JP2009040197A - Vehicle driving support device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the optimal display content of taking into consideration the relationship between one's own vehicle and a rear vehicle, when informing a driver that output of the one's own vehicle falls within a recommendable output range for performing energy-saving operation. <P>SOLUTION: An indicator 12 is provided with an ECO display area 26 indicating that the output of the one's own vehicle falls within the recommendable output range for performing the energy-saving operation. A control circuit 14 sets a maximum threshold value T of the recommendable output range to a first maximum threshold value T1 by becoming a maximum threshold value ordinary mode when determining that an inter-vehicle distance between the one's own vehicle and the rear vehicle is less than a reference value α. Meanwhile, the control circuit 14 sets the maximum threshold value T of the recommendable output range to a second maximum threshold value T2 smaller than the first maximum threshold value T1 by becoming a maximum threshold value small mode when determining that the inter-vehicle distance between the one's own vehicle and the rear vehicle is the reference value α or more. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle driving support apparatus and method, and more particularly, to a vehicle driving support apparatus and method that can inform a driver that the output of the host vehicle is within a recommended output range for energy saving driving.

  Conventionally, the following are known as this kind of vehicle driving assistance device and method (for example, refer to patent documents 1).

For example, in the example described in Patent Document 1, traveling environment information obtained by the navigation system (information such as the vehicle traveling on an urban area, a highway, a traffic jam section, a flat land, an uphill road, etc.) It is determined whether or not the acceleration traveling is performed based on front vehicle information (information such as a relative distance between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle) derived based on the detection result of the radar sensor or the in-vehicle camera. If it is determined that the vehicle is traveling, the accelerator accelerator work guidance is performed by the indicator instead of the normal accelerator work guide.
JP 2006-347214 A

  However, in the example described in Patent Document 1, the relationship between the front vehicle and the host vehicle is considered, but the relationship between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is not considered.

  In other words, in the example described in Patent Document 1, when the host vehicle is traveling on, for example, an uphill or a converging acceleration lane on a highway, the indicator is based on the optimal vehicle speed and acceleration in the relationship between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle. There is also a risk of displaying low vehicle speed and low acceleration.

  Therefore, in this case, if the driver adjusts the amount of depression of the accelerator according to the indicator display so that the energy saving operation is performed, the vehicle speed of the host vehicle does not increase and the distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is shortened, and the rear vehicle Annoying.

  On the other hand, when the driver steps on the accelerator in order to increase the vehicle speed of the host vehicle in order to secure the distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle, the driver does not adjust the accelerator stepping amount according to the indicator display (In other words, the energy-saving operation is not performed), and user convenience is deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a vehicle driving support provided with a notification means for notifying a driver that the output of the host vehicle is within a recommended output range for performing an energy saving operation. It is an object of the device to enable optimal notification in consideration of the relationship between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the vehicle driving support device according to claim 1, informing means for informing the driver that the output of the host vehicle is within a recommended output range for performing energy-saving operation, The maximum threshold of the recommended output range is changed based on the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle, and when the output of the host vehicle is within the recommended output range, the output of the host vehicle is And control means for controlling the notifying means so that the driver is notified that it is within the recommended output range.

  According to the vehicle driving support apparatus of the first aspect, when the output of the own vehicle is within the recommended output range, the control means notifies the driver that the output of the own vehicle is within the recommended output range. The notification means is controlled as described above.

  Here, the control means changes and sets the maximum threshold value of the recommended output range described above based on the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to perform optimal notification in consideration of the relationship between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle.

  The vehicle driving support device according to claim 2 is the vehicle driving support device according to claim 1, wherein the control means is configured to increase the maximum recommended output range according to a decrease in an inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and a rear vehicle. The threshold value is increased.

  According to the vehicle driving support apparatus of the second aspect, the control means increases and sets the maximum threshold value of the recommended output range according to the decrease in the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle. Therefore, even if the driver adjusts the accelerator depression amount according to the display on the notification means so that the vehicle can save energy when the host vehicle is traveling on an uphill or a converging acceleration lane on a highway, for example, The vehicle speed can be increased. Thereby, since the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle can be ensured, it is possible to avoid annoying the rear vehicle.

  On the other hand, in order to secure the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle, even if the driver steps on the accelerator to increase the vehicle speed of the host vehicle, the driver adjusts the amount of depression of the accelerator according to the notification contents of the notification means. Can be maintained (that is, the energy-saving operation can be maintained). Thereby, a user's usability can be made favorable.

  The vehicle driving support apparatus according to claim 3 is the vehicle driving support apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means performs the recommendation according to an increase in an inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and a rear vehicle. The maximum threshold value of the output range is set to decrease.

  According to the vehicle driving support apparatus of the third aspect, the control means sets the maximum threshold value of the recommended output range to be decreased according to the increase in the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle. Therefore, the driver can suppress the output of the host vehicle by adjusting the amount of depression of the accelerator according to the notification content of the notification means. Thereby, the fuel consumption of the own vehicle can be improved.

  Further, even if the driver adjusts the amount of depression of the accelerator according to the notification contents of the notification means to suppress the output of the own vehicle, the distance between the own vehicle and the rear vehicle has room, so the rear vehicle becomes annoying. You can avoid that. Thereby, a user's usability can be made favorable.

  The vehicle driving support apparatus according to claim 4 is the vehicle driving support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means sets a maximum threshold value of the recommended output range as a first maximum threshold value. And a maximum threshold normal mode for setting the maximum threshold of the recommended output range to a second maximum threshold smaller than the first maximum threshold. When the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the rear vehicle is less than a predetermined reference value, the maximum threshold normal mode is set, and when the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is equal to or greater than the reference value, The mode is the maximum threshold small mode.

  According to the vehicle driving support apparatus of the fourth aspect, when the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is less than a predetermined reference value, the control unit becomes the maximum threshold normal mode and the recommended output. The range maximum threshold is set to a first maximum threshold that is greater than the second maximum threshold. On the other hand, when the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is equal to or greater than the reference value, the control means enters the maximum threshold small mode and sets the maximum threshold of the recommended output range to the second maximum threshold smaller than the first maximum threshold. Set to. Thus, the control means can switch between the maximum threshold normal mode and the maximum threshold small mode based on the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle, and can change and set the maximum threshold of the recommended output range.

  In order to solve the above problem, the vehicle driving support method according to claim 5 changes and sets the maximum threshold value of the recommended output range for performing energy-saving driving based on the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle. In addition, when the output of the host vehicle is within the recommended output range, the driver is notified that the output of the host vehicle is within the recommended output range.

  According to the vehicle driving support method of the fifth aspect, when the output of the own vehicle is within the recommended output range, the driver is notified that the output of the own vehicle is within the recommended output range.

  At this time, the maximum threshold value of the recommended output range is changed based on the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to perform optimal notification in consideration of the relationship between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle.

  The vehicle driving support method according to claim 6 is the vehicle driving support method according to claim 5, wherein the maximum threshold value of the recommended output range is increased according to a decrease in the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle. It is characterized by that.

  According to the vehicle driving support method of the sixth aspect, the maximum threshold value of the recommended output range is increased according to the decrease in the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle. Therefore, even if the driver adjusts the amount of depression of the accelerator according to the notification content so that the driver can save energy when the vehicle is traveling on an uphill or a confluence acceleration lane on a highway, the vehicle speed of the vehicle Can be raised. Thereby, since the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle can be ensured, it is possible to avoid annoying the rear vehicle.

  On the other hand, in order to secure the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle, even if the driver steps on the accelerator to increase the vehicle speed of the host vehicle, the driver adjusts the accelerator stepping amount according to the notification content. It can be maintained (that is, the state of energy saving operation can be maintained). Thereby, a user's usability can be made favorable.

  The vehicle driving support method according to claim 7 is the vehicle driving support method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the maximum threshold value of the recommended output range according to an increase in an inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and a rear vehicle. Is set to decrease.

  According to the vehicle driving support method of the seventh aspect, the maximum threshold value of the recommended output range is set to decrease according to an increase in the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle. Therefore, the driver can control the output of the host vehicle by adjusting the amount of depression of the accelerator according to the notification content. Thereby, the fuel consumption of the own vehicle can be improved.

  In addition, even if the driver adjusts the amount of accelerator depression according to the notification content and suppresses the output of the host vehicle, the distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle has room, so avoiding annoying the rear vehicle it can. Thereby, a user's usability can be made favorable.

  The vehicle driving support method according to claim 8 is the vehicle driving support method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein a reference value in which an inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is predetermined. If it is less than the maximum threshold of the recommended output range is set to the first maximum threshold, and if the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is equal to or greater than the reference value, the maximum recommended output range The threshold is set to a second maximum threshold that is lower than the first maximum threshold.

  According to the vehicle driving support method according to claim 8, when the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is less than a predetermined reference value, the maximum threshold value of the recommended output range is set to be greater than the second maximum threshold value. Set to a large first maximum threshold. On the other hand, when the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is greater than or equal to the reference value, the maximum threshold value of the recommended output range is set to a second maximum threshold value that is smaller than the first maximum threshold value. Thus, the maximum threshold value of the recommended output range can be changed and set based on the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform optimal notification in consideration of the relationship between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a vehicle driving support apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the entire indicator 12 provided in the vehicle driving support apparatus 10. The configuration is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle driving support apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an indicator 12 as a notification unit and a control circuit 14 as a control unit.

  The indicator 12 notifies the driver of the output state of the host vehicle, and is configured to include a meter 16 and an ECO lamp 18 as shown in FIG. The meter 16 includes a pointer 20 and a display surface 22.

  The display surface 22 is provided with a POWER display area 24 indicating that the output of the host vehicle is in a high state and an ECO display area 26 indicating that the output of the host vehicle is within a recommended output range for energy saving operation. It has been. Further, the ECO lamp 18 is integrally provided on the display surface 22.

  The indicator 12 is used for a hybrid vehicle that uses an internal combustion engine and an electric motor as power sources. The display surface 22 includes a battery during regenerative braking in addition to the POWER display area 24 and the ECO display area 26 described above. CHARGE display area 28 is provided to indicate a state where the battery is charged.

  The control circuit 14 shown in FIG. 1 is configured by an electric circuit including, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and an inter-vehicle distance detection sensor 30, a vehicle speed detection sensor 32, and a vehicle output detection sensor 34 are provided on the input side. The indicator 12 is connected to the output side.

  The inter-vehicle distance detection sensor 30 is configured by, for example, a millimeter wave radar device or the like installed in the rear part of the host vehicle, and outputs a signal corresponding to the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle to the control circuit 14. Has been. The vehicle speed detection sensor 32 is configured to output a signal corresponding to the vehicle speed of the host vehicle to the control circuit 14, and the vehicle output detection sensor 34 outputs a signal corresponding to the output of the vehicle to the control circuit 14. It is configured.

  And the control circuit 14 is set as the structure which inputs each output signal from the inter-vehicle distance detection sensor 30, the vehicle speed detection sensor 32, and the vehicle output detection sensor 34, and controls the operation | movement of the indicator 12. FIG.

  Next, the operation and effect will be described together with the operation of the vehicle driving support device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The control circuit 14 detects the vehicle speed of the host vehicle based on the output signal from the vehicle speed detection sensor 32, and detects the output of the host vehicle amount based on the output signal from the vehicle output detection sensor 34. Based on these detection results, the control circuit 14 controls the operation of the indicator 20 of the indicator 12 and the ECO lamp 18 as follows.

  Here, FIG. 3 shows the operation contents of the indicator 20 of the indicator 12 and the ECO lamp 18 controlled by the control circuit 14. As shown in this figure, the control circuit 14 displays the pointer 20 in the POWER display area when the vehicle output exceeds the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range for performing energy saving operation at the current vehicle speed of the host vehicle. When the vehicle output is equal to or less than the maximum threshold T, the pointer 20 is positioned in the ECO display area 26. At this time, the control circuit 14 rotates the pointer 20 in the clockwise direction in each display area as the output of the host vehicle increases.

  Further, the control circuit 14 turns off the ECO lamp 18 when the pointer 20 is positioned in the POWER display area 24, and turns off the ECO lamp 18 when the pointer 20 is positioned in the ECO display area 26. 18 is turned on.

  The control circuit 14 operates as follows when controlling the operation of the indicator 20 of the indicator 12 and the ECO lamp 18 as described above. Here, FIG. 4 shows a flowchart showing a part of the program processing of the control circuit 14, and FIGS. 5 and 6 show the operation contents of the control circuit 14 in the program processing.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control circuit 14 determines the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle at the current vehicle speed of the host vehicle based on output signals from the vehicle speed detection sensor 32 and the inter-vehicle distance detection sensor 30. It is determined whether or not the value is equal to or greater than the reference value α (step S1).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, a reference value α of the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle corresponding to the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is set in the control circuit 14 in advance. The reference value α of the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is set so as to increase as the vehicle speed of the host vehicle increases.

  In addition, the control circuit 14 enters the maximum threshold small mode when the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is equal to or greater than the reference value α at the current vehicle speed of the host vehicle, and When the inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle is less than the reference value α, the maximum threshold normal mode is set.

  When the control circuit 14 determines that the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is less than the above-described reference value α at the current vehicle speed of the host vehicle (step S1: NO), the maximum threshold normal mode is set. (Step S2). Further, when the maximum threshold normal mode is set, the control circuit 14 sets the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range to the first maximum threshold T1.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the first maximum threshold value T1 when the maximum threshold value normal mode is set is larger in the entire vehicle speed region than the second maximum threshold value T2 when the maximum threshold value small mode described later is set. It is said that.

  Therefore, when the control circuit 14 is in the maximum threshold normal mode and the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range is set to be increased to the first maximum threshold T1, the host vehicle is, for example, an uphill or a confluence acceleration lane on a highway. When the vehicle is traveling, the driver follows the display content of the indicator 12 so that the energy-saving operation is performed (that is, the pointer 20 points to the ECO display area 26 and the ECO lamp 18 is kept on). ) Even if the amount of depression of the accelerator is adjusted, the vehicle speed of the host vehicle can be increased. Thereby, since the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle can be ensured, it is possible to avoid annoying the rear vehicle.

  On the other hand, in order to secure the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle, even if the driver steps on the accelerator to increase the vehicle speed of the host vehicle, the driver adjusts the amount of depression of the accelerator according to the display content of the indicator 12. (That is, the pointer 20 points to the ECO display area 26 and the ECO lamp 18 can be kept on, and the energy saving operation can be maintained). Thereby, a user's usability can be made favorable.

  In contrast, when the control circuit 14 determines that the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle at the current vehicle speed of the host vehicle is greater than or equal to the reference value α (step S1: YES), the maximum threshold value is small. The mode is set (step S3). Further, when the maximum threshold small mode is set, the control circuit 14 sets the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range to the second maximum threshold T2.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the second maximum threshold T2 when the maximum threshold small mode is set is smaller in the entire vehicle speed region than the first maximum threshold T1 when the maximum threshold normal mode is set. It is said that.

  Therefore, when the control circuit 14 is in the maximum threshold small mode and the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range is set to be decreased to the second maximum threshold T2, the driver follows the display content of the indicator 12 (that is, the pointer 20 Indicates the ECO display area 26, and the accelerator depression amount is adjusted so that the output of the host vehicle can be suppressed. Thereby, the fuel consumption of the own vehicle can be improved.

  In addition, the driver adjusts the amount of depression of the accelerator according to the display content of the indicator 12 (that is, the pointer 20 points to the ECO display area 26 and the ECO lamp 18 is lit). Even if the output is suppressed, the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is sufficient, so that it is possible to avoid annoying the rear vehicle. Thereby, a user's usability can be made favorable.

  Thus, according to the vehicle driving support device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the indicator 12 can be set to the optimum display content in consideration of the relationship between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited above, Of course, it can change and implement variously within the range which does not deviate from the main point. .

  For example, in the above embodiment, the indicator 12 is configured to include the meter 16 and the ECO lamp 18, but may be configured to include only one of the meter 16 and the ECO lamp 18.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although comprised so that a driver | operator might be visually notified via the indicator 12 that the output of the own vehicle exists in the recommended output range for performing an energy-saving driving | operation, the own vehicle May be configured to be informed to the driver audibly through a speaker or the like or through a vibrator or the like. .

  In the above embodiment, the control circuit 14 switches the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range to the first maximum threshold by switching between the maximum threshold normal mode and the maximum threshold small mode in accordance with the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle. Although it is configured to change and set to T1 and the second maximum threshold T2, it is configured to continuously change and set the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range according to the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle. May be.

  In the above embodiment, the control circuit 14 switches between the maximum threshold normal mode and the maximum threshold small mode to change and set the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range to the first maximum threshold T1 and the second maximum threshold T2. The maximum threshold T of the recommended output range is changed to the first maximum threshold T1, the second maximum threshold T2, and the third maximum threshold by switching to the maximum threshold normal mode, the maximum threshold small mode, and the maximum threshold large mode. It may be configured to change and set to T3 (a value larger than the first maximum threshold T1).

  Next, reference examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[First Reference Example]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the vehicle driving support apparatus 110 according to the first reference example of the present invention. In the vehicle driving support apparatus 110 according to the first reference example of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as the vehicle driving support apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. .

  As shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle driving support device 110 according to the first reference example of the present invention includes an indicator 12 and a control circuit 114.

  The control circuit 114 is configured by an electric circuit including, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The navigation system 130, the vehicle speed detection sensor 32, and the vehicle output detection sensor 34 are connected to the input side, and the output side is connected. An indicator 12 is connected.

  Note that the navigation system 130 is information regarding the road environment in which the host vehicle is currently traveling (that is, the host vehicle is traveling on a highway, a junction acceleration lane, an up road, an urban area, a residential area, a general road, etc.) And the information is output to the control circuit 114.

  And the control circuit 114 is set as the structure which inputs each output signal from the navigation system 130, the vehicle speed detection sensor 32, and the vehicle output detection sensor 34, and controls the operation | movement of the indicator 12. FIG.

  Next, the operation and effect will be described together with the operation of the vehicle driving support device 110 according to the first reference example of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, only differences from the vehicle driving support device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be described.

  The control circuit 114 operates as follows when controlling the operation of the pointer 20 of the indicator 12 and the ECO lamp 18. Here, FIG. 8 shows a flowchart representing a part of the program processing of the control circuit 114.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the control circuit 114 determines, based on information from the navigation system 130, whether the road environment in which the host vehicle is currently traveling is, for example, an expressway, a merged acceleration lane, or an uphill road. Thus, it is determined whether or not the maximum threshold value T of the recommended output range can be changed and set to the second maximum threshold value T2 (that is, whether or not the maximum threshold value T can be set to decrease) (step S11).

  Then, the control circuit 114 determines that the road environment in which the host vehicle is currently traveling is, for example, an expressway, a merged acceleration lane, or an uphill road, and the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range cannot be changed to the second maximum threshold T2. (Step S11: NO), the maximum threshold normal mode is set (step S12), and the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range is set to the first maximum threshold T1.

  Therefore, when the control circuit 114 is in the maximum threshold normal mode and the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range is set to be increased to the first maximum threshold T1, the host vehicle is, for example, an uphill or a confluence acceleration lane on a highway. When the vehicle is traveling, the driver follows the display content of the indicator 12 so that the energy-saving operation is performed (that is, the pointer 20 points to the ECO display area 26 and the ECO lamp 18 is kept on). ) Even if the amount of depression of the accelerator is adjusted, the vehicle speed of the host vehicle can be increased. Thereby, since the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle can be ensured, it is possible to avoid annoying the rear vehicle.

  On the other hand, in order to secure the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle, even if the driver steps on the accelerator to increase the vehicle speed of the host vehicle, the driver adjusts the amount of depression of the accelerator according to the display content of the indicator 12. (That is, the pointer 20 points to the ECO display area 26 and the ECO lamp 18 can be kept on, and the energy saving operation can be maintained). Thereby, a user's usability can be made favorable.

  On the other hand, the control circuit 114 determines that the road environment in which the vehicle is currently traveling is, for example, a downhill or an urban area where the vehicle speed of other vehicles is low, instead of an expressway, a junction acceleration lane, an ascending road, or the like. When it is determined that the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range can be changed to the second maximum threshold T2 (step S11: YES), the maximum threshold small mode is set (step S13), and the above-described maximum threshold T of the recommended output range is set. Is set to the second maximum threshold T2.

  Therefore, when the control circuit 114 is in the maximum threshold small mode and the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range is set to be decreased to the second maximum threshold T2, the driver follows the display content of the indicator 12 (that is, the pointer 20 Indicates the ECO display area 26, and the accelerator depression amount is adjusted so that the output of the host vehicle can be suppressed. Thereby, the fuel consumption of the own vehicle can be improved.

  In addition, the driver adjusts the amount of depression of the accelerator according to the display content of the indicator 12 (that is, the pointer 20 points to the ECO display area 26 and the ECO lamp 18 is lit). Even if the output is suppressed, since the road environment in which the vehicle travels is not an expressway, a confluence acceleration lane, an ascending road, etc., it is possible to avoid a decrease in vehicle speed. Thereby, a user's usability can be made favorable.

  Thus, according to the vehicle driving support apparatus 110 according to the first reference example of the present invention, the indicator 12 can be set to the optimal display content in consideration of the road environment in which the host vehicle is currently traveling.

[Second Reference Example]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a vehicle driving support apparatus 210 according to the second reference example of the present invention. In the vehicle driving support apparatus 210 according to the second reference example of the present invention, the vehicle driving support apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above and the vehicle driving support apparatus 110 according to the first reference example of the present invention described above. For the same configuration, the same reference numerals are used for convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle driving support apparatus 210 according to the second reference example of the present invention includes an indicator 12 and a control circuit 214.

  The control circuit 214 is configured by an electric circuit including, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The navigation system 230, the vehicle speed detection sensor 32, and the vehicle output detection sensor 34 are connected to the input side, and the output side is connected. An indicator 12 is connected.

  The navigation system 230 obtains the carve information on the road on which the host vehicle is currently traveling (that is, road environment information such as the average vehicle speed and average acceleration of past traveling vehicles on the road on which the host vehicle is currently traveling). Is output to the control circuit 214.

  The control circuit 214 is configured to control the operation of the indicator 12 by inputting each output signal from the navigation system 230, the vehicle speed detection sensor 32, and the vehicle output detection sensor 34.

  Next, the operation and effect will be described together with the operation of the vehicle driving support apparatus 210 according to the second reference example of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, only differences from the vehicle driving support device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be described.

  The control circuit 214 operates as follows when controlling the operation of the pointer 20 of the indicator 12 and the ECO lamp 18. Note that FIG. 8 is referred to for a flowchart showing a part of the program processing of the control circuit 214. FIG. 10 shows the operation contents of the control circuit 214 in the program processing.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the control circuit 214 determines, based on information from the navigation system 230, whether or not the road on which the host vehicle is currently traveling is a road environment with a high average vehicle speed and average acceleration, for example. Thus, it is determined whether or not the maximum threshold value T of the recommended output range can be changed and set to the second maximum threshold value T2 (that is, whether or not the maximum threshold value T can be set to be decreased) (step S11).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10, a reference value β of average acceleration corresponding to the average vehicle speed is set in the control circuit 214 in advance. This reference value β is set so as to decrease as the vehicle speed increases.

  Further, the control circuit 14 enters the maximum threshold normal mode when the average acceleration corresponding to the average vehicle speed of the road on which the host vehicle is currently running is equal to or greater than the reference value β, and corresponds to the average vehicle speed of the road on which the host vehicle is currently driving. When the average acceleration to be performed is less than the reference value β, the maximum threshold small mode is set.

  Then, the control circuit 214 determines that the road on which the host vehicle is currently traveling is a road environment having a large average vehicle speed and average acceleration, such as a highway, a merged acceleration lane, and an uphill road, and the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range. Is determined to be unable to be changed to the second maximum threshold T2 (step S11: NO), the maximum threshold normal mode is set (step S12), and the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range is set to the first maximum threshold T1. To do.

  Therefore, when the control circuit 214 is in the maximum threshold normal mode and the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range is set to be increased to the first maximum threshold T1, the road on which the host vehicle is currently traveling is, for example, the average vehicle speed and the average acceleration. When the road environment is large, the driver follows the display content of the indicator 12 so that energy-saving driving is performed (that is, the pointer 20 points to the ECO display area 26 and the ECO lamp 18 is kept on). B) Even if the amount of depression of the accelerator is adjusted, the vehicle speed and acceleration of the host vehicle can be increased. Thereby, since the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle can be ensured, it is possible to avoid annoying the rear vehicle.

  On the other hand, in order to secure the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle, even if the driver steps on the accelerator to increase the vehicle speed and acceleration of the host vehicle, the driver adjusts the amount of depression of the accelerator according to the display content of the indicator 12 (In other words, the pointer 20 points to the ECO display area 26 and the ECO lamp 18 can be kept on, and the energy saving operation can be maintained). Thereby, a user's usability can be made favorable.

  On the other hand, the control circuit 214 determines that the road on which the host vehicle is currently traveling is a road environment having a low average vehicle speed and average acceleration, such as a downhill or an urban area where the vehicle speed of other vehicles is low. If it is determined that the maximum threshold T can be changed to the second maximum threshold T2 (step S11: YES), the maximum threshold small mode is set (step S13), and the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range is set to the second maximum threshold. Set to T2.

  Accordingly, when the control circuit 214 is in the maximum threshold small mode and the maximum threshold T of the recommended output range is set to be decreased to the second maximum threshold T2, the driver follows the display content of the indicator 12 (that is, the pointer 20 Indicates the ECO display area 26, and the accelerator depression amount is adjusted so that the output of the host vehicle can be suppressed. Thereby, the fuel consumption of the own vehicle can be improved.

  In addition, the driver adjusts the amount of depression of the accelerator according to the display content of the indicator 12 (that is, the pointer 20 points to the ECO display area 26 and the ECO lamp 18 is lit). Even if the output is suppressed, the road environment in which the host vehicle is traveling is a road environment in which the average vehicle speed and average acceleration are low, such as downhills and urban areas where the vehicle speed of other vehicles is low, and therefore a reduction in vehicle speed can be avoided. Thereby, a user's usability can be made favorable.

  As described above, according to the vehicle driving support device 210 according to the second reference example of the present invention, the indicator 12 can be set to the optimum display content in consideration of the road environment where the host vehicle is currently traveling.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a vehicle driving support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the indicator shown by FIG. It is a figure which shows the indicator of the indicator controlled by the control circuit shown in FIG. 1, and the operation | movement content of an ECO lamp. It is a flowchart showing a part of program processing of the control circuit of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement content of the control circuit shown by FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement content of the control circuit shown by FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the vehicle driving assistance device which concerns on the 1st reference example of this invention. It is a flowchart showing a part of program processing of the control circuit of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the vehicle driving assistance device which concerns on the 2nd reference example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation content of the control circuit shown by FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 Vehicle Driving Support Device 12 Indicator (Notification Means)
14 Control circuit (control means)

Claims (8)

Informing means for informing the driver that the output of the own vehicle is within a recommended output range for performing energy-saving operation;
The maximum threshold of the recommended output range is changed based on the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle, and when the output of the host vehicle is within the recommended output range, the output of the host vehicle is Control means for controlling the notifying means so as to notify the driver that it is within the recommended output range;
A vehicle driving support apparatus comprising: The control means includes
Increasing the maximum threshold of the recommended output range according to a decrease in the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle,
The vehicle driving support device according to claim 1. The control means includes
Reducing the maximum threshold of the recommended output range according to an increase in the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle,
The vehicle driving support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control means includes
A maximum threshold normal mode for setting the maximum threshold of the recommended output range as a first maximum threshold;
A maximum threshold small mode for setting the maximum threshold of the recommended output range to a second maximum threshold smaller than the first maximum threshold;
And is configured to take
When the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is less than a predetermined reference value, the maximum threshold normal mode is set, and the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is greater than or equal to the reference value. Becomes the maximum threshold small mode,
The vehicle driving support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein When the maximum threshold of the recommended output range for performing energy saving operation is changed based on the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle, and the output of the host vehicle is within the recommended output range, the host vehicle Informing the driver that the output is within the recommended output range,
A vehicle driving support method characterized by the above. Increasing the maximum threshold of the recommended output range according to a decrease in the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle,
The vehicle driving support method according to claim 5. Reducing the maximum threshold of the recommended output range according to an increase in the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle,
The vehicle driving support method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the above. When the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is less than a predetermined reference value, the maximum threshold value of the recommended output range is set as a first maximum threshold value,
When the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the rear vehicle is not less than the reference value, the maximum threshold value of the recommended output range is set to a second maximum threshold value that is lower than the first maximum threshold value.
The vehicle driving support method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the vehicle driving support method is described above.

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