Control device and control method

Abstract

The present invention improves pedal operability. A control device 19 controls the operation of a vehicle 1, said control device 19 comprising a control unit for causing the vehicle 1 to generate a braking force corresponding to the depression force of a brake pedal 14 of the vehicle 1. The control unit adjusts the characteristics of the braking force with respect to the depression force of the brake pedal 14 on the basis of the result of a measurement of the depression force with which the driver of the vehicle 1 depresses the brake pedal 14.

Description

[0001] [Document name] Statement

[0002] [Title of invention] Control device and control method

[0003] [Technical Field]

[0004]

[001] The present invention relates to a control device and a control method.

[0005] [Background technology]

[0006] [. 0 0 2] In a vehicle, the driver can decelerate or accelerate by pressing a pedal. Specifically, the brake pedal is used to decelerate the vehicle, and the accelerator pedal is used to accelerate the vehicle. A force corresponding to the pedal pressure acts on the vehicle, changing the vehicle's behavior. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism for applying a braking force to the vehicle corresponding to the brake pedal pressure.

[0007] [Prior art documents]

[0008] [Patent documents]

[0009]

〇 0 0 3

[0010] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-165181 A

[0011] Summary of the Invention

[0012] [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] [0 0 4] Here, as space is saved within the vehicle, it is conceivable that the pedal stroke (i.e., the maximum travel distance) may be reduced while maintaining the range of force that can be applied to the vehicle by operating the pedal. In this case, the reduced pedal stroke may make it difficult to finely control the vehicle's behavior by operating the pedal. Therefore, it is conceivable to reduce the change in force acting on the vehicle in response to a change in pedal force. However, in that case, for example, if the driver is an elderly driver with weak muscles, there is a risk that the pedal force will be insufficient when sudden deceleration is required. Therefore, it is desirable to improve pedal operability regardless of the driver.

[0014]

[0005] Therefore, in view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a control device and a control method that can improve the operability of the pedal.

[0015] [Means for solving the problem]

[0016]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the control device is a control device that controls the operation of the vehicle and is equipped with a control unit that generates a braking force in the vehicle corresponding to the force applied to the brake pedal of the vehicle, and the control unit adjusts the characteristics of the braking force relative to the force applied to the brake pedal based on the results of measurement of the brake pedal force applied by the driver of the vehicle.

[0017]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the control device is a control device that controls the operation of the vehicle and is equipped with a control unit that generates a driving force in the vehicle corresponding to the force applied to the accelerator pedal of the vehicle, and the control unit adjusts the characteristics of the driving force relative to the force applied to the accelerator pedal based on the results of measuring the force applied to the accelerator pedal by the driver of the vehicle.

[0018] [0 0 0 8] In order to solve the above problem, the control method is a control method for controlling the operation of a vehicle, in which a control unit of a control device generates a braking force in the vehicle corresponding to the force applied to the brake pedal of the vehicle, and the control unit adjusts the characteristics of the braking force relative to the force applied to the brake pedal based on the results of measuring the force applied to the brake pedal by the driver of the vehicle.

[0019] [0 0 0 9] In order to solve the above problem, the control method is a control method for controlling the operation of a vehicle, in which a control unit of a control device generates a driving force in the vehicle corresponding to the force applied to an accelerator pedal of the vehicle, and the control unit adjusts the characteristics of the driving force relative to the force applied to the accelerator pedal based on the results of measuring the force applied to the accelerator pedal by the driver of the vehicle.

[0020] [Effects of the invention]

[0021]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability of the pedal.

[0022] [Brief description of the drawing]

[0023] [ 0 0 1 1 ]

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing related to initial registration performed by a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of braking force characteristics of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing after initial registration performed by a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example during manual adjustment of the braking force characteristics of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0031]

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0032]

[0013] <Vehicle configuration> With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the configuration of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0033]

[0014] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a vehicle 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle 1 includes a drive source 11, a braking device 12, an accelerator pedal 13, a brake pedal 14, an accelerator pedal sensor 15, a brake pedal sensor 16, a passenger compartment sensor 17, a display device 18, and a control device 19.

[0034]

[0015] The drive source 11 outputs a drive force that is transmitted to the drive wheels of the vehicle 1. Examples of the drive source 11 include an engine and an electric motor.

[0035]

[0016] The brake device 12 applies a braking force to the wheels of the vehicle 1. For example, the brake device 12 includes a hydraulic pressure control unit, and the hydraulic pressure control unit adjusts the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder, thereby adjusting the braking force applied to the wheels.

[0036]

[0017] The accelerator pedal 13 is used by the driver to operate the accelerator. When operating the accelerator, the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 13.

[0037]

[0018] The brake pedal 14 is used by the driver to apply the brakes. In applying the brakes, the driver depresses the brake pedal 14.

[0038]

[0019] The accelerator pedal sensor 15 detects the force applied to the accelerator pedal 13 by the driver.

[0039]

[0020] The brake pedal sensor 16 detects the force applied to the brake pedal 14 by the driver.

[0040]

[0021] The cabin sensor 17 detects the state inside the cabin of the vehicle 1. The cabin sensor 17 is, for example, a camera. The cabin sensor 17 faces rearward and is installed near the rearview mirror to capture an image of the driver's face.

[0041]

[0022] The display device 18 is a device that visually displays various information. An example of the display device 18 is a liquid crystal display. The display device 18 is provided with an input device such as a touch panel.

[0042]

[0023] The control device 19 controls the operation of the vehicle 1. The control device 19 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is an arithmetic processing device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a memory element that stores programs used by the CPU, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a memory element that temporarily stores parameters that change as the CPU executes. The control device 19 may be, for example, a single device, or may be divided into multiple devices. When the control device 19 is divided into multiple devices, the various functions described below are shared among the multiple devices. For example, some functions of the control unit 19b described below and other functions may be shared by different devices.

[0043]

[0024] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 19. As shown in Figure 2, the control device 19 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 19a, a control unit 19b, and a storage unit 19c.

[0044]

[0025] The acquisition unit 19 a acquires information from each device in the vehicle 1. For example, the acquisition unit 19 a acquires information from an accelerator pedal sensor 15, a brake pedal sensor 16, and a passenger compartment sensor 17. In this specification, acquisition of information may include extraction or generation of information (for example, calculation), etc.

[0045]

[0026] The control unit 19 b controls the operation of each device in the vehicle 1. The control unit 19 b controls the operation of, for example, the drive source 11, the brake device 12, and the display device 18. For example, the control unit 19 b controls the operation of the drive source 11 to cause the vehicle 1 to generate a drive force corresponding to the driver's depression force on the accelerator pedal 13. Also, for example, the control unit 19 b controls the operation of the brake device 12 to cause the vehicle 1 to generate a braking force corresponding to the driver's depression force on the brake pedal 14. Also, for example, the control unit 19 b controls the operation of the display device 18 to notify the driver of various information.

[0046]

[0027] The memory unit 19 c stores various types of information. The information stored in the memory unit 19 c is used in the processing performed by the control unit 19 b.

[0047]

[0028] <Operation of the control device> The operation of the control device 19 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6.

[0048]

[0029] As described above, in the vehicle 1, the driver can accelerate or decelerate by depressing a pedal (specifically, the accelerator pedal 13 or the brake pedal 14). To reduce the space inside the vehicle 1, the pedal stroke (i.e., the maximum travel distance) may be reduced while maintaining the range of force that can be applied to the vehicle 1 by operating the pedal. In this case, the reduced pedal stroke may make it difficult to precisely control the behavior of the vehicle 1 by operating the pedal. Therefore, it may be possible to reduce the change in the force acting on the vehicle 1 in response to a change in pedal force. However, in this case, for example, if the driver is an elderly driver with weak muscles, the pedal force may be insufficient when sudden deceleration is required. In this embodiment, as will be explained below, by implementing improvements in the processing performed by the control device 19, it is possible to improve the operability of the pedals regardless of the driver.

[0049]

[0030] Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 3 to 6, an example of processing related to adjustment of braking force characteristics to improve operability of the brake pedal 14 will be described. The braking force characteristics refer to the characteristics of the braking force generated in the vehicle 1 in response to the depression force on the brake pedal 14. However, as will be described later, the control device 19 may also perform processing related to adjustment of driving force characteristics to improve operability of the accelerator pedal 13. The driving force characteristics refer to the characteristics of the driving force generated in the vehicle 1 in response to the depression force on the accelerator pedal 13.

[0050]

[0031] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow for initial registration performed by the control device 19. Step S101 in Fig. 3 corresponds to the start of the control flow shown in Fig. 3. Step S105 in Fig. 3 corresponds to the end of the control flow shown in Fig. 3.

[0051]

[0032] As will be described later, in the following example, the control unit 19 b adjusts the braking force characteristics based on the measurement result of the depression force on the brake pedal 14 by the driver. Then, the control unit 19 b performs initial registration to store the braking force characteristics adjusted in this way in the memory unit 19 c. Thereafter, the control unit 19 b controls the braking force of the vehicle 1 using the registered braking force characteristics. The control flow shown in FIG. 3 is executed, for example, when driving of the vehicle 1 starts (for example, when the ignition is turned on) in a state where the initial registration of the braking force characteristics has not yet been performed.

[0052]

[0033] When the control flow shown in FIG. 3 starts, in step S102, the control unit 19b notifies the driver of an instruction to measure the depression force on the brake pedal 14.

[0053]

[0034] In step S!02, the control unit 19b notifies the driver of an instruction to measure the force applied to the brake pedal 14, for example, by displaying the instruction on the display device 18. The driver then measures the force applied to the brake pedal 14 in accordance with the instruction.

[0054] For example, in step S102, the control unit 19b displays a message on the display device 18 saying, "Please depress the brake pedal 14 firmly, assuming a situation where you will suddenly decelerate." Then, in measuring the depression force on the brake pedal 14, the driver depresses the brake pedal 14 with a depression force that assumes a situation where they will suddenly decelerate.

[0055]

[0036] The control unit 19b may also notify the driver using a method other than display (for example, sound output, etc.).

[0056]

[0037] Next, in step S103, the acquisition unit 19a acquires the results of measuring the pedal force on the brake pedal 14.

[0057]

[0038] In step S103, the acquisition unit 19a acquires the result of measuring the depression force of the brake pedal 14, for example, based on the detection result of the brake pedal sensor 16. For example, in measuring the depression force of the brake pedal 14 assuming a situation of sudden deceleration, the acquisition unit 19a acquires the depression force when the driver actually depresses the brake pedal 14 as the measurement result of the depression force of the brake pedal 14.

[0058]

[0039] Next, in step S104, the control unit 19b adjusts the braking force characteristics based on the measurement result of the depression force on the brake pedal 14 by the driver, and performs initial registration of the adjusted braking force characteristics in the memory unit 19c, thereby ending the control flow shown in Fig. 3. Thereafter, the control unit 19b controls the braking force of the vehicle 1 using the registered braking force characteristics stored in the memory unit 19c.

[0059]

[0040] As described above, the control unit 19b adjusts the braking force characteristics based on the measurement results of the driver's depression force on the brake pedal 14. Fig. 4 is a graph showing an example of the braking force characteristics of the vehicle 1. In Fig. 4, the horizontal axis represents the depression force PF of the brake pedal 14, and the vertical axis represents the braking force BF generated in the vehicle 1, thereby showing the braking force characteristics. Each of the characteristic lines L1 and L2 in Fig. 4 is a line showing an example of a braking force characteristic that the vehicle 1 can have.

[0060] For example, the control unit 19 b can adjust the braking force characteristics of the vehicle 1 to the characteristics of the characteristic line L1. In this case, the control unit 19 b controls the operation of the brake device 12 so that the depression force PF of the brake pedal 14 and the braking force BF generated in the vehicle 1 follow the relationship shown by the characteristic line L1.

[0061]

[0042] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 19 b can adjust the braking force characteristics of the vehicle 1 from the characteristics of the characteristic line L1 to the characteristics of the characteristic line L2. In this case, the control unit 19 b controls the operation of the brake device 12 so that the depression force PF of the brake pedal 14 and the braking force BF generated in the vehicle 1 follow the relationship shown by the characteristic line L2.

[0062]

[0043] As shown by characteristic line L1 and characteristic line L2, control unit 19b controls the operation of brake device 12 so that the braking force BF generated in vehicle 1 increases as the depression force PF of brake pedal 14 increases. In the example of FIG. 4, braking force BF generated in vehicle 1 is proportional to the square of brake pedal 14 depression force PF. However, braking force BF generated in vehicle 1 does not have to be proportional to the square of brake pedal 14 depression force PF. For example, braking force BF generated in vehicle 1 may be proportional to brake pedal 14 depression force PF.

[0063]

[0044] Here, when the braking force characteristics are those of characteristic line L2, the braking force BF corresponding to the same pedal force PF is larger than when the braking force characteristics are those of characteristic line L1. In other words, the control unit 19 b, for example, by adjusting the braking force characteristics of the vehicle 1 from those of characteristic line L1 to those of characteristic line L2, can increase the change in braking force BF with respect to a change in the pedal force PF of the brake pedal 14, making it easier for the driver to suddenly decelerate even when the driver has weak muscles. On the other hand, the control unit 19 b, for example, by adjusting the braking force characteristics of the vehicle 1 from those of characteristic line L2 to those of characteristic line L1, can decrease the change in braking force BF with respect to a change in the pedal force PF of the brake pedal 14, making it easier to finely control the behavior of the vehicle 1.

[0064]

[0045] Note that the characteristics of characteristic line L1 and characteristic line L2 in Fig. 4 are merely examples of braking force characteristics that the vehicle 1 can have. In other words, the control unit 19 b can adjust the braking force characteristics of the vehicle 1 to characteristics other than the characteristics of characteristic line L1 and characteristic line L2. For example, the control unit 19 b can adjust the braking force characteristics of the vehicle 1 in more stages (i.e., three or more stages) or continuously.

[0065] As described above, the control unit 19 b adjusts the characteristic of the braking force BF relative to the depression force PF of the brake pedal 14 (i.e., the braking force characteristic) based on the result of measuring the depression force PF of the brake pedal 14 by the driver of the vehicle 1. For example, the control unit 19 b adjusts the braking force characteristic so that the braking force BF required for sudden deceleration is generated when the brake pedal 14 is depressed with the depression force PF measured in a measurement of the depression force PF assuming a situation in which sudden deceleration occurs.

[0066] For example, when the measured pedal force PF is small, the control unit 19 b adjusts the braking force characteristics so that the change in braking force BF relative to a change in pedal force PF is larger than when the measured pedal force PF is large, making it easier to perform sudden deceleration even when the driver has weak muscles. On the other hand, when the measured pedal force PF is large, the control unit 19 b adjusts the braking force characteristics so that the change in braking force BF relative to a change in pedal force PF is smaller than when the measured pedal force PF is small, making it easier to finely control the behavior of the vehicle 1. This improves the operability of the brake pedal 14 regardless of the driver.

[0067]

[0048] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the control device 19 after initial registration. Step S201 in Fig. 5 corresponds to the start of the control flow shown in Fig. 5. Step S206 in Fig. 5 corresponds to the end of the control flow shown in Fig. 5. The control flow shown in Fig. 5 is executed, for example, when the vehicle 1 starts to operate (for example, when the ignition is turned on) after the initial registration of the braking force characteristics has already been performed.

[0068]

[0049] When the control flow shown in FIG. 5 starts, in step S202, the control unit 19b authenticates the driver.

[0069]

[0050] In step S202, the control unit 19b authenticates the driver based on, for example, the detection result of the vehicle interior sensor 17. In authenticating the driver, the control unit 19b determines whether the driver currently in the vehicle 1 matches the driver who measured the pedal force PF at the time of initial registration. If it is determined that the driver currently in the vehicle 1 matches the driver who measured the pedal force PF at the time of initial registration, this corresponds to a case where the driver authentication is successful. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the driver currently in the vehicle 1 matches the driver who measured the pedal force PF at the time of initial registration, this corresponds to a case where the driver authentication is not successful.

[0070] For example, the memory unit 19 c stores in advance information indicating the face of the driver who measured the pedal force PF at the initial registration. The control unit 19 b performs image processing on the image captured by the vehicle interior sensor 17 to determine whether the face shown in the image matches the face of the driver who measured the pedal force PF at the initial registration. If the control unit 19 b determines that the face shown in the image matches the face of the driver who measured the pedal force PF at the initial registration, it determines that the driver currently riding in the vehicle 1 matches the driver who measured the pedal force PF at the initial registration.

[0071]

[0052] Note that driver authentication may be performed by a method other than image processing. For example, the control unit 19 b may authenticate the driver using information stored in a smart key carried by the driver. Also, for example, the control unit 19 b may authenticate the driver using information on the driver's license carried by the driver.

[0072]

[0053] Next, in step S203, the control unit 19b determines whether the driver has been authenticated.

[0073]

[0054] If it is determined that the driver has been authenticated (step S203 / YES), the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, the control unit 19b permits control of the braking force using the registered braking force characteristics stored in the memory unit 19c. In this case, the control unit 19b controls the operation of the brake device 12 so that the depression force PF of the brake pedal 14 and the braking force BF generated in the vehicle 1 conform to the registered braking force characteristics.

[0074]

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined that the driver authentication has not been successful (step S203 / NO), the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, the control unit 19b prohibits the control of the braking force using the registered braking force characteristics stored in the memory unit 19c. In this case, the control unit 19b controls the operation of the brake device 12 so that the depression force PF of the brake pedal 14 and the braking force BF generated in the vehicle 1 conform to a predetermined braking force characteristic that has been set in advance. In this case, the process related to the initial registration described with reference to FIG. 3 may be performed on the driver currently riding in the vehicle 1.

[0075]

[0056] After step S204 or step S205, the control flow shown in FIG. 5 ends.

[0076] As described above, in the example of Fig. 5, the control unit 19b authenticates the driver, and if the authentication is successful, permits the control of the braking force BF using the braking force characteristics stored in the memory unit 19c. If the authentication is not successful, the control unit 19b prohibits the control of the braking force BF using the braking force characteristics stored in the memory unit 19c. This allows the control of the braking force BF using the braking force characteristics stored in the memory unit 19c only if the driver currently riding in the vehicle 1 matches the driver who measured the pedal force PF in the initial registration. Therefore, if the driver currently riding in the vehicle 1 does not match the driver who measured the pedal force PF in the initial registration, it is possible to prevent the operability of the brake pedal 14 from being reduced.

[0077]

[0058] The above describes an example of the processing performed by the control device 19 with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. However, the processing performed by the control device 19 may be a processing in which the processing example described above is modified.

[0078] For example, in the above example, an initial registration is performed in which the braking force characteristics adjusted based on the measurement result of the depression force PF of the brake pedal 14 by the driver are stored in the memory unit 19 c, and the control unit 19 b controls the braking force BF of the vehicle 1 using the registered braking force characteristics stored in the memory unit 19 c. However, the initial registration does not have to be performed. For example, the depression force PF of the brake pedal 14 may be measured each time the vehicle 1 starts to be driven (for example, each time the ignition is turned on), and the braking force characteristics may be adjusted each time based on the measurement result of the depression force PF.

[0079]

[0060] In the above example, for example, only if the driver is authenticated is control of the braking force BF using the registered braking force characteristics stored in the memory unit 19c permitted. However, the driver authentication process may be omitted. For example, when the vehicle 1 starts to operate (for example, when the ignition is turned on) after the initial registration of the braking force characteristics has already been performed, the control unit 19b may control the braking force BF using the registered braking force characteristics stored in the memory unit 19c without authenticating the driver.

[0080]

[0061] In the above example, the measurement of the brake pedal force PF is started by issuing an instruction to the driver to measure the brake pedal force PF. However, the instruction to issue an instruction to the driver to measure the brake pedal force PF may be omitted. For example, the measurement of the brake pedal force PF may be started by the driver performing a specific operation (for example, pressing a specific button).

[0081]

[0062] For example, the control unit 19 b may adjust the braking force characteristics adjusted based on the measurement result of the depression force PF of the brake pedal 14 in accordance with a setting operation by the driver. In other words, the driver may be able to manually adjust the registered braking force characteristics stored in the memory unit 19 c through a setting operation. Hereinafter, manual adjustment of the braking force characteristics performed through a setting operation by the driver is also referred to as manual adjustment.

[0082]

[0063] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display when manually adjusting the braking force characteristics of the vehicle 1. When manually adjusting the braking force characteristics, the control unit 19 b causes the display device 18 to display, for example, the image shown in Fig. 6. Then, the driver can manually adjust the braking force characteristics by performing setting operations such as swiping on the display device 18.

[0083]

[0064] The braking force characteristic shown by the solid characteristic line in Figure 6 is the registered braking force characteristic stored in the memory unit 19c. In other words, the braking force characteristic shown by the solid characteristic line is the braking force characteristic before manual adjustment. The braking force characteristic shown by the two-dot chain characteristic line in Figure 6 is the braking force characteristic after manual adjustment.

[0084]

[0065] In the example of Figure 6, multiple dots are displayed on a characteristic line indicating the braking force characteristics. Each dot indicates a specific pedal pressure PF and the corresponding braking force BF. The characteristic line indicating the braking force characteristics is set to connect multiple dots. For example, the driver can adjust the braking force characteristics by swiping up or down on a dot on the characteristic line on the display device 18. In the example of Figure 6, the two dots on the solid characteristic line have moved upward, and the braking force characteristics of the vehicle 1 have been adjusted to the braking force characteristics indicated by the dashed-dot characteristic line.

[0085]

[0066] The setting operation by the driver is not limited to the above example. For example, the setting operation by the driver may be an operation of inputting the numerical value of the braking force BF corresponding to the dot on the characteristic line. Also, for example, if the braking force BF in the braking force characteristic is a value obtained by multiplying the square of the pedal force PF by a coefficient, the setting operation by the driver may be an operation of inputting the numerical value of the coefficient.

[0086]

[0067] In the above example, for example, the control device 19 performs a process for adjusting the braking force characteristics to improve the operability of the brake pedal 14. However, the control device 19 may also perform a process for adjusting the driving force characteristics to improve the operability of the accelerator pedal 13. The control device 19 may perform at least one of the process for adjusting the braking force characteristics to improve the operability of the brake pedal 14 and the process for adjusting the driving force characteristics to improve the operability of the accelerator pedal 13.

[0087]

[0068] Specifically, in the vehicle 1, driving force characteristics are set similarly to the above-described braking force characteristics. Then, the control unit 19 b controls the operation of the driving source 11 so that the depression force on the accelerator pedal 13 and the driving force generated in the vehicle 1 conform to the set driving force characteristics. Here, in order to improve the operability of the accelerator pedal 13, the control unit 19 b adjusts the characteristics of the driving force generated in the vehicle 1 relative to the depression force on the accelerator pedal 13 (i.e., the driving force characteristics) based on the results of measurement of the depression force on the accelerator pedal 13 by the driver of the vehicle 1.

[0088] For example, the control unit 19 b displays a message on the display device 18 saying, "Please depress the accelerator pedal 13 firmly, assuming a situation where sudden acceleration will occur," to instruct the driver to measure the depression force of the accelerator pedal 13. Then, in measuring the depression force of the accelerator pedal 13, the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 13 with a depression force that assumes a situation where sudden acceleration will occur. At this time, for example, the shift position of the vehicle 1 is in the parking position, so that no driving force is applied to the vehicle 1.

[0089]

[0070] Thereafter, in measuring the accelerator pedal force when the driver actually depresses the accelerator pedal 13, the acquisition unit 19a acquires the accelerator pedal force when the driver actually depresses the accelerator pedal 13 as the measurement result of the accelerator pedal force. Then, the control unit 19b adjusts the driving force characteristics based on the measurement result of the accelerator pedal force applied by the driver, and performs initial registration by storing the adjusted driving force characteristics in the memory unit 19c. Thereafter, the control unit 19b controls the driving force of the vehicle 1 using the registered driving force characteristics stored in the memory unit 19c.

[0090]

[0071] In adjusting the driving force characteristics based on the measurement result of the pedal force of the accelerator pedal 13, for example, the control unit 19b adjusts the driving force characteristics so that when the measured pedal force is small, the change in driving force relative to a change in pedal force is larger than when the measured pedal force is large, making it easier to perform sudden acceleration even when the driver has weak muscles. On the other hand, when the measured pedal force is large, the control unit 19b adjusts the driving force characteristics so that the change in driving force relative to a change in pedal force is smaller than when the measured pedal force is small, making it easier to finely control the behavior of the vehicle 1. This makes it possible to improve the operability of the accelerator pedal 13 regardless of the driver.

[0091]

[0072] <Effects of the control device> The effects of the control device 19 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0092]

[0073] The control device 19 includes a control unit 19b that generates a braking force BF corresponding to the depression force PF of the brake pedal 14 of the vehicle 1, and the control unit 19b adjusts the characteristics of the braking force BF relative to the depression force PF of the brake pedal 14 (i.e., the braking force characteristics) based on the measurement results of the depression force PF of the brake pedal 14 by the driver of the vehicle 1. This improves the operability of the brake pedal 14 regardless of the driver.

[0093] Preferably, the control device 19 includes a memory unit 19c that stores the characteristic (i.e., braking force characteristic) adjusted based on the measurement result of the pedal force PF, and the control unit 19b controls the braking force BF using the characteristic (i.e., braking force characteristic) stored in the memory unit 19c. This prevents an increase in the number of times the pedal force PF is measured, and reduces the effort required to measure the pedal force PF. For example, it is no longer necessary to measure the pedal force PF of the brake pedal 14 every time the vehicle 1 starts operating (for example, every time the ignition is turned on).

[0094] Preferably, in the control device 19, the control unit 19 b authenticates the driver, and if the authentication is successful, permits control of the braking force BF using the characteristics (i.e., braking force characteristics) stored in the memory unit 19 c, and if the authentication is not successful, prohibits control of the braking force BF using the characteristics (i.e., braking force characteristics) stored in the memory unit 19 c. This makes it possible to prevent the operability of the brake pedal 14 from deteriorating if the driver currently riding in the vehicle 1 does not match the driver who measured the pedal force PF.

[0095]

[0076] Preferably, in the control device 19, the control unit 19b adjusts the above-mentioned characteristic (i.e., braking force characteristic) adjusted based on the measurement result of the pedal force PF in accordance with a setting operation by the driver. This allows the driver to manually adjust the braking force characteristic adjusted based on the measurement result of the pedal force PF through a setting operation. This makes it easier to adjust the braking force characteristic to suit the driver's preferences.

[0096]

[0077] Preferably, in the control device 19, the control unit 19b notifies the driver of an instruction to urge him / her to measure the pedal force PF. This makes it easier for the driver to recognize the need to measure the pedal force PF. Therefore, the driver is appropriately urged to measure the pedal force PF.

[0097]

[0078] The control device 19 also includes a control unit 19b that generates a driving force in the vehicle 1 corresponding to the depression force on the accelerator pedal 13 of the vehicle 1, and the control unit 19b adjusts the characteristics of the driving force relative to the depression force on the accelerator pedal 13 (i.e., the driving force characteristics) based on the measurement results of the depression force on the accelerator pedal 13 by the driver of the vehicle 1. This improves the operability of the accelerator pedal 13 regardless of the driver.

[0098]

[0079] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and that various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0099] For example, the processes described herein using flowcharts do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown in the flowcharts. Some process steps may be performed in parallel. Additional process steps may also be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0100]

[0081] For example, the series of processes performed by the control device 19 described above may be realized by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance in a storage medium provided inside or outside the information processing device.

[0101] [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] [ 0 0 8 2 ]

[0103] 1 vehicle

[0104] 1 1 Drive source

[0105] 1 2 Brake device

[0106] 1 3 Accelerator pedal

[0107] 1 4 Brake pedal

[0108] 1 5 Accelerator pedal sensor

[0109] 1 6 Brake pedal sensor

[0110] 1 7 Vehicle interior sensor

[0111] 1 8 Display device

[0112] 1 9 Control device

[0113] 1 9 a Acquisition part

[0114] 1 9 b Control section

[0115] 1 9 c Storage section

[0116] BF braking force

[0117] L 1 characteristic line

[0118] L 2 characteristic line

[0119] PF Fuka

Claims

[Document name] Scope of claims

1. A control device (19) for controlling an operation of a vehicle (1), comprising a control unit (19b) for generating in the vehicle (1) a braking force (BF) corresponding to a depression force (PF) of a brake pedal (14) of the vehicle (1), the control unit (19b) adjusting a characteristic of the braking force (BF) relative to the depression force (PF) of the brake pedal (14) based on a result of measurement of the depression force (PF) of the brake pedal (14) by a driver of the vehicle (1).

2. A control device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a memory unit (19c) that stores the characteristic adjusted based on a result of the measurement, and the control unit (19b) controls the braking force (BF) by using the characteristic stored in the memory unit (19c).

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (19b) authenticates the driver, and if the authentication is successful, permits control of the braking force (BF) using the characteristic stored in the memory unit (19c), and if the authentication is unsuccessful, prohibits control of the braking force (BF) using the characteristic stored in the memory unit (19c).

4. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit (19b) adjusts the characteristic adjusted based on the result of the measurement in response to a setting operation by the driver.

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit (19b) issues an instruction to the driver to prompt the driver to carry out the measurement.

6. A control device (19) for controlling an operation of a vehicle (1), comprising a control unit (19b) for generating in the vehicle (1) a driving force corresponding to a depression force of an accelerator pedal (13) of the vehicle (1), the control unit (19b) adjusting a characteristic of the driving force relative to the depression force of the accelerator pedal (13) based on a result of measurement of the depression force of the accelerator pedal (13) by a driver of the vehicle (1).

7. A control method for controlling an operation of a vehicle (1), comprising: a control unit (19b) of a control device (19) generating in the vehicle (1) a braking force (BF) corresponding to a depression force (PF) of a brake pedal (14) of the vehicle (1), and the control unit (19b) adjusts a characteristic of the braking force (BF) relative to the depression force (PF) of the brake pedal (14) based on a measurement result of the depression force (PF) of the brake pedal (14) by a driver of the vehicle (1).

8. A method for controlling an operation of a vehicle (1), comprising: a control unit (19b) of a control device (19) generating a driving force corresponding to a depression force of an accelerator pedal (13) of the vehicle (1) in the vehicle (1); the control unit (19b) adjusts the characteristics of the driving force relative to the depression force on the accelerator pedal (13) based on a result of measurement of the depression force on the accelerator pedal (13) applied by a driver of the vehicle (1).

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