188] When the coasting following function is operating in the acceleration mode of the coasting following mode, it contributes to a greater extent to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100 than when it is operating in the normal acceleration / deceleration mode. In other words, when the coasting following function is operating in the acceleration mode of the coasting following mode, energy is consumed to accelerate the host vehicle 100, and so the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100 at that time is relatively large, but operation of the coasting following function in the acceleration mode of the coasting following mode is essential for operating the coasting following function in the subsequent coasting deceleration mode of the coasting following mode, and it is because of this operation that the coasting following function can then be operated in the coasting deceleration mode of the coasting following mode, so it can be said that when the coasting following function is operating in the acceleration mode of the coasting following mode, it contributes to a greater extent to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100 than when it is operating in the normal acceleration / deceleration mode. Therefore, the evaluation value EV for the operating state in which the coasting following function is operating in the acceleration mode of the coasting following mode is set to a higher value than the evaluation value EV for the operating state in which the coasting following function is operating in the normal acceleration / deceleration mode.

[0189] Furthermore, when the coasting following function is operating in the coasting deceleration mode of the coasting following mode, it contributes to a greater extent to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100 than when the coasting following function is operating in the normal acceleration / deceleration mode or when the coasting following function is operating in the acceleration mode of the coasting following mode. Therefore, the evaluation value EV for the operating state in which the coasting following function is operating in the coasting deceleration mode of the coasting following mode is set to a higher value than the evaluation value EV for the operating state in which the coasting following function is operating in the normal acceleration / deceleration mode and the evaluation value EV for the operating state in which the coasting following function is operating in the acceleration mode of the coasting following mode.

[0190] In this way, the evaluation value EV for the coasting following function is set to a higher value as the degree to which it contributes to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100 increases.

[0191] Furthermore, as can be seen from the above explanation, the operating state of the coasting following function is the control mode in which the coasting following function is being executed (off mode, normal acceleration / deceleration mode, acceleration mode of the coasting following mode, and coasting deceleration mode of the coasting following mode).

[0192] As shown in FIG. 4, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state of the air resistance reduction driving function as follows:

[0193] In this example, the evaluation value EV for the operating state in which the air resistance reduction driving function is operating in the air resistance reduction driving mode is set based on the air resistance reduction effect.

[0194] The air resistance reduction effect is the effect of reducing the air resistance experienced by the host vehicle 100 due to the air resistance reduction driving function, and is an index that indicates the degree to which the air resistance reduction driving function contributes to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100. The air resistance reduction effect is determined according to the driving environment of the host vehicle 100. In this example, the target inter-vehicle distance DFtgt and the vertical projection area VPA are adopted as the driving environment of the host vehicle 100. Note that in addition to the target inter-vehicle distance DFtgt and the vertical projection area VPA, the host vehicle speed V may also be adopted as the driving environment of the host vehicle 100.

[0195] The air resistance reduction effect is greater the shorter the target inter-vehicle distance DFtgt and the larger the vertical projection area VPA, when the host vehicle speed V is the same. In this example, the air resistance reduction effect is classified into four types of effects (i.e., zero air resistance reduction effect, small air resistance reduction effect, medium air resistance reduction effect, and large air resistance reduction effect) based on the target inter-vehicle distance DFtgt and the vertical projection area VPA.

[0196] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the evaluation value EV for the operating state in which the air resistance reduction driving function is operating in the air resistance reduction driving mode is set as follows:

[0197] (1) An evaluation value EV of "0" is set for an operating state in which the air resistance reduction driving function is in the off mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "0" is set for the off mode of the air resistance reduction driving function.

[0198] (2) An evaluation value EV of "0" is set for an operating state in which the air resistance reduction driving function is operating in the air resistance reduction driving mode when the air resistance reduction effect is zero. That is, an evaluation value EV of "0" is set for the air resistance reduction driving mode of the air resistance reduction driving function in which the air resistance reduction effect is zero. Note that zero effect means that there is no air resistance reduction effect (it is zero).

[0199] (3) An evaluation value EV of "1" is set for an operating state in which the air resistance reduction driving function is operating in the air resistance reduction driving mode when the air resistance reduction effect is small. That is, an evaluation value EV of "1" is set for the air resistance reduction driving mode of the air resistance reduction driving function in which the air resistance reduction effect is small. Note that a small effect is an air resistance reduction effect that is greater than zero effect.

[0200] (4) An evaluation value EV of "2" is set for an operating state in which the air resistance reduction function is operating in the air resistance reduction mode when the air resistance reduction effect is medium. That is, an evaluation value EV of "2" is set for the air resistance reduction mode of the air resistance reduction function in which the air resistance reduction effect is medium. Note that a medium effect is a greater air resistance reduction effect than a small effect.

[0201] (5) An evaluation value EV of "3" is set for an operating state in which the air resistance reduction function is operating in the air resistance reduction mode when the air resistance reduction effect is large. That is, an evaluation value EV of "3" is set for the air resistance reduction mode of the air resistance reduction function in which the air resistance reduction effect is large. Note that a large effect is a greater air resistance reduction effect than a medium effect.

[0202] In this way, for the reduced air resistance travel mode, the evaluation value EV is set to a higher value the greater the degree to which the reduced air resistance travel mode contributes to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100 .

[0203] As can be seen from the above explanation, the operating state of the reduced air resistance travel function is a control mode (off mode and reduced air resistance travel mode) in which the reduced air resistance travel function is being executed.

[0204] The operating state of the air resistance reduction driving function is the driving environment of the vehicle 100 that is realized by the air resistance reduction assistance function (assistance function).

[0205] The driving environment of the vehicle 100 is the vertical projection area VPA and inter-vehicle distance DF of the preceding vehicle 200 when the air resistance reduction driving function is activated in the air resistance reduction driving mode.

[0206] Furthermore, the evaluation value EV set for the reduced air resistance driving mode is generally higher when the predetermined driving environment condition, that is, the vertical projection area VPA is equal to or greater than the predetermined area VPAth and the inter-vehicle distance DF is less than the predetermined distance DFth, is met than when the predetermined driving environment condition is not met. Furthermore, if the host vehicle speed V is also used as the driving environment of the host vehicle 100, the evaluation value EV set for the reduced air resistance driving mode is generally higher when the predetermined driving environment condition, that is, the vertical projection area VPA is equal to or greater than the predetermined area VPAth and the inter-vehicle distance DF is less than the predetermined distance DFth, is met than when the predetermined driving environment condition is not met, for the same host vehicle speed V.

[0207] The evaluation value EV set for the reduced air resistance driving mode may be obtained from a lookup table using the vertical projection area VPA and the inter-vehicle distance DF as arguments, or may be obtained by calculation using an arithmetic expression using the vertical projection area VPA and the inter-vehicle distance DF as parameters. Furthermore, if the host vehicle speed V is also adopted as the driving environment of the host vehicle 100, the evaluation value EV may be obtained from a lookup table using the vertical projection area VPA, the inter-vehicle distance DF, and the host vehicle speed V as arguments, or may be obtained by calculation using an arithmetic expression using the vertical projection area VPA, the inter-vehicle distance DF, and the host vehicle speed V as parameters.

[0208] Furthermore, the evaluation value EV set for the reduced air resistance driving mode is three or more different values ​​depending on the combination of the vertical projection area VPA and the inter-vehicle distance DF. Furthermore, when the host vehicle speed V is also adopted as the driving environment of the host vehicle 100, the evaluation value EV set for the reduced air resistance driving mode is three or more different values ​​depending on the combination of the vertical projection area VPA, the inter-vehicle distance DF, and the host vehicle speed V.

[0209] Then, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 obtains the total evaluation value EVtotal as the sum of the evaluation values ​​EV set for the operating state of the coasting following function at that time and the operating state of the air resistance reduction function at that time.

[0210] For example, when the coasting following function is operating in normal acceleration / deceleration mode and the air resistance reduction function is operating in air resistance reduction mode while the air resistance reduction effect is zero, the total evaluation value EVtotal is "0".

[0211] Furthermore, when the coasting following function is operating in acceleration mode and the air resistance reduction function is operating in air resistance reduction mode with a large air resistance reduction effect, the total evaluation value EVtotal is "4".

[0212] Next, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 proceeds to step S315, where it determines a comprehensive evaluation (overall evaluation) of the utilization status of the assistance system based on the total evaluation value EVtotal.

[0213] In this example, the overall rating is a five-point rating (i.e., first rating, second rating, third rating, fourth rating, and fifth rating) ranging from the lowest overall rating (lowest rating) to the highest overall rating (highest rating).

[0214] Then, (1) if the total evaluation value EVtotal is "0", the overall evaluation will be the first evaluation (lowest evaluation), (2) if the total evaluation value EVtotal is "1", the overall evaluation will be the second evaluation, (3) if the total evaluation value EVtotal is "2", the overall evaluation will be the third evaluation, (4) if the total evaluation value EVtotal is "3", the overall evaluation will be the fourth evaluation, and (5) if the total evaluation value EVtotal is "4" or more, the overall evaluation will be the fifth evaluation (highest evaluation).

[0215] In this way, when the total evaluation value EVtotal is "4" or more, the overall evaluation is the highest evaluation (fifth evaluation). Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the overall evaluation is the highest evaluation in the following four cases:

[0216] (1) When the coasting following function is operating in acceleration mode and the air resistance reduction function is operating in air resistance reduction mode while the air resistance reduction effect is large.

[0217] (2) When the coasting following function is operating in coasting deceleration mode and the air resistance reduction function is operating in air resistance reduction mode while the air resistance reduction effect is small.

[0218] (3) When the coasting following function is operating in coasting deceleration mode and the air resistance reduction function is operating in air resistance reduction mode while the air resistance reduction effect is moderate.

[0219] (4) When the coasting following function is operating in coasting deceleration mode and the air resistance reduction function is operating in air resistance reduction mode while the air resistance reduction effect is large.

[0220] Next, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 proceeds to step S320, where an image representing the overall evaluation (an overall evaluation image IMtotal) is displayed on the display device 40, and then proceeds to step S395, where the processing of this routine is temporarily terminated. In this example, the overall evaluation image IMtotal is the image shown in FIG.

[0221] The overall evaluation image IMtotal shown in Figure 5 includes a main image IMmain and four sub-images IMsub (i.e., a first sub-image IMsub_1, a second sub-image IMsub_2, a third sub-image IMsub_3, and a fourth sub-image IMsub_4). The main image IMmain is an image that resembles a single leaf. The sub-image IMsub is a rod-shaped image, and the first sub-image IMsub_1, the second sub-image IMsub_2, the third sub-image IMsub_3, and the fourth sub-image IMsub_4 are arranged in a row from left to right.

[0222] When the overall evaluation is the first evaluation (lowest evaluation), as shown in Figure 6A, the overall evaluation image IMtotal is displayed with the main image IMmain and the first sub-image IMsub_1, the second sub-image IMsub_2, the third sub-image IMsub_3, and the fourth sub-image IMsub_4 all turned off.

[0223] Furthermore, when the overall evaluation is the second evaluation, as shown in FIG. 6B, the overall evaluation image IMtotal is displayed with the main image IMmain and the first sub-image IMsub_1 lit, and the second sub-image IMsub_2, the third sub-image IMsub_3, and the fourth sub-image IMsub_4 unlit.

[0224] Furthermore, when the overall evaluation is the third evaluation, as shown in FIG. 6C, the overall evaluation image IMtotal is displayed with the main image IMmain, the first sub-image IMsub_1, and the second sub-image IMsub_2 lit, and the third sub-image IMsub_3 and the fourth sub-image IMsub_4 unlit.

[0225] Furthermore, when the overall evaluation is the fourth evaluation, as shown in FIG. 6D, the overall evaluation image IMtotal is displayed with the main image IMmain, the first sub-image IMsub_1, the second sub-image IMsub_2, and the third sub-image IMsub_3 lit, and the fourth sub-image IMsub_4 unlit.

[0226] Furthermore, when the overall evaluation is the fifth evaluation (highest evaluation), as shown in FIG. 6E, the overall evaluation image IMtotal is displayed with the main image IMmain, the first sub-image IMsub_1, the second sub-image IMsub_2, the third sub-image IMsub_3, and the fourth sub-image IMsub_4 all lit up.

[0227] On the other hand, if the vehicle driving assistance device 10 judges "No" in step S305, it proceeds to step S325, and if the display device 40 is displaying the overall evaluation image IMtotal at this time, it stops the display, and then proceeds to step S395, and temporarily ends the processing of this routine.

[0228] According to this, in a case where the assistance system has a plurality of assistance functions, i.e., a coasting following function and an air resistance reducing function, the usage status of each of the coasting following function and the air resistance reducing function is not displayed on the display device 40, but the usage status of the coasting following function and the air resistance reducing function (i.e., the usage status of the assistance system) is combined into one and displayed as a comprehensive evaluation (comprehensive evaluation image IMtotal) on the display device 40. This makes it easier for the driver (i.e., the user of the assistance system) to understand the usage status of the assistance system.

[0229] As described above, in this example, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 includes the display device 40 that displays an image to the driver of the vehicle 100, and the ECU 90 that controls the operation of an assistance system that assists the driver in driving the vehicle 100. The assistance system includes a plurality of different assistance functions, namely, a coasting following function and a reduced-air-resistance traveling function, that assist the driver in driving the vehicle 100. The ECU 90 is configured to perform a comprehensive evaluation (a comprehensive evaluation of the usage status of the assistance system) based on the operating states of the coasting following function and the reduced-air-resistance traveling function, and to display the comprehensive evaluation (the result of the comprehensive evaluation) on the display device 40.

[0230] Furthermore, in this example, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 is configured to display an overall evaluation (the result of an overall evaluation regarding the usage status of the assistance system) on the display device 40 when the assistance system is operating (i.e., when at least one of the coasting following function and the air resistance reduction driving function is operating), and to stop displaying the overall evaluation (the result of an overall evaluation regarding the usage status of the assistance system) on the display device 40 when the operation of the assistance system is stopped (i.e., when both the coasting following function and the air resistance reduction driving function are not operating).

[0231] In the above example, the assistance system is provided with two assistance functions, namely, a coasting following function and a reduced air resistance function. Evaluation values ​​EV are set for the operating states of the coasting following function and the reduced air resistance function. If the sum of the evaluation values ​​EV set for the current operating states of the coasting following function and the reduced air resistance function, i.e., the total evaluation value EVtotal, is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (in the above example, if the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than "4"), the overall evaluation is the highest. Furthermore, even if the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of one of the assistance functions, the coasting following function or the air resistance reduced traveling function (in the example described above, the evaluation value EV of "3" set for the coasting deceleration mode of the coasting following function) is equal to or greater than the first evaluation value (e.g., "3"), if the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of the other of the coasting following function or the air resistance reduced traveling function (in the example described above, the evaluation value EV of "0" set for the air resistance reduced traveling mode of the air resistance reduced traveling function in which the air resistance reduction effect is zero) is smaller than a second evaluation value (e.g., "0") which is smaller than the first evaluation value, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state of the coasting following function and the air resistance reduced traveling function so that the total evaluation value EVtotal does not become equal to or greater than a predetermined value (in the example described above, so that the total evaluation value EVtotal does not become equal to or greater than "4").

[0232] Then, when the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of one of the assistance functions (in the above example, the evaluation value EV of "3" set for the coasting deceleration mode of the coasting following function) is a value greater than or equal to the first evaluation value (e.g., "3"), and the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of the other assistance function (the evaluation value EV of "1" or "2" set for the air resistance reduced driving mode of the air resistance reduced driving function when the air resistance reduction effect is small or medium) is a value smaller than the first evaluation value (e.g., "3") but greater than or equal to the second evaluation value (e.g., "0"), an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state of the coasting following function and the air resistance reduced driving function so that the total evaluation value EVtotal is greater than a predetermined value (in the above example, so that the total evaluation value EVtotal is greater than or equal to "4").

[0233] In this way, the maximum evaluation value EV set for each assistance function is set to a value that is at least smaller than the total evaluation value EVtotal that provides the highest overall evaluation. That is, the maximum evaluation value EV set for the coasting following function is set to a value smaller than the total evaluation value EVtotal of "4" that provides the highest overall evaluation. Similarly, the maximum evaluation value EV set for the air resistance reduction function is set to a value smaller than the total evaluation value EVtotal of "4" that provides the highest overall evaluation.

[0234] The coasting following function is a function for autonomously accelerating and decelerating the host vehicle 100, and has a coasting acceleration / deceleration mode and a normal acceleration / deceleration mode as control modes. The coasting acceleration / deceleration mode is a control mode for autonomously accelerating and decelerating the host vehicle 100 so that the inter-vehicle distance DF fluctuates between the upper and lower limits of a set inter-vehicle distance range Rdf when a preceding vehicle 200 is present ahead of the host vehicle 100, and is a control mode for decelerating the host vehicle 100 by coasting the host vehicle 100. On the other hand, the normal acceleration / deceleration mode is a control mode for autonomously accelerating and decelerating the host vehicle 100 so that the inter-vehicle distance DF is maintained at the target inter-vehicle distance DFtgt when a preceding vehicle 200 is present. The evaluation value EV set for the normal acceleration / deceleration mode is lower than the evaluation value EV set for the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode.

[0235] Moreover, the evaluation value EV set for the normal acceleration / deceleration mode of the coasting following function is "0".

[0236] Furthermore, the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode of the coasting following function has an acceleration mode and a coasting deceleration mode, the acceleration mode of the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode is a mode for accelerating the host vehicle 100, and the coasting deceleration mode of the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode is a mode for decelerating the host vehicle 100 by coasting the host vehicle 100. The evaluation value EV set for the acceleration mode of the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode is higher than the evaluation value EV set for the normal acceleration / deceleration mode of the coasting following function, and the evaluation value EV set for the coasting deceleration mode of the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode is higher than the evaluation value EV set for the acceleration mode of the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode.

[0237] Furthermore, the overall evaluation is the highest when the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value EVth (in the example described above, when the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than "4"), and the maximum value of the evaluation value EV set for the coasting deceleration mode of the coasting following driving mode of the coasting following driving function and the air resistance reduction driving mode of the air resistance reduction driving function is the largest value in the range smaller than the predetermined value EVth (in the example described above, it is "3", which is the largest value in the range smaller than "4").

[0238] <Operation Example 2> Furthermore, when the two assistance functions to be comprehensively evaluated by the vehicle driving assistance device 10 are the air conditioning intensity setting function and the acceleration setting function, for example, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 operates as follows.

[0239] In this example, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state of the air conditioner intensity setting function and the acceleration setting function, as shown in Figure 7. That is, for the air conditioner intensity setting function, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state as follows:

[0240] (1) An evaluation value EV of "0" is set for an operating state in which the air conditioner intensity setting function is in the off mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "0" is set for the off mode of the air conditioner intensity setting function.

[0241] (2) An evaluation value EV of "0" is set for the operating state in which the air conditioner intensity setting function is operating in the strong mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "0" is set for the strong mode of the air conditioner intensity setting function.

[0242] (3) An evaluation value EV of "1" is set for the operating state in which the air conditioner intensity setting function is operating in medium mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "1" is set for the medium mode of the air conditioner intensity setting function.

[0243] (4) An evaluation value EV of "2" is set for the operating state in which the air conditioner intensity setting function is operating in weak mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "2" is set for the weak mode of the air conditioner intensity setting function.

[0244] (5) An evaluation value EV of "3" is set for an operating state in which the air conditioner intensity setting function is in the off mode (i.e., an operating state in which the air conditioner intensity setting function is not operating). That is, an evaluation value EV of "3" is set for the off mode of the air conditioner intensity setting function.

[0245] When the air conditioning intensity setting function is operating in medium mode, it contributes to a greater extent to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the vehicle 100 than when it is operating in high mode. Therefore, the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the air conditioning intensity setting function is operating in medium mode is set to a higher value than the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the air conditioning intensity setting function is operating in high mode.

[0246] Similarly, when the air conditioning intensity setting function is operating in low mode, it contributes more to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the vehicle 100 than when it is operating in medium mode. Therefore, the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the air conditioning intensity setting function is operating in low mode is set to a higher value than the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the air conditioning intensity setting function is operating in medium mode.

[0247] Similarly, when the air conditioning intensity setting function is in off mode, it contributes more to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the vehicle 100 than when it is operating in weak mode. Therefore, the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the air conditioning intensity setting function is in off mode is set to a higher value than the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the air conditioning intensity setting function is operating in weak mode.

[0248] In this way, the evaluation value EV for the air conditioning intensity setting function is set to a higher value the greater the degree to which it contributes to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100.

[0249] As can be seen from the above explanation, the operating state of the air conditioner intensity setting function is the control mode (off mode, weak mode, medium mode, or strong mode) in which the air conditioner intensity setting function is executing.

[0250] As shown in FIG. 7, for the acceleration setting function, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state as follows:

[0251] (1) For an operating state in which the acceleration setting function is in the off mode, an evaluation value EV of "0" is set. That is, for the off mode of the acceleration setting function, an evaluation value EV of "0" is set.

[0252] (2) An evaluation value EV of "0" is set for an operating state in which the acceleration setting function is operating in high acceleration mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "0" is set for the high acceleration mode of the acceleration setting function.

[0253] (3) An evaluation value EV of "1" is set for an operating state in which the acceleration setting function is operating in the normal acceleration mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "1" is set for the normal acceleration mode of the acceleration setting function.

[0254] (4) An evaluation value EV of "3" is set for the operating state in which the acceleration setting function is operating in the low acceleration mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "3" is set for the low acceleration mode of the acceleration setting function.

[0255] In general, the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100 decreases as the acceleration of the host vehicle 100 decreases for the same accelerator pedal operation amount.

[0256] Therefore, when the acceleration setting function is operating in the normal acceleration mode, it contributes more to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the vehicle 100 than when it is operating in the high acceleration mode. Therefore, the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the acceleration setting function is operating in the normal acceleration mode is set to a higher value than the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the acceleration setting function is operating in the high acceleration mode.

[0257] Similarly, when the acceleration setting function is operating in the low acceleration mode, it contributes more to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the vehicle 100 than when it is operating in the normal acceleration mode. Therefore, the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the acceleration setting function is operating in the low acceleration mode is set to a higher value than the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the acceleration setting function is operating in the normal acceleration mode.

[0258] In this way, for the acceleration setting mode, the evaluation value EV is set to a higher value as the degree of contribution to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100 increases.

[0259] As can be seen from the above explanation, the operating state of the acceleration setting function is the control mode (off mode, high acceleration mode, normal acceleration mode, and low acceleration mode) in which the acceleration setting function is being executed.

[0260] Then, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 obtains the total evaluation value EVtotal as the sum of the evaluation values ​​EV set for the operating state of the air conditioning intensity setting function at that time and the operating state of the acceleration setting function at that time.

[0261] For example, when the air conditioner intensity setting function is operating in the strong mode and the acceleration setting function is operating in the high acceleration mode, the total evaluation value EVtotal is "0".

[0262] On the other hand, when the air conditioner intensity setting function is operating in weak mode and the acceleration setting function is operating in low acceleration mode, the total evaluation value EVtotal is "5".

[0263] As mentioned above, in this example, the overall evaluation is the highest when the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than 4. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the overall evaluation is the highest in the following four cases:

[0264] (1) When the air conditioner intensity setting function is operating in medium mode and the acceleration setting function is operating in low acceleration mode.

[0265] (2) When the air conditioner intensity setting function is operating in weak mode and the acceleration setting function is operating in low acceleration mode.

[0266] (3) When the air conditioner intensity setting function is in the off mode and the acceleration setting function is operating in the normal acceleration mode.

[0267] (4) When the air conditioner intensity setting function is in the off mode and the acceleration setting function is operating in the low acceleration mode.

[0268] Then, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 notifies the driver of the overall evaluation by displaying an overall evaluation image IMtotal corresponding to the overall evaluation on the display device 40.

[0269] According to this, when the assistance system has multiple assistance functions, i.e., an air conditioning intensity setting function and an acceleration setting function, the usage status of each of the air conditioning intensity setting function and the acceleration setting function is not displayed on the display device 40, but the usage status of the air conditioning intensity setting function and the acceleration setting function (i.e., the usage status of the assistance system) is summarized into one and displayed as a comprehensive evaluation (total evaluation image IMtotal) on the display device 40. This makes it easier for the driver (i.e., the user of the assistance system) to understand the usage status of the assistance system.

[0270] As described above, in this example, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 includes the display device 40 that displays images to the driver of the vehicle 100, and the ECU 90 that controls the operation of an assistance system that assists the driver in driving the vehicle 100. The assistance system includes a plurality of different assistance functions, namely, an air conditioning intensity setting function and an acceleration setting function, that assist the driver in driving the vehicle 100. The ECU 90 is configured to perform a comprehensive evaluation (a comprehensive evaluation of the usage status of the assistance system) based on the operating states of the air conditioning intensity setting function and the acceleration setting function, and to display the comprehensive evaluation (the result of the comprehensive evaluation) on the display device 40.

[0271] Furthermore, in this example, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 is configured to display an overall evaluation (the result of an overall evaluation regarding the usage status of the assistance system) on the display device 40 when the assistance system is operating (i.e., when at least one of the air conditioning intensity setting function and the acceleration setting function is operating), and to stop displaying the overall evaluation (the result of an overall evaluation regarding the usage status of the assistance system) on the display device 40 when the operation of the assistance system is stopped (i.e., when both the air conditioning intensity setting function and the acceleration setting function are not operating).

[0272] In the above example, the assistance system has two assistance functions: an air conditioner intensity setting function and an acceleration setting function. Evaluation values ​​EV are set for the operating states of the air conditioner intensity setting function and the acceleration setting function. If the sum of the evaluation values ​​EV set for the current operating states of the air conditioner intensity setting function and the acceleration setting function, i.e., the total evaluation value EVtotal, is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (in the above example, if the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than "4"), the overall evaluation is the highest. Furthermore, even if the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of one of the support functions, the air conditioner intensity setting function or the acceleration setting function (in the example described above, the evaluation value EV of "3" set for the off mode of the air conditioner intensity setting function) is equal to or greater than the first evaluation value (e.g., "3"), if the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of the other support function, the air conditioner intensity setting function or the acceleration setting function (in the example described above, the evaluation value EV of "0" set for the off mode and high acceleration mode of the acceleration setting function) is smaller than a second evaluation value (e.g., "0") which is smaller than the first evaluation value, the evaluation value EV is set for each operating state of the air conditioner intensity setting function and the acceleration setting function so that the total evaluation value EVtotal does not exceed a predetermined value (in the example described above, so that the total evaluation value EVtotal does not exceed "4").

[0273] Then, if the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of one of the support functions (in the example described above, the evaluation value EV of "3" set for the off mode of the air conditioner intensity setting) is a value greater than or equal to the first evaluation value (e.g., "3"), and the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of the other support function (in the example described above, the evaluation value EV of "1" set for the normal acceleration mode of the acceleration setting function) is a value smaller than the first evaluation value (e.g., "3") but greater than or equal to the second evaluation value (e.g., "0"), an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state of the air conditioner intensity setting function and the acceleration setting function so that the total evaluation value EVtotal is greater than a predetermined value (in the example described above, so that the total evaluation value EVtotal is greater than or equal to "4").

[0274] In this way, the maximum evaluation value EV set for each assistance function is set to a value smaller than the total evaluation value EVtotal, which gives the highest overall evaluation. That is, the maximum evaluation value EV set for the air conditioner intensity setting function, "3," is set to a value smaller than the total evaluation value EVtotal, "4," which gives the highest overall evaluation. Similarly, the maximum evaluation value EV set for the acceleration setting function, "3," is set to a value smaller than the total evaluation value EVtotal, "4," which gives the highest overall evaluation.

[0275] Furthermore, the overall evaluation is the highest when the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value EVth (in the example described above, when the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than "4"), and the maximum value of the evaluation value EV set for the off mode of the air conditioner intensity setting function and the low acceleration mode of the acceleration setting function is the largest value in the range smaller than the predetermined value EVth (in the example described above, it is "3", the largest value in the range smaller than "4").

[0276] <Operation Example 3> Furthermore, when the two assistance functions to be comprehensively evaluated by the vehicle driving assistance device 10 are the following function and the vehicle speed limiting function, for example, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 operates as follows.

[0277] In this example, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state of the follow-up driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function, as shown in Fig. 8. That is, for the follow-up driving function, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state as follows:

[0278] (1) An evaluation value EV of "0" is set for an operating state in which the follow-up driving function is in the off mode (i.e., a state in which the host vehicle 100 is being driven manually by the driver). That is, an evaluation value EV of "0" is set for the follow-up driving function in the off mode.

[0279] (2) An evaluation value EV of "1" is set for an operating state in which the normal following travel function is operating in the normal following travel mode or the normal vehicle speed control mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "1" is set for the normal following travel mode or the normal vehicle speed control mode of the normal following travel function.

[0280] (3) An evaluation value EV of "3" is set for an operating state in which the coasting following function is operating in the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode or the normal acceleration / deceleration mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "3" is set for the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode or the normal acceleration / deceleration mode of the coasting following function.

[0281] In general, the amount of energy consumed by the vehicle 100 is less when the vehicle 100 is being driven using the normal following driving function than when the vehicle 100 is being driven manually by the driver.

[0282] Therefore, when the normal follow-up travel function is operating, it contributes to a greater extent to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100 than when the host vehicle 100 is being driven manually by the driver (i.e., when the follow-up travel function is in off mode). Therefore, the evaluation value EV for the operating state in which the normal follow-up travel function is operating is set to a higher value than the evaluation value EV for the state in which the host vehicle 100 is being driven manually by the driver (i.e., when the follow-up travel function is in off mode).

[0283] Furthermore, the amount of energy consumed by the vehicle 100 is less when the vehicle 100 is traveling using the coasting following function than when the vehicle 100 is traveling using the normal following function.

[0284] Therefore, when the coasting following function is operating, it contributes to a greater extent to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100 than when the normal following function is operating. Therefore, the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the coasting following function is operating is set to a higher value than the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the normal following function is operating.

[0285] In this way, the evaluation value EV of the follow-up driving function is set to a higher value as the degree to which it contributes to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100 increases.

[0286] Furthermore, as can be seen from the above explanation, the operating state of the following driving function is the control mode in which the following driving function is executed (off mode, normal following driving mode, normal vehicle speed control mode, coasting following driving mode, and coasting vehicle speed control mode).

[0287] As shown in FIG. 8, for the vehicle speed limiting function, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state as follows:

[0288] (1) An evaluation value EV of "0" is set for an operating state in which the vehicle speed limiting function is in the off mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "0" is set for the off mode of the vehicle speed limiting function.

[0289] (2) An evaluation value EV of "0" is set for an operating state in which the vehicle speed limiting function is operating in the first limiting mode of the vehicle speed limiting mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "0" is set for the first limiting mode of the vehicle speed limiting function. The first limiting mode is a mode in which the limit vehicle speed Vlimit in the vehicle speed limiting mode of the vehicle speed limiting function is set to a vehicle speed equal to or greater than the first vehicle speed V1.

[0290] (3) An evaluation value EV of "1" is set for an operating state in which the vehicle speed limiting function is operating in the second limiting mode of the vehicle speed limiting mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "1" is set for the second limiting mode of the vehicle speed limiting function. The second limiting mode is a mode in which the limit vehicle speed Vlimit in the vehicle speed limiting mode of the vehicle speed limiting function is set to a vehicle speed that is equal to or greater than the second vehicle speed V2 and less than the first vehicle speed V1. The second vehicle speed V2 is a vehicle speed that is lower than the first vehicle speed V1.

[0291] (4) An evaluation value EV of "2" is set for an operating state in which the vehicle speed limiting function is operating in the third limiting mode of the vehicle speed limiting mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "2" is set for the third limiting mode of the vehicle speed limiting function. The third limiting mode is a mode in which the limit vehicle speed Vlimit in the vehicle speed limiting mode of the vehicle speed limiting function is set to a vehicle speed that is equal to or greater than the third vehicle speed V3 and less than the second vehicle speed V2. Note that the third vehicle speed V3 is a vehicle speed lower than the second vehicle speed V2.

[0292] (5) An evaluation value EV of "3" is set for an operating state in which the vehicle speed limiting function is operating in the fourth limiting mode of the vehicle speed limiting mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "3" is set for the fourth limiting mode of the vehicle speed limiting function. The fourth limiting mode is a mode in which the limit vehicle speed Vlimit in the vehicle speed limiting mode of the vehicle speed limiting function is set to a vehicle speed less than the third vehicle speed V3.

[0293] Generally, the amount of energy consumed by the vehicle 100 is smaller as the vehicle speed V is lower. Therefore, when the vehicle speed limiting function is operating in the second limiting mode, it contributes to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the vehicle 100 to a greater extent than when the vehicle speed limiting function is operating in the first limiting mode. Therefore, the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the vehicle speed limiting function is operating in the second limiting mode is set to a higher value than the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the vehicle speed limiting function is operating in the first limiting mode.

[0294] Similarly, when the vehicle speed limiting function is operating in the third limiting mode, it contributes to a greater extent to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the vehicle 100 than when it is operating in the second limiting mode. Therefore, the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the vehicle speed limiting function is operating in the third limiting mode is set to a higher value than the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the vehicle speed limiting function is operating in the second limiting mode.

[0295] Similarly, when the vehicle speed limiting function is operating in the fourth limit mode, it contributes to a greater extent to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the vehicle 100 than when it is operating in the third limit mode. Therefore, the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the vehicle speed limiting function is operating in the fourth limit mode is set to a higher value than the evaluation value EV for the operating state when the vehicle speed limiting function is operating in the third limit mode.

[0296] In this way, the evaluation value EV of the vehicle speed limiting function is set to a higher value as the degree to which it contributes to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100 increases.

[0297] Furthermore, as can be seen from the above explanation, the operating state of the vehicle speed limiting function is the control mode in which the vehicle speed limiting function is executed (off mode, first limiting mode, second limiting mode, third limiting mode, and fourth limiting mode).

[0298] Then, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 acquires the total evaluation value EVtotal, which is the sum of the evaluation values ​​EV set for the operating state of the follow-up driving function at that time and the operating state of the vehicle speed limiting function at that time.

[0299] For example, when the following driving function is in the off mode and the vehicle speed limiting function is in the first limiting mode, the total evaluation value EVtotal is "0".

[0300] On the other hand, when the coasting following function of the following driving function is in an operating state in which it is operating in the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode or the normal acceleration / deceleration mode and the vehicle speed limiting function is in an operating state in which it is operating in the second limiting mode, the total evaluation value EVtotal is "4".

[0301] As mentioned above, in this example, the overall evaluation is the highest when the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than 4. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the overall evaluation is the highest in the following four cases:

[0302] (1) When the normal follow-up driving function of the follow-up driving function is in operation and the vehicle speed limiting function is in operation in the fourth limiting mode.

[0303] (2) When the coasting following function of the following driving function is in operation and the vehicle speed limiting function is in operation in the second limiting mode.

[0304] (3) When the coasting following function of the following driving function is in operation and the vehicle speed limiting function is in operation in the third limiting mode.

[0305] (4) When the coasting following function of the following driving function is in operation and the vehicle speed limiting function is in operation in the fourth limit mode.

[0306] Then, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 notifies the driver of the overall evaluation by displaying an overall evaluation image IMtotal corresponding to the overall evaluation on the display device 40.

[0307] According to this, when the assistance system has a plurality of assistance functions, i.e., a following driving function and a vehicle speed limiting function, the usage status of each of the following driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function is not displayed on the display device 40, but the usage status of the following driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function (i.e., the usage status of the assistance system) is combined into one and displayed as a comprehensive evaluation (comprehensive evaluation image IMtotal) on the display device 40. This makes it easier for the driver (i.e., the user of the assistance system) to understand the usage status of the assistance system.

[0308] As described above, in this example, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 includes the display device 40 that displays an image to the driver of the vehicle 100, and the ECU 90 that controls the operation of an assistance system that assists the driver in driving the vehicle 100. The assistance system includes a plurality of different assistance functions, namely, a follow-up driving function and a vehicle speed limiting function, that assist the driver in driving the vehicle 100. The ECU 90 is configured to perform a comprehensive evaluation (a comprehensive evaluation of the usage status of the assistance system) based on the operating states of the follow-up driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function, and to display the comprehensive evaluation (the result of the comprehensive evaluation) on the display device 40.

[0309] Furthermore, in this example, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 is configured to display an overall evaluation (the result of an overall evaluation regarding the usage status of the assistance system) on the display device 40 when the assistance system is operating (i.e., when at least one of the follow-up driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function is operating), and to stop displaying the overall evaluation (the result of an overall evaluation regarding the usage status of the assistance system) on the display device 40 when the operation of the assistance system is stopped (i.e., when both the follow-up driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function are not operating).

[0310] In the above example, the assistance system has two assistance functions, namely, a following driving function and a vehicle speed limiting function. Evaluation values ​​EV are set for the operating states of the following driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function. If the sum of the evaluation values ​​EV set for the current operating states of the following driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function, i.e., the total evaluation value EVtotal, is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (in the above example, if the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than "4"), the overall evaluation is the highest. Furthermore, even if the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of one of the assistance functions, the following driving function or the vehicle speed limiting function (in the example described above, the evaluation value EV of "3" set for the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode and normal acceleration / deceleration mode of the coasting following driving function of the following driving function) is a value equal to or greater than the first evaluation value (e.g., "3"), if the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of the other assistance function, the following driving function or the vehicle speed limiting function (in the example described above, the evaluation value EV of "0" set for the off mode and first limit mode of the vehicle speed limiting function) is smaller than a second evaluation value (e.g., "0") which is smaller than the first evaluation value, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state of the following driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function so that the total evaluation value EVtotal does not become equal to or greater than a predetermined value (in the example described above, so that the total evaluation value EVtotal does not become equal to or greater than "4").

[0311] Then, when the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of one of the assistance functions (in the above example, the evaluation value EV of "3" set for the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode and normal acceleration / deceleration mode of the coasting following function of the following driving function) is a value greater than or equal to the first evaluation value (e.g., "3"), and the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of the other assistance function (in the above example, the evaluation value EV of "1" set for the second restriction mode of the vehicle speed restriction function) is a value smaller than the first evaluation value (e.g., "3") but greater than or equal to the second evaluation value (e.g., "0"), an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state of the following driving function and the vehicle speed restriction function so that the total evaluation value EVtotal is greater than a predetermined value (in the above example, so that the total evaluation value EVtotal is greater than or equal to "4").

[0312] In this way, the maximum evaluation value EV set for each assistance function is set to a value smaller than at least the total evaluation value EVtotal that gives the highest overall evaluation. That is, the maximum evaluation value EV set for the following driving function, "3," is set to a value smaller than the total evaluation value EVtotal that gives the highest overall evaluation, "4." Similarly, the maximum evaluation value EV set for the vehicle speed limiting function, "3," is set to a value smaller than the total evaluation value EVtotal that gives the highest overall evaluation, "4."

[0313] Furthermore, the overall evaluation is the highest when the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value EVth (in the example described above, when the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than "4"), and the maximum value of the evaluation value EV set for the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode and normal acceleration / deceleration mode of the coasting following driving function and the fourth restriction mode of the vehicle speed restriction function is the largest value in the range smaller than the predetermined value EVth (in the example described above, it is "3", the largest value in the range smaller than "4").

[0314] <Operation Example 4> Furthermore, when the assistance functions to be subjected to a comprehensive evaluation by the vehicle driving assistance device 10 are the following two functions, namely, the following driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 may be configured to operate as follows, for example.

[0315] In this example, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state of the follow-up driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function, as shown in Figure 9. That is, for the follow-up driving function, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state as follows:

[0316] (1) An evaluation value EV of "0" is set for an operating state in which the follow-up driving function is in the off mode (i.e., a state in which the host vehicle 100 is being driven manually by the driver). That is, an evaluation value EV of "0" is set for the follow-up driving function in the off mode.

[0317] (2) An evaluation value EV of "2" is set for an operating state in which the normal following travel function is operating in the normal following travel mode or the normal vehicle speed control mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "2" is set for the normal following travel mode or the normal vehicle speed control mode of the normal following travel function.

[0318] (3) An evaluation value EV of "3" is set for an operating state in which the coasting following function is operating in the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode or the normal acceleration / deceleration mode. That is, an evaluation value EV of "3" is set for the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode or the normal acceleration / deceleration mode of the coasting following function.

[0319] In this way, also in this example, the evaluation value EV for the follow-up driving function is set to a higher value as the degree to which it contributes to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle 100 increases.

[0320] Also in this example, the operating state of the follow-up driving function is the control mode in which the follow-up driving function is executed (off mode, normal follow-up driving mode, normal vehicle speed control mode, coasting follow-up driving mode, and coasting vehicle speed control mode).

[0321] As shown in FIG. 9, the evaluation value EV for the vehicle speed limiting function is set in the same manner as the evaluation value EV for the vehicle speed limiting function shown in FIG.

[0322] Then, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 acquires the total evaluation value EVtotal, which is the sum of the evaluation values ​​EV set for the operating state of the follow-up driving function at that time and the operating state of the vehicle speed limiting function at that time.

[0323] For example, when the following driving function is in the off mode and the vehicle speed limiting function is in the first limiting mode, the total evaluation value EVtotal is "0".

[0324] On the other hand, when the normal following driving function of the following driving function is in an operating state operating in the normal following driving mode or the normal vehicle speed control mode and the vehicle speed limiting function is in an operating state operating in the second limiting mode, the total evaluation value EVtotal is "4".

[0325] As mentioned above, in this example, the overall evaluation is the highest when the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than 4. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the overall evaluation is the highest in the following five cases:

[0326] (1) When the normal follow-up function of the follow-up driving function is in operation and the vehicle speed limiting function is in operation in the third limiting mode.

[0327] (2) When the normal follow-up driving function of the follow-up driving function is in operation and the vehicle speed limiting function is in operation in the fourth limiting mode.

[0328] (3) When the coasting following function of the following driving function is in operation and the vehicle speed limiting function is in operation in the second limiting mode.

[0329] (4) When the coasting following function of the following driving function is in operation and the vehicle speed limiting function is in operation in the third limiting mode.

[0330] (5) When the coasting following function of the following driving function is in operation and the vehicle speed limiting function is in operation in the fourth limit mode.

[0331] Then, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 notifies the driver of the overall evaluation by displaying an overall evaluation image IMtotal corresponding to the overall evaluation on the display device 40.

[0332] According to this, when the assistance system has a plurality of assistance functions, i.e., a following driving function and a vehicle speed limiting function, the usage status of each of the following driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function is not displayed on the display device 40, but the usage status of the following driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function (i.e., the usage status of the assistance system) is combined into one and displayed as a comprehensive evaluation (comprehensive evaluation image IMtotal) on the display device 40. This makes it easier for the driver (i.e., the user of the assistance system) to understand the usage status of the assistance system.

[0333] As described above, in this example, the assistance system has two assistance functions, namely, a follow-up driving function and a vehicle speed limiting function. Evaluation values ​​EV are set for the operating states of the follow-up driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function. If the sum of the evaluation values ​​EV set for the current operating states of the follow-up driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function, i.e., the total evaluation value EVtotal, is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (in the example described above, if the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than "4"), the overall evaluation is the highest. Furthermore, even if the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of one of the assistance functions, the following driving function or the vehicle speed limiting function (in the example described above, the evaluation value EV of "3" set for the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode and normal acceleration / deceleration mode of the coasting following driving function of the following driving function) is a value equal to or greater than the first evaluation value (e.g., "3"), if the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of the other assistance function, the following driving function or the vehicle speed limiting function (in this example, the evaluation value EV of "0" set for the off mode and first limit mode of the vehicle speed limiting function) is smaller than a second evaluation value (e.g., "0") which is smaller than the first evaluation value, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state of the following driving function and the vehicle speed limiting function so that the total evaluation value EVtotal does not become equal to or greater than a predetermined value (in the example described above, so that the total evaluation value EVtotal does not become equal to or greater than "4").

[0334] Then, when the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of one of the assistance functions (in the example described above, the evaluation value EV of "2" set for the normal following driving mode and normal vehicle speed control mode of the normal following driving function of the following driving function) is smaller than the first evaluation value (e.g., "3") but is equal to or greater than the third evaluation value (e.g., "0"), and the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of the other assistance function (in the example described above, the evaluation value EV of "2" set for the third limit mode of the vehicle speed limit function) is smaller than the first evaluation value (e.g., "3") but is equal to or greater than the fourth evaluation value (e.g., "0"), an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state of the following driving function and the vehicle speed limit function so that the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (in the example described above, so that the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than "4").

[0335] Furthermore, the overall evaluation is the highest when the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value EVth (in the example described above, when the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than "4"), and the maximum value of the evaluation value EV set for the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode and normal acceleration / deceleration mode of the coasting following driving function and the fourth restriction mode of the vehicle speed restriction function is the largest value in the range smaller than the predetermined value EVth (in the example described above, it is "3", the largest value in the range smaller than "4").

[0336] <Other operation examples> When the assistance system is provided with any number of assistance functions among all assistance functions including assistance functions (other assistance functions) other than the assistance functions provided by the assistance systems described as operation examples 1 to 4, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 is configured to operate as follows.

[0337] In this case, an evaluation value EV is set for each operating state of the assist functions (target assist functions) that are the targets of comprehensive evaluation by the vehicle driving assist device 10. The target assist functions may be all of the assist functions provided by the vehicle driving assist device 10, or some of the assist functions.

[0338] Other assistance functions include lane keeping, automatic lane change, automatic overtaking, automatic diverging, automatic merging, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, blind spot monitoring, other vehicle proximity warning, pedestrian proximity warning, automatic high beam change, automatic headlight direction control, automatic headlight and fog lamp activation, automatic wiper operation, automatic defroster operation, automatic surrounding conditions notification, automatic start in traffic jams, automatic hazard lamp activation, automatic air conditioning recirculation, automatic seat position change, automatic congestion information display, automatic video playback, automatic audio volume adjustment, and jerk reduction driving.

[0339] For these other support functions, an evaluation value EV of "1" is set for the operating state in which each support function is activated, and an evaluation value EV of "0" is set for the operating state in which each support function is deactivated.

[0340] Furthermore, when an assistance system has two or more target assistance functions among the assistance functions listed in this specification, including these other assistance functions, if the sum of the evaluation values ​​EV set for the current operating state of each of these target assistance functions, i.e., the total evaluation value EVtotal, is equal to or greater than a predetermined value EVth, the overall evaluation will be the highest evaluation.

[0341] Then, if the number of target support functions whose evaluation value EV set for their current operating state is equal to or greater than the first evaluation value is less than a predetermined number Nth, and the evaluation value EV set for the current operating state of the remaining target support functions is smaller than a second evaluation value which is smaller than the first evaluation value, a predetermined value EVth is set so that the total evaluation value EVtotal does not become equal to or greater than the predetermined value EVth.

[0342] Then, even if the number of target support functions whose evaluation value EV set for their current operating state is equal to or greater than the first evaluation value is less than the predetermined number Nth, if the evaluation value EV set for the remaining target support functions for their current operating state is smaller than the first evaluation value but equal to or greater than the second evaluation value, a predetermined value EVth is set so that the total evaluation value EVtotal is equal to or greater than the predetermined value EVth.

[0343] For example, if 10 of the above other support functions are target support functions, an evaluation value EV of "1" is set for each operating state in which the target support function is activated, and an evaluation value EV of "0" is set for each operating state in which the target support function is stopped (an operating state in which the target support function is in off mode).When the predetermined number Nth is set to 7, the predetermined value EVth is set to "7".

[0344] Alternatively, if the number of target support functions whose evaluation value EV set for the current operating state is smaller than the first evaluation value but greater than or equal to the second evaluation value is a predetermined number Nth or greater, a predetermined value EVth may be set so that the total evaluation value EVtotal is greater than or equal to the predetermined value EVth.

[0345] Then, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 acquires the total evaluation value EVtotal, which is the sum of the evaluation values ​​EV set for the operation states of the target assistance functions at that time.

[0346] Then, the vehicle driving assistance device 10 notifies the driver of the overall evaluation by displaying an overall evaluation image IMtotal corresponding to the overall evaluation on the display device 40.

[0347] According to this, when an assistance system has a plurality of assistance functions, the usage status of each assistance function is not displayed on the display device 40, but the usage status of the plurality of assistance functions (i.e., the usage status of the assistance system) is combined into one and displayed as a comprehensive evaluation (comprehensive evaluation image IMtotal) on the display device 40. This makes it easier for the driver (i.e., the user of the assistance system) to understand the usage status of the assistance system.

[0348] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0349] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10... vehicle driving assistance device, 20... power unit, 30... braking device, 40... display device, 50... surrounding information detection device, 90... ECU, 100... host vehicle, 200... preceding vehicle

Claims

1. A display control device having a control device that controls the operation of a display device that displays information about an assistance system used in a vehicle, the assistance systems each having a plurality of different assistance functions, and the control device is configured to display, on the display device, the results of a comprehensive evaluation of the usage status of the assistance system based on the operating status of each of the assistance functions.

2. A display control device as described in claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to: display the results of the evaluation on the display device when the assistance system is operating; and stop displaying the results of the evaluation on the display device when the operation of the assistance system is stopped.

3. A display control device as described in claim 1, wherein the support system is provided with two support functions, an evaluation value is set for each operating state of each of the support functions, and when the sum of the evaluation values ​​set for each current operating state of each of the support functions is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the evaluation is the highest evaluation, and when the evaluation value set for the current operating state of one of the support functions is equal to or greater than a first evaluation value, but the evaluation value set for the current operating state of the other of the support functions is smaller than a second evaluation value which is smaller than the first evaluation value, the evaluation value is set for each operating state of each of the support functions such that the sum of the evaluation values ​​set for each current operating state of each of the support functions does not become equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

4. A display control device as described in claim 3, wherein, when the evaluation value set for the current operating state of one of the support functions is a value equal to or greater than the first evaluation value, and the evaluation value set for the current operating state of the other support function is a value smaller than the first evaluation value but equal to or greater than the second evaluation value, the evaluation value is set for each operating state of each of the support functions such that the sum of the evaluation values ​​set for the current operating states of each of the support functions is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

5. A display control device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the evaluation value is set to a higher value as the degree of contribution to reducing the amount of energy consumed by the host vehicle increases.

6. A display control device according to claim 1, wherein the operating state of the support function is a control mode in which the support function is being executed.

7. A display control device as described in claim 6, wherein the assistance function is a function for autonomously accelerating and decelerating the host vehicle, and the control modes include a coasting acceleration / deceleration mode and a normal acceleration / deceleration mode, the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode is a control mode for autonomously accelerating and decelerating the host vehicle so that when a preceding vehicle is present in front of the host vehicle, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle fluctuates between an upper limit value and a lower limit value of a set vehicle-to-vehicle distance range, and the control mode for decelerating the host vehicle by coasting, the normal acceleration / deceleration mode is a control mode for autonomously accelerating and decelerating the host vehicle so that when a preceding vehicle is present, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is maintained at a target vehicle-to-vehicle distance, and the evaluation value set for the normal acceleration / deceleration mode is lower than the evaluation value set for the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode.

8. A display control device according to claim 7, wherein the evaluation value set for the normal acceleration / deceleration mode is zero.

9. A display control device as described in claim 7, wherein the coasting acceleration / deceleration mode has an acceleration mode and a coasting deceleration mode, the acceleration mode is a mode for accelerating the host vehicle, the coasting deceleration mode is a mode for decelerating the host vehicle by coasting, the evaluation value set for the acceleration mode is higher than the evaluation value set for the normal acceleration / deceleration mode, and the evaluation value set for the coasting deceleration mode is higher than the evaluation value set for the acceleration mode.

10. A display control device as described in claim 1, wherein the evaluation is the highest evaluation when the sum of the evaluation values ​​is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the evaluation value set for the coasting deceleration mode is the largest value within a range smaller than the predetermined value.

11. A display control device according to claim 1, wherein the operating state is a driving environment of the host vehicle that is realized by the assistance function.

12. A display control device as described in claim 11, wherein the assistance system is provided with, as the assistance functions, a following driving function having a following driving mode in which the host vehicle autonomously accelerates or decelerates so that the host vehicle follows the preceding vehicle, and an air resistance reduction driving function having an air resistance reduction driving mode in which the target vehicle distance is set so that the effect of reducing air resistance of the host vehicle by the preceding vehicle is enhanced when the following driving function is activated in the following driving mode, and the driving environment of the host vehicle is the vertical projection area and the vehicle distance of the preceding vehicle when the air resistance reduction driving function is activated in the air resistance reduction driving mode.

13. A display control device as described in claim 12, wherein the evaluation value set for the reduced air resistance driving mode is higher when a specified driving environment condition is met, that is, the vertical projection area is equal to or greater than a specified area and the inter-vehicle distance is less than a specified distance, than when the specified driving environment condition is not met.

14. A display control device according to claim 13, wherein the evaluation value set for the reduced air resistance driving mode is obtained from a lookup table using the vertical projection area and the inter-vehicle distance as arguments.

15. A display control device according to claim 12, wherein the evaluation value set for the reduced air resistance driving mode is three or more types of values ​​according to combinations of the vertical projection area and the inter-vehicle distance.

16. A vehicle equipped with a display control device according to claim 1.

17. A display control method for controlling the operation of a display device that displays information relating to an assistance system for use in a vehicle, the assistance system having a plurality of different assistance functions, the display control method comprising a step of displaying, by the display device, the results of a comprehensive evaluation of the usage status of the assistance system based on the operating status of each of the assistance functions.

18. A display control program for controlling the operation of a display device that displays information relating to an assistance system for use in a vehicle, the assistance system having a number of different assistance functions, the display control program being configured to display, on the display device, the results of a comprehensive evaluation of the usage status of the assistance system based on the operating status of each of the assistance functions.

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