JP2018070086A - Driving support device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a driving support device that can conform a task operation period to a cycle at which a driver recognizes a good feeling, via visual and auditory sense information.SOLUTION: A control device 1, which includes a driving support device for estimating an execution term of a task constituted of a series of operation of operation means by a driver, comprises: a memorizing part 11 which memorizes first and second cardiac cycles based on heart rates of the driver; a clutch sensor 26 that detects a target task whose operation is started; a recommended operation term estimating part 13 that estimates a recommended operation term T1 suitable for the driver who is executing the target task, on the basis of the first cardiac cycle; an actual operation term estimating part 14 that estimates an actual operation term T2 (T3) of the target task on the basis of the second cardiac cycle during executing tasks before the target task; and notification means 7 that makes notification on the basis of a difference ΔT between the recommended operation term T1 and the actual operation term T2 (T3) before completing the operation of the target task.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a driving support apparatus that estimates an execution period of a task including a series of operations of operating means by a driver.

Conventionally, in a manual transmission (MT) in which a driver manually performs a shifting operation of a stepped transmission, it is known that a shift shock occurs at the time of shifting.
After the connection between the stepped transmission and the engine is interrupted by a clutch interlocked with the operation of the clutch pedal, which is one of the operating means, the gear stage is changed by operating the shift lever, and the stepped transmission and the engine are connected again. At the time of reconnection, a driving situation in which the rotation speed of the stepped transmission and the rotation speed of the engine are not synchronized can be considered.
In such a driving situation, a vibration due to a difference in rotational speed, that is, a so-called shift shock is generated in the vehicle.
In view of this, a technique relating to shift assist control has been proposed in order to suppress a shift shock during a shift by a manual transmission (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The vehicle control device of Patent Document 2 estimates an image capturing unit that captures an image of a shift lever operation performed by a driver, and a shift position that estimates a gear position changed from the shift lever operation motion captured by the image capturing unit. And an engine ECU for controlling the engine speed, and the engine ECU controls the engine speed in accordance with the shift position estimated by the shift operation position estimating part.
Thus, before the shift lever operation by the driver is completed, the engine speed is quickly controlled according to the shift position of the change destination.

By the way, it is known that the hypothalamus plays a central role in human physiological reaction behavior in the living environment, and this hypothalamus is supported by two regulatory systems, the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system. Yes.
Since the feature of regulation by the autonomic nervous system is quick response, the autonomic nervous system responds to transient responses to changes in physical conditions such as posture based on various external environmental changes equivalent to external stimuli. It is an essential regulatory system.

The autonomic nervous system is classified into a sympathetic nervous system and a parasympathetic nervous system by functional and morphological classification.
The heart, which is indispensable for life support, performs sympathetic nerves that play an involuntary movement by the automatic ability to beat rhythmically by the action potential that propagates from the sinoatrial node that can be controlled by itself to the atrium and the ventricle, It is also known to be dominated by the vagus nerve that plays an inhibitory role.
In other words, the regulation of the heart rate (pulse rate) is a rhythm peculiar to the autonomic nervous system by the action of the sympathetic nerve and the vagus nerve on the sinoatrial node. Can be evaluated.

An electrocardiogram, which is one of the autonomic nerve activity measurement methods, can measure the electrical activity of the heart on the body surface and visualize it by numerical values.
Usually, during the heartbeat variability in the electrocardiogram, the fluctuation phenomenon showing the largest change is an R wave that is one of the peak values of the heartbeat. Therefore, the time from a specific R wave to the next consecutive R wave is expressed as RRI ( RR Interval, RR interval, or cardiac cycle), and the heart rate can be expressed by the reciprocal of this RRI.
The normal RRI is generally a value included in the range of 0.6 to 1.0 sec.
In addition, since blood pressure tends to fluctuate in close association with the heart rate via the baroreceptor, the activity of the autonomic nerve can be evaluated based on the blood pressure fluctuation, similarly to the heart rate fluctuation.

JP 2007-032341 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-118162

Although the operation of the vehicle is affected by the driving environment, it is a connection of tasks consisting of a series of operations of the operating means by the driver. Therefore, a behavior model in which a series of these individual tasks forms a single large driving task as a whole. Can be considered.
For example, when the operating means is a steering wheel, cutting and returning are equivalent to one task, and when the operating means is a clutch pedal, pressing and returning are equivalent to one task.

As a result of repeated investigations, the present inventor is a state in which the driver can recognize his / her feeling of maneuvering in a state where the driver has mastered operation based on driving experience, in other words, high reproducibility and semi-automatic. It came to know that it is a semi-voluntary movement state (corresponding to a walking state) that can execute a maneuvering operation.
Since the semi-voluntary movement state is mainly a regulation phenomenon by the autonomic nervous system related to the external receptive system such as the extremities, the movement state that matches the normal autonomic nervous system rhythm is a sensory semi-voluntary movement state In addition, it can be said that the driver can recognize a favorable feeling.
That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the driver actually experiences a task consisting of a series of operations of the operating means, and the driver masters this task based on this experience, the task becomes semi-voluntary movement. It is presumed that the task cycle by the system and the rhythm of the autonomic nervous system show a synchronization (cooperation) tendency.

As shown in FIG. 11, when a person exercises with an external receptive system, the peak value (R wave) of the heartbeat, which is more difficult to voluntarily control as the concentration level is higher (the higher the unconsciousness is), Since exercise is executed in the avoiding cardiac cycle (hereinafter referred to as R wave avoidance cycle), it is preferable that a series of tasks by the driver is also executed according to the R wave avoidance cycle from the viewpoint of biological phenomena.
However, it is not easy for the driver to match the specific task with his / her R wave avoidance period during actual vehicle operation.
Moreover, since the driver's cardiac cycle tends to change in synchronization with changes in the external environment corresponding to external stimuli, even if a specific task is synchronized with the R wave avoidance cycle during actual vehicle operation, Since the autonomic nervous system rhythm is different from the autonomic nervous system rhythm at the time of danger avoidance, there is a possibility that the driver may not always recognize the favorable feeling.

The vehicle control device of Patent Document 2 prevents a shift shock by controlling the engine speed according to the gear stage estimated before the clutch is engaged.
However, the vehicle control device disclosed in Patent Document 2 does not estimate the execution time of the clutch pedal depression and stepping-back operations corresponding to the target task related to the clutch pedal operation by the driver. The technique of this patent document 2 calculates an operation vector indicating the direction of hand movement during the shift lever operation based on the imaging information of the hand according to the shift lever operation, and sets the gear stage to be changed by the calculated operation vector. After the estimation, the target engine speed is set using the estimated gear stage and the actual vehicle speed, so the engine speed is set simultaneously with the setting of the target engine speed without considering the clutch engagement timing. Be controlled.
Therefore, the driver cannot grasp the cycle (heart cycle) in which he / she recognizes his / her favorable feeling through the shifting operation, and further, it is difficult to correct the clutch engagement timing.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a driving support device or the like that can synchronize a task operation period with a period in which a driver recognizes a good feeling through audiovisual information.

  The driving support device according to claim 1 is a driving support device that estimates an execution period of a task including a series of operations of the operating means by the driver, and biological information that stores autonomic nervous system biological information based on the periodic biological information of the driver. Storage means, target task detection means for detecting a target task whose operation has been started, and recommended operation period estimation for estimating a recommended operation period suitable for a driver who is operating the target task based on the autonomic nervous system biological information Means, an actual operation period estimation means for estimating an actual operation period of the target task based on the autonomic nervous system biological information at the time of execution of the task before the target task, and the recommended operation period before the end of operation of the target task And an informing means for informing based on the difference between the actual operation periods.

Since this driving support device has biological information storage means for storing the autonomous nervous system biological information based on the periodic biological phenomenon of the driver, the driving self-voluntary movement state period (autonomic nervous system rhythm) for each driving situation. ).
Target task detection means for detecting a target task for which operation has been started; recommended operation period estimation means for estimating a recommended operation period suitable for a driver who is operating the target task based on the autonomic nervous system biological information; and A task operation that allows the driver to recognize a favorable feeling as a biological phenomenon, because the actual operation period of the target task is estimated based on the autonomic nervous system biological information at the time of execution of the task prior to the target task. It is possible to estimate a recommended operation period that is a period and an actual operation period that is a task operation period that is highly likely to be executed by the driver in the current state. Since there is a notification means for notifying based on the difference between the recommended operation period and the actual operation period before the operation of the target task is completed, the driver can recognize the difference between the recommended operation period and the actual operation period. It is possible to perform a correction operation based on the above.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the notification means increases the gain as the difference increases.
According to this configuration, the difference can be recognized by the operation amount of the notification means.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the biological information storage means is a first autonomic nervous system biological information in which one of a normal heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse wave, and the target task. The second autonomic nervous system biological information at the time of previous task execution is stored.
According to this configuration, the recommended operation period and the actual operation period can be estimated with high accuracy with a simple configuration.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the target task is a stepping on and depressing operation of a clutch pedal, and the first and second autonomic nervous system biological information is a cardiac cycle. .
According to this configuration, it is possible to make the driver recognize the difference between the recommended operation period and the actual operation period in the target task related to the clutch pedal.

  According to the driving support apparatus of the present invention, the task operation period can be synchronized with the period in which the driver recognizes the favorable feeling through the audiovisual information.

1 is a block diagram of a vehicle operation period estimation device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is an example of the time chart at the time of shift up. It is an example of the time chart in normal mode. It is another example of the time chart in normal mode. It is an example of the time chart in vibration suppression mode. It is a graph which shows the correlation of a difference and a gain. It is a flowchart which shows the operation period estimation process procedure. It is a flowchart which shows the vibration suppression mode control processing procedure. It is a flowchart which shows a normal mode control processing procedure. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the idea of this invention. It is a time chart which shows the relationship between a heartbeat and an exercise | movement.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
The following description illustrates an example in which the present invention is applied to a control device 1 for a vehicle having a manual transmission, and does not limit the present invention, its application, or its use.

Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
The vehicle of the present embodiment is equipped with a manual transmission (not shown) for manually performing a shifting operation of the stepped transmission, and the stepped transmission is manually operated by a driver through a shift lever (not shown). The gear stage is changed (shift change).
As shown in FIG. 1, this vehicle can estimate the operation period (execution period) of a task consisting of a series of operations of the operating means by the driver by the steer-by-wire mechanism S, the accelerator-by-wire mechanism A, the brake-by-wire mechanism B, and the driver. The control apparatus 1 is provided.

In the steer-by-wire mechanism S, a steering wheel (hereinafter abbreviated as “steering”) 3 and a steering device (not shown) are mechanically separated, and an operational reaction force is applied to the steering 3 based on the amount of operation of the steering 3 by the driver. A reaction force motor 3a and the like are provided.
In the accelerator-by-wire mechanism A, an accelerator pedal (hereinafter abbreviated as an accelerator) 4 and a throttle valve (not shown) of the engine 2 are mechanically separated, and an operating reaction force is applied to the accelerator 4 based on the amount of operation of the accelerator 4 by the driver. And a reaction force motor 4a.
In the brake-by-wire mechanism B, a brake pedal (hereinafter abbreviated as “brake”) 5 and a hydraulic brake mechanism (not shown) are mechanically separated, and an operation reaction force is applied to the brake 5 based on the amount of operation of the brake 5 by the driver. A reaction force motor 5a to be applied is provided.
The specific configuration of the reaction force motors 3a, 4a, and 5a has already been filed by the present applicant, and detailed description thereof is omitted (see Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-099456).
Similarly, a reaction force motor 6 a that applies an operation reaction force to the clutch 6 is also provided for a clutch pedal (hereinafter abbreviated as a clutch) 6.

The control device 1 is configured to be switchable between a normal mode based on the driver's normal first cardiac cycle and a vibration suppression mode based on the second cardiac cycle immediately before the shift, and engine rotation. Based on the estimated task operation period, the engine speed at the start of the shift is controlled to the target engine speed after the end of the shift.
Since this control device 1 has a task operation period estimation function consisting of a series of operations of the operation means and an operation timing notification function for the driver, it corresponds to an operation period estimation device and a driving support device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 1 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 10. The ECU 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM, a RAM, an in-side interface, an out-side interface, and the like.
Various programs and data for the operation period estimation process, the normal mode control process, and the vibration suppression mode control process are stored in the ROM, and the RAM has a processing area used when the CPU performs a series of processes. Is provided.

The ECU 10 includes an engine 2, reaction force motors 3 a to 6 a, notification means 7 including a lighting device and a speaker device, a rotation speed sensor 21, a vehicle speed sensor 22, a steering angle sensor 23, an accelerator sensor 24, a brake It is electrically connected to a sensor 25, a clutch sensor 26, a navigation system 27, an external CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera 28, an internal CCD camera 29, a heart rate sensor 30, a vibration suppression mode switch 31 and the like. Yes.
The ECU 2 receives input signals from the sensors 21 to 31 to control the rotational speed of the engine 2 and is necessary for the reaction force motors 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, the notification means 7, and the like. A command signal is being output.

The reaction force motor 6a is based on detection signals from an operation amount sensor for detecting the operation amount of the clutch 6 by the driver and an operation force sensor (both not shown) for detecting an operation force corresponding to the operation amount of the clutch 6. Thus, the operation reaction force obtained in this way is applied to the clutch 6.
The reaction force motor 6a is formed such that the operation reaction force applied to the clutch 6 increases as the gain of the command signal output from the ECU 10 increases. Note that the operation reaction force applied to the clutch 6 is controlled within a range that does not hinder the operation of the clutch 6 by the driver.
The lighting device of the notification means 7 is installed, for example, in the central part of the instrument panel, and is controlled so that the brightness of the display lamp increases or the lighting area increases as the gain of the command signal output from the ECU 10 increases. ing.
The speaker device is installed, for example, at the left and right end portions of the instrument panel, and is controlled so that the notification volume that is output increases as the gain of the command signal output from the ECU 10 increases.

Next, the sensors 21 to 31 will be described.
The rotation speed sensor 21 outputs a signal corresponding to the crankshaft rotation speed of the engine 2, and the vehicle speed sensor 22 outputs a signal corresponding to the moving speed of the vehicle. The steering angle sensor 23 outputs a signal related to the steering angle of the steering wheel 3 by the driver, and the accelerator sensor 24 detects the depression amount of the accelerator 4 by the driver and outputs a detection signal.
The brake sensor 25 detects the stepping operation of the brake 5 by the driver and outputs an on operation detection signal, detects the stepping back operation of the brake 5 and outputs an off operation detection signal. The clutch sensor 26 detects the stepping operation of the clutch 6 by the driver and outputs an on operation detection signal, detects the stepping back operation of the clutch 6 and outputs an off operation detection signal.

The navigation system 27 is a system that provides vehicle route guidance.
The navigation system 27 is electrically connected to a GPS receiver (not shown) for detecting the current position of the vehicle. The GPS receiver detects the current position of the vehicle by receiving signals from a plurality of GPS satellites. The navigation system 27 also includes a map database that stores road map data such as entrances and exits of expressways, and a traffic rule database (not shown) that stores traffic rule data.
Thereby, the navigation system 27 outputs the current position data of the vehicle, road map data, and the like to the ECU 10.

The external CCD camera 28 is disposed in a room mirror (not shown), for example.
The external CCD camera 28 is set so that the front of the vehicle body is set as a monitoring area, and can capture an image within a predetermined viewing angle. Based on the image captured by the external CCD camera 28, the degree of interruption of the preceding vehicle that enters (interrupts) the traveling lane of the host vehicle is determined.
The internal CCD camera 29 is disposed on the ceiling above the driver's seat, for example.
The internal CCD camera 29 is configured so that a shift area including the operation range of the shift lever is set as a monitoring area, and an image of the position and movement of the driver's hand can be taken. Based on the image picked up by the internal CCD camera 29, the operation position to which the shift lever is changed, that is, the so-called gear stage after the end of the shift, is determined during the shift.

The heart rate sensor 30 is composed of a plurality of electrodes disposed on the seat surface or the back surface of the seat, for example.
The heart rate sensor 30 is configured to detect a heartbeat (see FIG. 11) based on a potential difference generated between the electrodes due to depolarization accompanying stimulation conduction when the myocardium of the driver operating the vehicle expands and contracts. . A cardiac cycle (RRI) for each driving situation is determined based on a heartbeat history detected by the heart rate sensor 30, that is, a so-called heart rate fluctuation.
The cardiac cycle is an average value in a time interval between an R wave of heartbeat and an R wave adjacent to the R wave within a predetermined period.
The heart rate sensor 30 may be disposed on the steering wheel 3 held by the driver. The heart rate sensor 30 is a portable terminal device with a measurement function carried by the driver, and can be transmitted to the ECU 10. It may be configured.

The vibration suppression mode switch 31 is provided on the steering 3, for example.
The vibration suppression mode switch 31 is constituted by a momentary changeover switch that outputs an H level signal only when the driver performs a switching operation, and outputs an L level signal at other times. In the normal mode operated in the off state, when the driver switches the vibration suppression mode switch 31 to the on state, a vibration suppression mode that permits execution of the vibration suppression mode control is set and operated in the on state. In the vibration suppression mode, when the driver switches the vibration suppression mode switch 31 to the OFF state, the execution of the vibration suppression mode control is stopped and the normal mode is set.

Next, the ECU 10 will be described.
The ECU 10 estimates the execution time of a task consisting of a series of operations of the operating means using two types of operation periods, a recommended operation period T1 and an actual operation period T2 (T3).
The recommended operation period T1 is an operation period based on the most average cardiac cycle in normal times (daily life), and is an operation period in which a task can be executed semi-automatically with high reproducibility such as walking. Therefore, the execution of the task in accordance with the recommended operation period T1 for the driver is an operation that can be subjectively recognized as favorable.
The actual operation period T2 (T3) is an operation period based on the cardiac cycle of the state immediately before the target task to be estimated, and is an operation period that matches the driver's autonomic nervous system rhythm reflecting the actual driving situation. Therefore, the driver is highly likely to unconsciously execute a task that matches the actual operation period T2 (T3) as a periodic biological phenomenon.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ECU 10 includes a storage unit 11, a gear stage estimation unit 12, a recommended operation period estimation unit 13, an actual operation period estimation unit 14, a traveling state determination unit 15, and an engine speed control unit. 16, a difference calculation unit 17, a gain setting unit 18, and the like.
Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the clutch 6 is used as the operation means and the driver's stepping and stepping back operations at the time of shifting are the target tasks.

First, the storage unit 11 will be described.
The memory | storage part 11 has memorize | stored the 1st cardiac cycle (1st autonomic nervous system biometric information) in the semi-voluntary movement in normal times. This first cardiac cycle is acquired in advance based on the average value of heart rate fluctuations such as walking in daily life before the start of vehicle operation.
Further, the storage unit 11 stores heart rate fluctuations during vehicle operation based on the detection signal of the heart rate sensor 30. Based on the fluctuation of the heart rate during the operation of the vehicle, the task of the operation means immediately before the target task, for example, stepping on the brake 5 and stepping back before the operation of the clutch 6 or stepping on the accelerator 4 is being executed. The cardiac cycle based on the moving average is stored as the second cardiac cycle (second autonomic nervous system biological information).

Next, the gear stage estimation unit 12 will be described.
The gear stage estimation unit 12 compares a reference image in which the shift lever operation by the driver that is held in advance is not performed with an input image input from the internal CCD camera 29, and calculates a difference regarding the shift lever operation in time series. The shift lever operation vector is calculated based on the acquired difference information, and the shift destination gear is estimated before the driver completes the shift lever operation.
Note that a position sensor may be provided in the guide groove of the shift lever, and the gear stage of the shift destination may be detected by this position sensor.

Next, the recommended operation period estimation unit 13 will be described.
The recommended operation period estimation unit 13 estimates the recommended operation period T1 of the target task based on the first cardiac cycle stored in the storage unit 11.
As shown in FIG. 2, for example, when the gear stage is shifted up from the second speed to the third speed, the driver starts to step back on the accelerator 4 (task of the operating means) from t0, and when the accelerator 4 ends to return. After the vehicle is decelerated by depressing the brake 5 from t1, the clutch 6 is depressed at t2, which is the time point when the brake 5 is completely returned. Then, at t3 after the clutch 6 is depressed, the gear stage is changed from the second gear to the third gear by operating the shift lever, and the step-up operation of the clutch 6 is performed at t4 after the shift lever is operated to complete the upshifting.
For convenience of explanation, the operation of the clutch 6 by the driver is simply modeled.
The recommended operation period estimation unit 13 estimates the operation period from the depression timing t2 of the clutch 6 to the return timing t4 as the recommended operation period T1 that is the same period as the normal first cardiac cycle stored in the storage unit 11. doing.

Next, the actual operation period estimation unit 14 will be described.
The actual operation period estimation unit 14 estimates the actual operation period T2 of the target task based on the second cardiac cycle stored in the storage unit 11.
When shifting the gear stage from the second speed to the third speed, if the driver's autonomic nervous system is not activated more than usual, the operation of the accelerator 4 before the operation of the clutch 6 or the operation of the brake 5 is being executed. The two cardiac cycles are larger than the first cardiac cycle due to the influence of the autonomic nervous system.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the second cardiac cycle during execution of stepping back of the accelerator 4 from t0 to t1 is larger than the first cardiac cycle, the actual operation period estimation unit 14 depresses the clutch 6 from the depression timing t2. The operation period up to the return timing t5 (t4 <t5) is the actual operation period T2 (T1 <T2) which is the same period as the second cardiac cycle during the stepping back of the accelerator 4 from t0 to t1 stored in the storage unit 11. ).

Further, when shifting the gear stage from the second speed to the third speed, if the driver's autonomic nervous system is more active than normal, the operation of the accelerator 4 or the operation of the brake 5 before the operation of the clutch 6 is being performed. The second cardiac cycle is smaller than the first cardiac cycle due to the influence of the autonomic nervous system.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the second cardiac cycle during execution of stepping back of the accelerator 4 from t0 to t1 is smaller than the first cardiac cycle, the actual operation period estimation unit 14 depresses from the depression timing t2 of the clutch 6. The operation period from the return timing t6 (t6 <t4) to the actual operation period T3 (T3 <T1), which is the same period as the second cardiac cycle during the stepping back of the accelerator 4 from t0 to t1 stored in the storage unit 11. ).
When the gear stage estimation unit 12 detects a shift up, the recommended operation period estimation unit 13 and the actual operation period estimation unit 14 are estimated based on the first cardiac cycle and the second cardiac cycle stored in the storage unit 11. Correction may be made so that the recommended operation period and the actual operation period of the target task are further shortened, for example, the estimated operation period is 80 to 90%. This is to reliably prevent the occurrence of a shock due to the insufficient decrease in engine speed.

Next, the traveling state determination unit 15 will be described.
The traveling state determination unit 15 validates only the estimation of the operation period of the target task based on the second cardiac cycle by prohibiting the normal mode control and executing the vibration suppression mode control when the danger avoidance time is determined. When the time of high-speed merging or starting is determined, the estimation of the operation period of the target task itself is invalidated by prohibiting the normal mode control and the vibration suppression mode control.
The running state determination unit 15 determines a running state in which the operation period of the target task can be determined with high accuracy based on the second cardiac cycle and a running state in which the operation period of the target task cannot be determined with high accuracy based on the second cardiac cycle.
When a preceding vehicle enters the traveling lane of the host vehicle, the driver needs to perform a risk avoidance operation in a reflective manner. Therefore, the operation period of the target task is largely affected by the autonomic nervous system.
Therefore, at the time of danger avoidance, it is a running state in which the operation period of the target task can be determined with high accuracy based on the second cardiac cycle. Therefore, when the condition that the degree of interruption of the preceding vehicle is higher than a predetermined threshold is established, the danger avoidance time is determined.

When merging from the acceleration lane to the main line on an expressway, the driver needs to steer according to the situation of other vehicles traveling on the main line. To be influenced by Therefore, at the time of high-speed merging, it is a running state in which the operation period of the target task cannot be determined with high accuracy based on the second cardiac cycle. Therefore, the high-speed merge time is determined based on the road map data input from the navigation system 27.
Further, when starting the vehicle, the driver is required to perform the maneuvering according to the surrounding situation, so that the driver is influenced by the driver's consciousness as in the case of high-speed merging. Therefore, at the time of starting, it is a running state in which the operation period of the target task cannot be determined with high accuracy based on the second cardiac cycle. Therefore, when all the conditions of the vehicle speed are zero, the accelerator sensor 24 is depressed, and the brake sensor 25 is off are determined.

Next, the engine speed control unit 16 will be described.
The engine speed control unit 16 calculates a target engine speed R2 after completion of the shift based on the estimated gear position of the shift destination and the vehicle speed, and the engine speed is calculated from the engine speed R1 at the start of the shift. It is configured to asymptotically approach the rotational speed R2.
The engine speed control unit 16 is configured to be capable of executing two types of mode control, normal mode control and vibration suppression mode control. During execution of the vibration suppression mode control, 1 is assigned to the flag F, and during execution of the normal mode control, 2 is assigned to the flag F. When no control is executed, 0 is assigned to the flag F. .

First, normal mode control will be described.
When the normal mode is set, the engine speed controller 16 determines the target engine speed at the end of the recommended operation period T1 estimated as the end of the shift, that is, when the recommended operation period T1 has elapsed since the start of the shift. Control to R2.
The engine speed control unit 16 sets a control coefficient k1 as a gain based on the engine speed R1 at the start of shifting and the engine speed R2 when the recommended operation period T1 has elapsed, and controls the engine 2 based on the control coefficient k1. doing.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the actual target task operation period by the driver is longer than the recommended operation period T1, the engine speed is reduced to a linear shape based on the control coefficient k1 from the P1 point, and the engine speed at the P2 point. Is controlled so as to reach the target engine speed R2.
At the point P2, since the return of the clutch 6 by the driver is not completed, the engine speed reduction control based on the control coefficient k1 is continued.
At the point P3 (t5) where the target task (stepping back of the clutch 6) by the driver ends, the engine speed reduction control is ended, and the engine speed R3 is forcibly shifted to the target engine speed R2. As a result, the driver can recognize the amount of deviation between the target task execution time and the recommended operation period T1 due to the shift shock accompanying the transition from the engine speed R3 to the target engine speed R2, and the target task On the other hand, learning is performed.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the actual target task operation period by the driver is shorter than the recommended operation period T1, the engine speed is reduced to a linear shape based on the control coefficient k1 from the point P1, and at the point P2 (t4). Control is performed so that the engine speed reaches the target engine speed R2.
At the point P4 (t6) earlier than P2, the stepping-back of the clutch 6 by the driver is completed, so the engine speed reduction control is finished, and the engine speed R4 is forcibly shifted to the target engine speed R2. The Thus, the driver can recognize the amount of deviation between the target task execution time and the recommended operation period T1 due to the shift shock accompanying the transition from the engine speed R4 to the target engine speed R2, and the target task On the other hand, learning is performed.
As shown in FIG. 2, even if the normal mode is set, if the actual target task operation period by the driver is the same as the recommended operation period T1, the stepping-back timing of the clutch 6 by the driver and the target Since the engine rotation speed arrival timing is at the same time, a shift shock does not occur.

Next, vibration suppression mode control will be described.
When the vibration suppression mode is set, the engine speed control unit 16 controls the engine speed to the target engine speed R2 during the actual operation period T2, that is, during the elapse of the actual operation period T2 from the so-called shift start. .
The engine speed control unit 16 sets a control coefficient k2 as a gain based on the engine speed R1 at the start of shifting and the engine speed R2 when the actual operation period T2 has elapsed, and controls the engine 2 based on the control coefficient k2. doing.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the actual target task operation period by the driver is longer than the recommended operation period T1, the engine speed is reduced to a linear shape from the P1 point based on the control coefficient k2, and at the P5 (t5) point. Control is performed so that the engine speed reaches the target engine speed R2.
At the point P5, the stepping back of the clutch 6 by the driver is finished, so the engine speed reduction control is finished and the engine speed is maintained at the target engine speed R2.
Thus, even when the target task operation period is different from the recommended operation period T1, or even when the target task operation period is different from the normal target task operation period due to danger avoidance or the like, the driver including the target task does not generate a shift shock. The speed change operation can be completed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the engine speed control unit 16 may set the control coefficient k3 based on the engine speed R1 at the start of shifting and the engine speed R2 at t7 before the actual operation period T2 elapses. It is also possible to set the control coefficient k4 based on the engine speed R1 at the start of shifting and the engine speed R2 at t2 before the actual operation period T2.
In either case, after reaching the engine speed R2, the engine speed R2 is maintained until the stepping back of the clutch 6 is completed.
The control coefficients k2 to k4 have a less uncomfortable feeling as the gradient is smaller during shift down, and are advantageous in improving fuel consumption as the gradient is larger.

Next, the difference calculation unit 17 and the gain setting unit 18 will be described.
The difference calculation unit 17 calculates a difference ΔT between the recommended operation period T1 and the actual operation period T2 (T3) by the following equation (1).
ΔT = | T1-T2 | (1)
As a result, the difference between the recommended operation period T1 during which the driver can subjectively perceive a favorable feeling and the actual operation period T2 (T3) that is actually expected to be executed by the driver is obtained.

The gain setting unit 18 sets a gain corresponding to the difference ΔT obtained by the difference calculation unit 17 based on a map stored in the ECU 10, and outputs the gain to the reaction force motor 6 a and the notification unit 7.
As shown in FIG. 6, the gain is set in a logarithmic function with respect to the difference ΔT.
In the present embodiment, when the normal mode in which the driver is willing to learn the target task is set, the reaction force motor 6a and the notification means 7 are configured to operate according to the gain.

Next, the operation period estimation processing procedure will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. Si (i = 1, 2,...) Indicates a step for each process.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, in the operation period estimation process, first, in S <b> 1, the detected value of each sensor, the first and second cardiac cycles stored in the storage unit 11, and the storage unit damping mode switch 31. Various information including the above signal is read, and the process proceeds to S2.

In S2, it is determined whether or not the current state is at the time of high-speed merging or starting.
As a result of the determination in S2, if the current state is a high-speed merging or starting, it is a running state in which the operation period of the target task cannot be determined with high accuracy, so each mode control is terminated (S17), and flag F is set to 0. After substituting (S18), the process returns.
As a result of the determination in S2, if the current state is not at the time of high-speed merging or starting, the process proceeds to S3, and it is determined whether or not the clutch sensor 26 has been turned on.

As a result of the determination in S3, when the clutch sensor 26 is turned on, the shift is started or the shift is being executed. Therefore, the process proceeds to S4, and it is determined whether or not 0 is assigned to the flag F.
If 0 is assigned to the flag F as a result of the determination in S4, since no mode control is executed, the process proceeds to S5, and the recommended operation period T1 is estimated based on the first cardiac cycle.
Next, after the actual operation period T2 is estimated based on the second cardiac cycle (S6), the process proceeds to S7, and the target engine speed R2 after completion of the shift is set based on the current vehicle speed and the gear position to be changed.

Next, the process proceeds to S8, where it is determined whether or not the current state is a danger avoidance time.
As a result of the determination in S8, when the current state is not the danger avoidance time, the process proceeds to S9 to determine whether or not the vibration suppression mode switch 31 is turned on.
When the vibration suppression mode switch 31 is turned on as a result of the determination in S9, the process proceeds to S10, executes the vibration suppression mode, and returns.
As a result of the determination in S9, if the vibration suppression mode switch 31 is not turned on, the process proceeds to S11, the normal mode is executed, and the process returns.
As a result of the determination in S8, if the current state is a danger avoidance time, the operation state is a traveling state in which the operation period of the target task can be determined with high accuracy based on the second cardiac cycle, and thus the process proceeds to S10.

As a result of the determination in S4, if 0 is not assigned to the flag F, the process proceeds to S12, and it is determined whether 1 is assigned to the flag F or not.
If 1 is assigned to the flag F as a result of the determination in S4, the vibration suppression mode control is already being executed, and the process proceeds to S23.
If 1 is not assigned to the flag F as a result of the determination in S4, the normal mode control is already being executed, and the process proceeds to S23.

As a result of the determination in S3, if the clutch sensor 26 is in the off-operation state, the shift is complete, so that the process proceeds to S13 and it is determined whether or not 2 is assigned to the flag F.
If 2 is assigned to the flag F as a result of the determination in S13, the normal mode control is already being executed, and the process proceeds to S14.
If 2 is not substituted for the flag F as a result of the determination in S13, the process returns because the gear is not being shifted and the normal mode control is not executed.
In S14, the normal mode control is terminated, 0 is substituted for the flag F (S15), and the process proceeds to S16.
In S16, the operation of the notification means 7 is stopped and the process returns.

Next, the vibration suppression mode control in S10 will be described.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, in the vibration suppression mode control process, first, 1 is assigned to the flag F in S21, and the process proceeds to S22.
In S22, the control coefficient k2 is calculated, engine speed control based on the control coefficient k2 is executed (S23), and then the process proceeds to S24.
In S24, it is determined whether or not the engine speed has reached the target engine speed R2.
If the result of determination in S24 is that the engine speed has reached the target engine speed R2, the vibration suppression mode control is terminated (S25), 0 is substituted for the flag F (S26), and the process is terminated.
If the result of determination in S24 is that the engine speed has not reached the target engine speed R2, the process ends.

Next, the normal mode control in S11 will be described.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, in the normal mode control process, first, 2 is assigned to the flag F in S31, and the process proceeds to S32.
In S32, the control coefficient k1 is calculated, engine speed control based on the control coefficient k1 is executed (S33), and then the process proceeds to S34.
In S34, it is determined whether or not the recommended operation period T1 matches the actual operation period T2.
If the recommended operation period T1 matches the actual operation period T2 as a result of the determination in S34, the process ends.
As a result of the determination in S34, if the recommended operation period T1 and the actual operation period T2 do not match, the process proceeds to S35. In S35, the notification unit 7 is operated based on the gain corresponding to the difference ΔT, and then the process ends. At the same time, the reaction force motor 6a starts to operate based on the gain.

Next, the operation and effect of the control device 1 of this embodiment will be described.
Since the control device 1 includes the storage unit 11 that stores the first and second cardiac cycles based on the heart rate that is a periodic biological phenomenon of the driver, the cycle of the driver's own semi-voluntary movement state for each driving situation. Can possess (autonomous nervous system rhythm).
A clutch sensor 26 that detects the target task that has been started, a recommended operation period estimation unit 13 that estimates a recommended operation period T1 suitable for the driver who is operating the target task based on the first cardiac cycle, And the actual operation period estimation unit 14 that estimates the actual operation period T2 (T3) based on the first cardiac cycle at the time of execution of the task before the target task. It is possible to estimate a certain recommended operation period T1 and an actual operation period T2 (T3) that is a task operation period that is highly likely to be executed by the driver in the current situation. Since there is an informing means 7 for notifying based on the difference ΔT between the recommended operation period T1 and the actual operation period T2 (T3) before the operation of the target task is finished, the driver can detect the difference between the recommended operation period T1 and the actual operation period T2 (T3) And the driver can perform a correction operation based on the deviation.

Since the notification means 7 increases the gain as the difference is larger, the difference ΔT can be recognized by the operation amount of the notification means.
The biological information storage means stores the first autonomic nervous system biological information that is one of the normal heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse wave, and the second autonomic nervous system biological information at the time of executing the task before the target task. The recommended operation period T1 and the actual operation period T2 (T3) can be estimated with high accuracy with a simple configuration.

  Since the target task is the stepping and stepping back operation of the clutch 6 and the first and second autonomic nervous system biological information is the cardiac cycle, the recommended operation period T1 and the actual operation period T2 (T3) in the target task related to the clutch 6 It is possible to make the driver recognize the deviation.

Next, a modified example in which the embodiment is partially changed will be described.
1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation means is a clutch, and the target task is stepping on and stepping back of the clutch. However, the present invention is applicable to any task based on at least a driver's periodic biological phenomenon. And the accelerator or brake stepping and stepping back may be the target task, and only one of stepping or stepping back may be the target task.
Further, at the time of shifting, the present invention is not limited to upshifting and can be applied to downshifting.

2) In the above embodiment, the example of the cardiac cycle has been described as the biological information based on the periodic biological phenomenon of the driver. However, it is sufficient that at least the driver's autonomic nervous system biological information can be reflected. You may use the pulse wave fluctuation period by a wave.

3) In the above-described embodiment, the example has been described in which the reaction force motor of the clutch and the notification unit are operated when the normal mode is set. However, the normal mode and the vibration suppression mode can be executed. .

4] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the actual operation period is obtained based on the average cardiac cycle during the accelerator depressing operation. However, at least the task before the target task related to the clutch may be used, and the accelerator depressing operation is being performed. The average cardiac cycle may be the average cardiac cycle, or the average cardiac cycle during the brake depression and stepping-back operation after the accelerator operation.

5) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which a difference is obtained from the absolute value of the difference between the recommended operation period and the actual operation period, and the clutch operation reaction force is controlled using a gain based on the difference. You may obtain | require based on the difference of a period and an actual operation period. Specifically, when the difference between the recommended operation period and the actual operation period is positive (the operation is fast), the operation reaction force is increased according to the difference, and the difference between the recommended operation period and the actual operation period is negative (the operation is slow) In this case, the operation reaction force is reduced according to the difference.

6) In addition, those skilled in the art can implement the present invention in various forms added with various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention includes such modifications. is there.

1 Control Device 4 Accelerator 5 Brake 6 Clutch 7 Notification Unit 10 ECU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Memory | storage part 13 Recommended operation period estimation part 14 Actual operation period estimation part 26 Clutch sensor

  The present invention relates to a driving support apparatus that estimates an execution period of a task including a series of operations of operating means by a driver.

Conventionally, in a manual transmission (MT) in which a driver manually performs a shifting operation of a stepped transmission, it is known that a shift shock occurs at the time of shifting.
After the connection between the stepped transmission and the engine is interrupted by a clutch interlocked with the operation of the clutch pedal, which is one of the operating means, the gear stage is changed by operating the shift lever, and the stepped transmission and the engine are connected again. At the time of reconnection, a driving situation in which the rotation speed of the stepped transmission and the rotation speed of the engine are not synchronized can be considered.
In such a driving situation, a vibration due to a difference in rotational speed, that is, a so-called shift shock is generated in the vehicle.
In view of this, a technique relating to shift assist control has been proposed in order to suppress a shift shock during a shift by a manual transmission (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The vehicle control device of Patent Document 2 estimates an image capturing unit that captures an image of a shift lever operation performed by a driver, and a shift position that estimates a gear position changed from the shift lever operation motion captured by the image capturing unit. And an engine ECU for controlling the engine speed, and the engine ECU controls the engine speed in accordance with the shift position estimated by the shift operation position estimating part.
Thus, before the shift lever operation by the driver is completed, the engine speed is quickly controlled according to the shift position of the change destination.

By the way, it is known that the hypothalamus plays a central role in human physiological reaction behavior in the living environment, and this hypothalamus is supported by two regulatory systems, the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system. Yes.
Since the feature of regulation by the autonomic nervous system is quick response, the autonomic nervous system responds to transient responses to changes in physical conditions such as posture based on various external environmental changes equivalent to external stimuli. It is an essential regulatory system.

The autonomic nervous system is classified into a sympathetic nervous system and a parasympathetic nervous system by functional and morphological classification.
The heart, which is indispensable for life support, performs sympathetic nerves that play an involuntary movement by the automatic ability to beat rhythmically by the action potential that propagates from the sinoatrial node that can be controlled by itself to the atrium and the ventricle, It is also known to be dominated by the vagus nerve that plays an inhibitory role.
In other words, the regulation of the heart rate (pulse rate) is a rhythm peculiar to the autonomic nervous system by the action of the sympathetic nerve and the vagus nerve on the sinoatrial node. Can be evaluated.

An electrocardiogram, which is one of the autonomic nerve activity measurement methods, can measure the electrical activity of the heart on the body surface and visualize it by numerical values.
Usually, during the heartbeat variability in the electrocardiogram, the fluctuation phenomenon showing the largest change is an R wave that is one of the peak values of the heartbeat. Therefore, the time from a specific R wave to the next consecutive R wave is expressed as RRI ( RR Interval, RR interval, or cardiac cycle), and the heart rate can be expressed by the reciprocal of this RRI.
The normal RRI is generally a value included in the range of 0.6 to 1.0 sec.
In addition, since blood pressure tends to fluctuate in close association with the heart rate via the baroreceptor, the activity of the autonomic nerve can be evaluated based on the blood pressure fluctuation, similarly to the heart rate fluctuation.

JP 2007-032341 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-118162

Although the operation of the vehicle is affected by the driving environment, it is a connection of tasks consisting of a series of operations of the operating means by the driver. Therefore, a behavior model in which a series of these individual tasks forms a single large driving task as a whole. Can be considered.
For example, when the operating means is a steering wheel, cutting and returning are equivalent to one task, and when the operating means is a clutch pedal, pressing and returning are equivalent to one task.

As a result of repeated investigations, the present inventor is a state in which the driver can recognize his / her feeling of maneuvering in a state where the driver has mastered operation based on driving experience, in other words, high reproducibility and semi-automatic. It came to know that it is a semi-voluntary movement state (corresponding to a walking state) that can execute a maneuvering operation.
Since the semi-voluntary movement state is mainly a regulation phenomenon by the autonomic nervous system related to the external receptive system such as the extremities, the movement state that matches the normal autonomic nervous system rhythm is a sensory semi-voluntary movement state In addition, it can be said that the driver can recognize a favorable feeling.
That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the driver actually experiences a task consisting of a series of operations of the operating means, and the driver masters this task based on this experience, the task becomes semi-voluntary movement. It is presumed that the task cycle by the system and the rhythm of the autonomic nervous system show a synchronization (cooperation) tendency.

As shown in FIG. 11, when a person exercises with an external receptive system, the peak value (R wave) of the heartbeat, which is more difficult to voluntarily control as the concentration level is higher (the higher the unconsciousness is), Since exercise is executed in the avoiding cardiac cycle (hereinafter referred to as R wave avoidance cycle), it is preferable that a series of tasks by the driver is also executed according to the R wave avoidance cycle from the viewpoint of biological phenomena.
However, it is not easy for the driver to match the specific task with his / her R wave avoidance period during actual vehicle operation.
Moreover, since the driver's cardiac cycle tends to change in synchronization with changes in the external environment corresponding to external stimuli, even if a specific task is synchronized with the R wave avoidance cycle during actual vehicle operation, Since the autonomic nervous system rhythm is different from the autonomic nervous system rhythm at the time of danger avoidance, there is a possibility that the driver may not always recognize the favorable feeling.

The vehicle control device of Patent Document 2 prevents a shift shock by controlling the engine speed according to the gear stage estimated before the clutch is engaged.
However, the vehicle control device disclosed in Patent Document 2 does not estimate the execution time of the clutch pedal depression and stepping-back operations corresponding to the target task related to the clutch pedal operation by the driver. The technique of this patent document 2 calculates an operation vector indicating the direction of hand movement during the shift lever operation based on the imaging information of the hand according to the shift lever operation, and sets the gear stage to be changed by the calculated operation vector. After the estimation, the target engine speed is set using the estimated gear stage and the actual vehicle speed, so the engine speed is set simultaneously with the setting of the target engine speed without considering the clutch engagement timing. Be controlled.
Therefore, the driver cannot grasp the cycle (heart cycle) in which he / she recognizes his / her favorable feeling through the shifting operation, and further, it is difficult to correct the clutch engagement timing.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a driving support device or the like that can synchronize a task operation period with a period in which a driver recognizes a good feeling through audiovisual information.

The driving support device according to claim 1 is a driving support device that estimates an execution period of a task including a series of operations of the operating means by the driver. Storage means, target task detection means for detecting a target task whose operation has been started, and recommended operation period estimation for estimating a recommended operation period suitable for a driver who is operating the target task based on the autonomic nervous system biological information means and, the actual operating time estimation means for estimating a based rather period the autonomic nervous system biometric information at the time of task execution which are executed at the timing closer to the actual operation period and the task in the target task before the target task And an informing means for informing based on a difference between the recommended operation period and the actual operation period before the end of the operation of the target task.

Since this driving support device has biological information storage means for storing the autonomous nervous system biological information based on the periodic biological phenomenon of the driver, the driving self-voluntary movement state period (autonomic nervous system rhythm) for each driving situation. ).
Target task detection means for detecting a target task for which operation has been started; recommended operation period estimation means for estimating a recommended operation period suitable for a driver who is operating the target task based on the autonomic nervous system biological information; and because it has a real operation time estimation means for estimating a based rather period the autonomic nervous system biometric information at the time of task execution which are executed at the timing closer to the actual operation period and the task in the target task before the target task, It is possible to estimate a recommended operation period, which is a task operation period in which the driver can recognize a favorable feeling as a biological phenomenon, and an actual operation period, which is a task operation period in which the driver is likely to be executed at present. Since there is a notification means for notifying based on the difference between the recommended operation period and the actual operation period before the operation of the target task is completed, the driver can recognize the difference between the recommended operation period and the actual operation period. It is possible to perform a correction operation based on the above.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the notification means increases the gain as the difference increases.
According to this configuration, the difference can be recognized by the operation amount of the notification means.

The invention of claim 3 is the invention of claim 1 or 2, wherein the autonomic nervous system biological information is any one of a normal driver's heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse wave, as characterized in that it consists of the heart rate of the driver during execution task execution timing is close to and target task in the target task earlier, blood pressure, and second autonomic biometric information is one of the pulse wave Yes.
According to this configuration, the recommended operation period and the actual operation period can be estimated with high accuracy with a simple configuration.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the target task is a stepping on and depressing operation of a clutch pedal, and the first and second autonomic nervous system biological information is a cardiac cycle. .
According to this configuration, it is possible to make the driver recognize the difference between the recommended operation period and the actual operation period in the target task related to the clutch pedal.

  According to the driving support apparatus of the present invention, the task operation period can be synchronized with the period in which the driver recognizes the favorable feeling through the audiovisual information.

1 is a block diagram of a vehicle operation period estimation device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is an example of the time chart at the time of shift up. It is an example of the time chart in normal mode. It is another example of the time chart in normal mode. It is an example of the time chart in vibration suppression mode. It is a graph which shows the correlation of a difference and a gain. It is a flowchart which shows the operation period estimation process procedure. It is a flowchart which shows the vibration suppression mode control processing procedure. It is a flowchart which shows a normal mode control processing procedure. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the idea of this invention. It is a time chart which shows the relationship between a heartbeat and an exercise | movement.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
The following description illustrates an example in which the present invention is applied to a control device 1 for a vehicle having a manual transmission, and does not limit the present invention, its application, or its use.

Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
The vehicle of the present embodiment is equipped with a manual transmission (not shown) for manually performing a shifting operation of the stepped transmission, and the stepped transmission is manually operated by a driver through a shift lever (not shown). The gear stage is changed (shift change).
As shown in FIG. 1, this vehicle can estimate the operation period (execution period) of a task consisting of a series of operations of the operating means by the driver by the steer-by-wire mechanism S, the accelerator-by-wire mechanism A, the brake-by-wire mechanism B, and the driver. The control apparatus 1 is provided.

In the steer-by-wire mechanism S, a steering wheel (hereinafter abbreviated as “steering”) 3 and a steering device (not shown) are mechanically separated, and an operational reaction force is applied to the steering 3 based on the amount of operation of the steering 3 by the driver. A reaction force motor 3a and the like are provided.
In the accelerator-by-wire mechanism A, an accelerator pedal (hereinafter abbreviated as an accelerator) 4 and a throttle valve (not shown) of the engine 2 are mechanically separated, and an operating reaction force is applied to the accelerator 4 based on the amount of operation of the accelerator 4 by the driver. And a reaction force motor 4a.
In the brake-by-wire mechanism B, a brake pedal (hereinafter abbreviated as “brake”) 5 and a hydraulic brake mechanism (not shown) are mechanically separated, and an operation reaction force is applied to the brake 5 based on the amount of operation of the brake 5 by the driver. A reaction force motor 5a to be applied is provided.
The specific configuration of the reaction force motors 3a, 4a, and 5a has already been filed by the present applicant, and detailed description thereof is omitted (see Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-099456).
Similarly, a reaction force motor 6 a that applies an operation reaction force to the clutch 6 is also provided for a clutch pedal (hereinafter abbreviated as a clutch) 6.

The control device 1 is configured to be switchable between a normal mode based on the driver's normal first cardiac cycle and a vibration suppression mode based on the second cardiac cycle immediately before the shift, and engine rotation. Based on the estimated task operation period, the engine speed at the start of the shift is controlled to the target engine speed after the end of the shift.
Since this control device 1 has a task operation period estimation function consisting of a series of operations of the operation means and an operation timing notification function for the driver, it corresponds to an operation period estimation device and a driving support device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 1 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 10. The ECU 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM, a RAM, an in-side interface, an out-side interface, and the like.
Various programs and data for the operation period estimation process, the normal mode control process, and the vibration suppression mode control process are stored in the ROM, and the RAM has a processing area used when the CPU performs a series of processes. Is provided.

The ECU 10 includes an engine 2, reaction force motors 3 a to 6 a, notification means 7 including a lighting device and a speaker device, a rotation speed sensor 21, a vehicle speed sensor 22, a steering angle sensor 23, an accelerator sensor 24, a brake It is electrically connected to a sensor 25, a clutch sensor 26, a navigation system 27, an external CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera 28, an internal CCD camera 29, a heart rate sensor 30, a vibration suppression mode switch 31 and the like. Yes.
The ECU 2 receives input signals from the sensors 21 to 31 to control the rotational speed of the engine 2 and is necessary for the reaction force motors 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, the notification means 7, and the like. A command signal is being output.

The reaction force motor 6a is based on detection signals from an operation amount sensor for detecting the operation amount of the clutch 6 by the driver and an operation force sensor (both not shown) for detecting an operation force corresponding to the operation amount of the clutch 6. Thus, the operation reaction force obtained in this way is applied to the clutch 6.
The reaction force motor 6a is formed such that the operation reaction force applied to the clutch 6 increases as the gain of the command signal output from the ECU 10 increases. Note that the operation reaction force applied to the clutch 6 is controlled within a range that does not hinder the operation of the clutch 6 by the driver.
The lighting device of the notification means 7 is installed, for example, in the central part of the instrument panel, and is controlled so that the brightness of the display lamp increases or the lighting area increases as the gain of the command signal output from the ECU 10 increases. ing.
The speaker device is installed, for example, at the left and right end portions of the instrument panel, and is controlled so that the notification volume that is output increases as the gain of the command signal output from the ECU 10 increases.

Next, the sensors 21 to 31 will be described.
The rotation speed sensor 21 outputs a signal corresponding to the crankshaft rotation speed of the engine 2, and the vehicle speed sensor 22 outputs a signal corresponding to the moving speed of the vehicle. The steering angle sensor 23 outputs a signal related to the steering angle of the steering wheel 3 by the driver, and the accelerator sensor 24 detects the depression amount of the accelerator 4 by the driver and outputs a detection signal.
The brake sensor 25 detects the stepping operation of the brake 5 by the driver and outputs an on operation detection signal, detects the stepping back operation of the brake 5 and outputs an off operation detection signal. The clutch sensor 26 detects the stepping operation of the clutch 6 by the driver and outputs an on operation detection signal, detects the stepping back operation of the clutch 6 and outputs an off operation detection signal.

The navigation system 27 is a system that provides vehicle route guidance.
The navigation system 27 is electrically connected to a GPS receiver (not shown) for detecting the current position of the vehicle. The GPS receiver detects the current position of the vehicle by receiving signals from a plurality of GPS satellites. The navigation system 27 also includes a map database that stores road map data such as entrances and exits of expressways, and a traffic rule database (not shown) that stores traffic rule data.
Thereby, the navigation system 27 outputs the current position data of the vehicle, road map data, and the like to the ECU 10.

The external CCD camera 28 is disposed in a room mirror (not shown), for example.
The external CCD camera 28 is set so that the front of the vehicle body is set as a monitoring area, and can capture an image within a predetermined viewing angle. Based on the image captured by the external CCD camera 28, the degree of interruption of the preceding vehicle that enters (interrupts) the traveling lane of the host vehicle is determined.
The internal CCD camera 29 is disposed on the ceiling above the driver's seat, for example.
The internal CCD camera 29 is configured so that a shift area including the operation range of the shift lever is set as a monitoring area, and an image of the position and movement of the driver's hand can be taken. Based on the image picked up by the internal CCD camera 29, the operation position to which the shift lever is changed, that is, the so-called gear stage after the end of the shift, is determined during the shift.

The heart rate sensor 30 is composed of a plurality of electrodes disposed on the seat surface or the back surface of the seat, for example.
The heart rate sensor 30 is configured to detect a heartbeat (see FIG. 11) based on a potential difference generated between the electrodes due to depolarization accompanying stimulation conduction when the myocardium of the driver operating the vehicle expands and contracts. . A cardiac cycle (RRI) for each driving situation is determined based on a heartbeat history detected by the heart rate sensor 30, that is, a so-called heart rate fluctuation.
The cardiac cycle is an average value in a time interval between an R wave of heartbeat and an R wave adjacent to the R wave within a predetermined period.
The heart rate sensor 30 may be disposed on the steering wheel 3 held by the driver. The heart rate sensor 30 is a portable terminal device with a measurement function carried by the driver, and can be transmitted to the ECU 10. It may be configured.

The vibration suppression mode switch 31 is provided on the steering 3, for example.
The vibration suppression mode switch 31 is constituted by a momentary changeover switch that outputs an H level signal only when the driver performs a switching operation, and outputs an L level signal at other times. In the normal mode operated in the off state, when the driver switches the vibration suppression mode switch 31 to the on state, a vibration suppression mode that permits execution of the vibration suppression mode control is set and operated in the on state. In the vibration suppression mode, when the driver switches the vibration suppression mode switch 31 to the OFF state, the execution of the vibration suppression mode control is stopped and the normal mode is set.

Next, the ECU 10 will be described.
The ECU 10 estimates the execution time of a task consisting of a series of operations of the operating means using two types of operation periods, a recommended operation period T1 and an actual operation period T2 (T3).
The recommended operation period T1 is an operation period based on the most average cardiac cycle in normal times (daily life), and is an operation period in which a task can be executed semi-automatically with high reproducibility such as walking. Therefore, the execution of the task in accordance with the recommended operation period T1 for the driver is an operation that can be subjectively recognized as favorable.
The actual operation period T2 (T3) is an operation period based on the cardiac cycle of the state immediately before the target task to be estimated, and is an operation period that matches the driver's autonomic nervous system rhythm reflecting the actual driving situation. Therefore, the driver is highly likely to unconsciously execute a task that matches the actual operation period T2 (T3) as a periodic biological phenomenon.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ECU 10 includes a storage unit 11, a gear stage estimation unit 12, a recommended operation period estimation unit 13, an actual operation period estimation unit 14, a traveling state determination unit 15, and an engine speed control unit. 16, a difference calculation unit 17, a gain setting unit 18, and the like.
Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the clutch 6 is used as the operation means and the driver's stepping and stepping back operations at the time of shifting are the target tasks.

First, the storage unit 11 will be described.
The memory | storage part 11 has memorize | stored the 1st cardiac cycle (1st autonomic nervous system biometric information) in the semi-voluntary movement in normal times. This first cardiac cycle is acquired in advance based on the average value of heart rate fluctuations such as walking in daily life before the start of vehicle operation.
Further, the storage unit 11 stores heart rate fluctuations during vehicle operation based on the detection signal of the heart rate sensor 30. Based on the fluctuation of the heart rate during the operation of the vehicle, the task of the operation means immediately before the target task, for example, stepping on the brake 5 and stepping back before the operation of the clutch 6 or stepping on the accelerator 4 is being executed. The cardiac cycle based on the moving average is stored as the second cardiac cycle (second autonomic nervous system biological information).

Next, the gear stage estimation unit 12 will be described.
The gear stage estimation unit 12 compares a reference image in which the shift lever operation by the driver that is held in advance is not performed with an input image input from the internal CCD camera 29, and calculates a difference regarding the shift lever operation in time series. The shift lever operation vector is calculated based on the acquired difference information, and the shift destination gear is estimated before the driver completes the shift lever operation.
Note that a position sensor may be provided in the guide groove of the shift lever, and the gear stage of the shift destination may be detected by this position sensor.

Next, the recommended operation period estimation unit 13 will be described.
The recommended operation period estimation unit 13 estimates the recommended operation period T1 of the target task based on the first cardiac cycle stored in the storage unit 11.
As shown in FIG. 2, for example, when the gear stage is shifted up from the second speed to the third speed, the driver starts to step back on the accelerator 4 (task of the operating means) from t0, and when the accelerator 4 ends to return. After the vehicle is decelerated by depressing the brake 5 from t1, the clutch 6 is depressed at t2, which is the time point when the brake 5 is completely returned. Then, at t3 after the clutch 6 is depressed, the gear stage is changed from the second gear to the third gear by operating the shift lever, and the step-up operation of the clutch 6 is performed at t4 after the shift lever is operated to complete the upshifting.
For convenience of explanation, the operation of the clutch 6 by the driver is simply modeled.
The recommended operation period estimation unit 13 estimates the operation period from the depression timing t2 of the clutch 6 to the return timing t4 as the recommended operation period T1 that is the same period as the normal first cardiac cycle stored in the storage unit 11. doing.

Next, the actual operation period estimation unit 14 will be described.
The actual operation period estimation unit 14 estimates the actual operation period T2 of the target task based on the second cardiac cycle stored in the storage unit 11.
When shifting the gear stage from the second speed to the third speed, if the driver's autonomic nervous system is not activated more than usual, the operation of the accelerator 4 before the operation of the clutch 6 or the operation of the brake 5 is being executed. The two cardiac cycles are larger than the first cardiac cycle due to the influence of the autonomic nervous system.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the second cardiac cycle during execution of stepping back of the accelerator 4 from t0 to t1 is larger than the first cardiac cycle, the actual operation period estimation unit 14 depresses the clutch 6 from the depression timing t2. The operation period up to the return timing t5 (t4 <t5) is the actual operation period T2 (T1 <T2) which is the same period as the second cardiac cycle during the stepping back of the accelerator 4 from t0 to t1 stored in the storage unit 11. ).

Further, when shifting the gear stage from the second speed to the third speed, if the driver's autonomic nervous system is more active than normal, the operation of the accelerator 4 or the operation of the brake 5 before the operation of the clutch 6 is being performed. The second cardiac cycle is smaller than the first cardiac cycle due to the influence of the autonomic nervous system.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the second cardiac cycle during execution of stepping back of the accelerator 4 from t0 to t1 is smaller than the first cardiac cycle, the actual operation period estimation unit 14 depresses from the depression timing t2 of the clutch 6. The operation period from the return timing t6 (t6 <t4) to the actual operation period T3 (T3 <T1), which is the same period as the second cardiac cycle during the stepping back of the accelerator 4 from t0 to t1 stored in the storage unit 11. ).
When the gear stage estimation unit 12 detects a shift up, the recommended operation period estimation unit 13 and the actual operation period estimation unit 14 are estimated based on the first cardiac cycle and the second cardiac cycle stored in the storage unit 11. Correction may be made so that the recommended operation period and the actual operation period of the target task are further shortened, for example, the estimated operation period is 80 to 90%. This is to reliably prevent the occurrence of a shock due to the insufficient decrease in engine speed.

Next, the traveling state determination unit 15 will be described.
The traveling state determination unit 15 validates only the estimation of the operation period of the target task based on the second cardiac cycle by prohibiting the normal mode control and executing the vibration suppression mode control when the danger avoidance time is determined. When the time of high-speed merging or starting is determined, the estimation of the operation period of the target task itself is invalidated by prohibiting the normal mode control and the vibration suppression mode control.
The running state determination unit 15 determines a running state in which the operation period of the target task can be determined with high accuracy based on the second cardiac cycle and a running state in which the operation period of the target task cannot be determined with high accuracy based on the second cardiac cycle.
When a preceding vehicle enters the traveling lane of the host vehicle, the driver needs to perform a risk avoidance operation in a reflective manner. Therefore, the operation period of the target task is largely affected by the autonomic nervous system.
Therefore, at the time of danger avoidance, it is a running state in which the operation period of the target task can be determined with high accuracy based on the second cardiac cycle. Therefore, when the condition that the degree of interruption of the preceding vehicle is higher than a predetermined threshold is established, the danger avoidance time is determined.

When merging from the acceleration lane to the main line on an expressway, the driver needs to steer according to the situation of other vehicles traveling on the main line. To be influenced by Therefore, at the time of high-speed merging, it is a running state in which the operation period of the target task cannot be determined with high accuracy based on the second cardiac cycle. Therefore, the high-speed merge time is determined based on the road map data input from the navigation system 27.
Further, when starting the vehicle, the driver is required to perform the maneuvering according to the surrounding situation, so that the driver is influenced by the driver's consciousness as in the case of high-speed merging. Therefore, at the time of starting, it is a running state in which the operation period of the target task cannot be determined with high accuracy based on the second cardiac cycle. Therefore, when all the conditions of the vehicle speed are zero, the accelerator sensor 24 is depressed, and the brake sensor 25 is off are determined.

Next, the engine speed control unit 16 will be described.
The engine speed control unit 16 calculates a target engine speed R2 after completion of the shift based on the estimated gear position of the shift destination and the vehicle speed, and the engine speed is calculated from the engine speed R1 at the start of the shift. It is configured to asymptotically approach the rotational speed R2.
The engine speed control unit 16 is configured to be capable of executing two types of mode control, normal mode control and vibration suppression mode control. During execution of the vibration suppression mode control, 1 is assigned to the flag F, and during execution of the normal mode control, 2 is assigned to the flag F. When no control is executed, 0 is assigned to the flag F. .

First, normal mode control will be described.
When the normal mode is set, the engine speed controller 16 determines the target engine speed at the end of the recommended operation period T1 estimated as the end of the shift, that is, when the recommended operation period T1 has elapsed since the start of the shift. Control to R2.
The engine speed control unit 16 sets a control coefficient k1 as a gain based on the engine speed R1 at the start of shifting and the engine speed R2 when the recommended operation period T1 has elapsed, and controls the engine 2 based on the control coefficient k1. doing.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the actual target task operation period by the driver is longer than the recommended operation period T1, the engine speed is reduced to a linear shape based on the control coefficient k1 from the P1 point, and the engine speed at the P2 point. Is controlled so as to reach the target engine speed R2.
At the point P2, since the return of the clutch 6 by the driver is not completed, the engine speed reduction control based on the control coefficient k1 is continued.
At the point P3 (t5) where the target task (stepping back of the clutch 6) by the driver ends, the engine speed reduction control is ended, and the engine speed R3 is forcibly shifted to the target engine speed R2. As a result, the driver can recognize the amount of deviation between the target task execution time and the recommended operation period T1 due to the shift shock accompanying the transition from the engine speed R3 to the target engine speed R2, and the target task On the other hand, learning is performed.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the actual target task operation period by the driver is shorter than the recommended operation period T1, the engine speed is reduced to a linear shape based on the control coefficient k1 from the point P1, and at the point P2 (t4). Control is performed so that the engine speed reaches the target engine speed R2.
At the point P4 (t6) earlier than P2, the stepping-back of the clutch 6 by the driver is completed, so the engine speed reduction control is finished, and the engine speed R4 is forcibly shifted to the target engine speed R2. The Thus, the driver can recognize the amount of deviation between the target task execution time and the recommended operation period T1 due to the shift shock accompanying the transition from the engine speed R4 to the target engine speed R2, and the target task On the other hand, learning is performed.
As shown in FIG. 2, even if the normal mode is set, if the actual target task operation period by the driver is the same as the recommended operation period T1, the stepping-back timing of the clutch 6 by the driver and the target Since the engine rotation speed arrival timing is at the same time, a shift shock does not occur.

Next, vibration suppression mode control will be described.
When the vibration suppression mode is set, the engine speed control unit 16 controls the engine speed to the target engine speed R2 during the actual operation period T2, that is, during the elapse of the actual operation period T2 from the so-called shift start. .
The engine speed control unit 16 sets a control coefficient k2 as a gain based on the engine speed R1 at the start of shifting and the engine speed R2 when the actual operation period T2 has elapsed, and controls the engine 2 based on the control coefficient k2. doing.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the actual target task operation period by the driver is longer than the recommended operation period T1, the engine speed is reduced to a linear shape from the P1 point based on the control coefficient k2, and at the P5 (t5) point. Control is performed so that the engine speed reaches the target engine speed R2.
At the point P5, the stepping back of the clutch 6 by the driver is finished, so the engine speed reduction control is finished and the engine speed is maintained at the target engine speed R2.
Thus, even when the target task operation period is different from the recommended operation period T1, or even when the target task operation period is different from the normal target task operation period due to danger avoidance or the like, the driver including the target task does not generate a shift shock. The speed change operation can be completed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the engine speed control unit 16 may set the control coefficient k3 based on the engine speed R1 at the start of shifting and the engine speed R2 at t7 before the actual operation period T2 elapses. It is also possible to set the control coefficient k4 based on the engine speed R1 at the start of shifting and the engine speed R2 at t2 before the actual operation period T2.
In either case, after reaching the engine speed R2, the engine speed R2 is maintained until the stepping back of the clutch 6 is completed.
The control coefficients k2 to k4 have a less uncomfortable feeling as the gradient is smaller during shift down, and are advantageous in improving fuel consumption as the gradient is larger.

Next, the difference calculation unit 17 and the gain setting unit 18 will be described.
The difference calculation unit 17 calculates a difference ΔT between the recommended operation period T1 and the actual operation period T2 (T3) by the following equation (1).
ΔT = | T1-T2 | (1)
As a result, the difference between the recommended operation period T1 during which the driver can subjectively perceive a favorable feeling and the actual operation period T2 (T3) that is actually expected to be executed by the driver is obtained.

The gain setting unit 18 sets a gain corresponding to the difference ΔT obtained by the difference calculation unit 17 based on a map stored in the ECU 10, and outputs the gain to the reaction force motor 6 a and the notification unit 7.
As shown in FIG. 6, the gain is set in a logarithmic function with respect to the difference ΔT.
In the present embodiment, when the normal mode in which the driver is willing to learn the target task is set, the reaction force motor 6a and the notification means 7 are configured to operate according to the gain.

Next, the operation period estimation processing procedure will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. Si (i = 1, 2,...) Indicates a step for each process.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, in the operation period estimation process, first, in S <b> 1, the detected value of each sensor, the first and second cardiac cycles stored in the storage unit 11, and the storage unit damping mode switch 31. Various information including the above signal is read, and the process proceeds to S2.

In S2, it is determined whether or not the current state is at the time of high-speed merging or starting.
As a result of the determination in S2, if the current state is a high-speed merging or starting, it is a running state in which the operation period of the target task cannot be determined with high accuracy, so each mode control is terminated (S17), and flag F is set to 0. After substituting (S18), the process returns.
As a result of the determination in S2, if the current state is not at the time of high-speed merging or starting, the process proceeds to S3, and it is determined whether or not the clutch sensor 26 has been turned on.

As a result of the determination in S3, when the clutch sensor 26 is turned on, the shift is started or the shift is being executed. Therefore, the process proceeds to S4, and it is determined whether or not 0 is assigned to the flag F.
If 0 is assigned to the flag F as a result of the determination in S4, since no mode control is executed, the process proceeds to S5, and the recommended operation period T1 is estimated based on the first cardiac cycle.
Next, after the actual operation period T2 is estimated based on the second cardiac cycle (S6), the process proceeds to S7, and the target engine speed R2 after completion of the shift is set based on the current vehicle speed and the gear position to be changed.

Next, the process proceeds to S8, where it is determined whether or not the current state is a danger avoidance time.
As a result of the determination in S8, when the current state is not the danger avoidance time, the process proceeds to S9 to determine whether or not the vibration suppression mode switch 31 is turned on.
When the vibration suppression mode switch 31 is turned on as a result of the determination in S9, the process proceeds to S10, executes the vibration suppression mode, and returns.
As a result of the determination in S9, if the vibration suppression mode switch 31 is not turned on, the process proceeds to S11, the normal mode is executed, and the process returns.
As a result of the determination in S8, if the current state is a danger avoidance time, the operation state is a traveling state in which the operation period of the target task can be determined with high accuracy based on the second cardiac cycle, and thus the process proceeds to S10.

As a result of the determination in S4, if 0 is not assigned to the flag F, the process proceeds to S12, and it is determined whether 1 is assigned to the flag F or not.
If 1 is assigned to the flag F as a result of the determination in S4, the vibration suppression mode control is already being executed, and the process proceeds to S23.
If 1 is not assigned to the flag F as a result of the determination in S4, the normal mode control is already being executed, and the process proceeds to S23.

As a result of the determination in S3, if the clutch sensor 26 is in the off-operation state, the shift is complete, so that the process proceeds to S13 and it is determined whether or not 2 is assigned to the flag F.
If 2 is assigned to the flag F as a result of the determination in S13, the normal mode control is already being executed, and the process proceeds to S14.
If 2 is not substituted for the flag F as a result of the determination in S13, the process returns because the gear is not being shifted and the normal mode control is not executed.
In S14, the normal mode control is terminated, 0 is substituted for the flag F (S15), and the process proceeds to S16.
In S16, the operation of the notification means 7 is stopped and the process returns.

Next, the vibration suppression mode control in S10 will be described.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, in the vibration suppression mode control process, first, 1 is assigned to the flag F in S21, and the process proceeds to S22.
In S22, the control coefficient k2 is calculated, engine speed control based on the control coefficient k2 is executed (S23), and then the process proceeds to S24.
In S24, it is determined whether or not the engine speed has reached the target engine speed R2.
If the result of determination in S24 is that the engine speed has reached the target engine speed R2, the vibration suppression mode control is terminated (S25), 0 is substituted for the flag F (S26), and the process is terminated.
If the result of determination in S24 is that the engine speed has not reached the target engine speed R2, the process ends.

Next, the normal mode control in S11 will be described.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, in the normal mode control process, first, 2 is assigned to the flag F in S31, and the process proceeds to S32.
In S32, the control coefficient k1 is calculated, engine speed control based on the control coefficient k1 is executed (S33), and then the process proceeds to S34.
In S34, it is determined whether or not the recommended operation period T1 matches the actual operation period T2.
If the recommended operation period T1 matches the actual operation period T2 as a result of the determination in S34, the process ends.
As a result of the determination in S34, if the recommended operation period T1 and the actual operation period T2 do not match, the process proceeds to S35. In S35, the notification unit 7 is operated based on the gain corresponding to the difference ΔT, and then the process ends. At the same time, the reaction force motor 6a starts to operate based on the gain.

Next, the operation and effect of the control device 1 of this embodiment will be described.
Since the control device 1 includes the storage unit 11 that stores the first and second cardiac cycles based on the heart rate that is a periodic biological phenomenon of the driver, the cycle of the driver's own semi-voluntary movement state for each driving situation. Can possess (autonomous nervous system rhythm).
A clutch sensor 26 that detects the target task that has been started, a recommended operation period estimation unit 13 that estimates a recommended operation period T1 suitable for the driver who is operating the target task based on the first cardiac cycle, And the actual operation period estimation unit 14 that estimates the actual operation period T2 (T3) based on the first cardiac cycle at the time of execution of the task before the target task. It is possible to estimate a certain recommended operation period T1 and an actual operation period T2 (T3) that is a task operation period that is highly likely to be executed by the driver in the current situation. Since there is an informing means 7 for notifying based on the difference ΔT between the recommended operation period T1 and the actual operation period T2 (T3) before the operation of the target task is finished, the driver can detect the difference between the recommended operation period T1 and the actual operation period T2 (T3) And the driver can perform a correction operation based on the deviation.

Since the notification means 7 increases the gain as the difference is larger, the difference ΔT can be recognized by the operation amount of the notification means.
The biological information storage means stores the first autonomic nervous system biological information that is one of the normal heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse wave, and the second autonomic nervous system biological information at the time of executing the task before the target task. The recommended operation period T1 and the actual operation period T2 (T3) can be estimated with high accuracy with a simple configuration.

  Since the target task is the stepping and stepping back operation of the clutch 6 and the first and second autonomic nervous system biological information is the cardiac cycle, the recommended operation period T1 and the actual operation period T2 (T3) in the target task related to the clutch 6 It is possible to make the driver recognize the deviation.

Next, a modified example in which the embodiment is partially changed will be described.
1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation means is a clutch, and the target task is stepping on and stepping back of the clutch. However, the present invention is applicable to any task based on at least a driver's periodic biological phenomenon. And the accelerator or brake stepping and stepping back may be the target task, and only one of stepping or stepping back may be the target task.
Further, at the time of shifting, the present invention is not limited to upshifting and can be applied to downshifting.

2) In the above embodiment, the example of the cardiac cycle has been described as the biological information based on the periodic biological phenomenon of the driver. However, it is sufficient that at least the driver's autonomic nervous system biological information can be reflected. You may use the pulse wave fluctuation period by a wave.

3) In the above-described embodiment, the example has been described in which the reaction force motor of the clutch and the notification unit are operated when the normal mode is set. However, the normal mode and the vibration suppression mode can be executed. .

4] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the actual operation period is obtained based on the average cardiac cycle during the accelerator depressing operation. However, at least the task before the target task related to the clutch may be used, and the accelerator depressing operation is being performed. The average cardiac cycle may be the average cardiac cycle, or the average cardiac cycle during the brake depression and stepping-back operation after the accelerator operation.

5) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which a difference is obtained from the absolute value of the difference between the recommended operation period and the actual operation period, and the clutch operation reaction force is controlled using a gain based on the difference. You may obtain | require based on the difference of a period and an actual operation period. Specifically, when the difference between the recommended operation period and the actual operation period is positive (the operation is fast), the operation reaction force is increased according to the difference, and the difference between the recommended operation period and the actual operation period is negative (the operation is slow) In this case, the operation reaction force is reduced according to the difference.

6) In addition, those skilled in the art can implement the present invention in various forms added with various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention includes such modifications. is there.

1 Control Device 4 Accelerator 5 Brake 6 Clutch 7 Notification Unit 10 ECU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Memory | storage part 13 Recommended operation period estimation part 14 Actual operation period estimation part 26 Clutch sensor

Claims (4)

In the driving support device for estimating the execution period of a task consisting of a series of operations of the operating means by the driver,
Biological information storage means for storing autonomic nervous system biological information based on the periodic biological information of the driver;
A target task detection means for detecting a target task that has started operation;
Recommended operation period estimation means for estimating a recommended operation period suitable for a driver who is operating the target task based on the autonomic nervous system biological information;
An actual operation period estimating means for estimating an actual operation period of the target task based on the autonomic nervous system biological information at the time of task execution before the target task;
Informing means for informing based on the difference between the recommended operation period and the actual operation period before the operation of the target task is ended
A driving support apparatus comprising:   The driving support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit increases the gain as the difference increases.   The biological information storage means stores first autonomic nervous system biological information that is one of normal heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse wave, and second autonomic nervous system biological information at the time of task execution before the target task. The driving support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The target task is depression and retraction operation of the clutch pedal,
The driving support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first and second autonomic nervous system biological information is a cardiac cycle.