JP7054047B2 - Vehicle control unit - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle control device, and more particularly to a vehicle control device that controls the running of a vehicle.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-218935 (Patent Document 1) describes a vehicle traveling support device. This vehicle travel support device detects an object in the traveling direction of the own vehicle, predicts whether or not a safe distance is secured when the object and the own vehicle are closest to each other, and cannot secure a safe distance. When predicted, driving support control is executed. Further, in this vehicle traveling support device, the direction of the object is detected, and the safety distance is set according to the direction.

However, the control by the vehicle traveling support device described in Patent Document 1 is merely for the purpose of avoiding a collision, and overtakes or overtakes the preceding vehicle (parked vehicle) during normal traveling of the own vehicle. In some cases, it is not enough to avoid collisions. That is, when overtaking and overtaking the preceding vehicle, it is necessary to maintain a sufficient distance from the preceding vehicle (parked vehicle) so as not to give anxiety to the driver.

In order to achieve this purpose, the applicant sets a speed limit distribution that defines the allowable upper limit values of multiple relative speeds around the object such as the preceding vehicle, and does not exceed the allowable upper limit value. We have developed a vehicle control device that controls the vehicle speed and steering (International Patent Application JP2016 / 075233). By installing such a vehicle control device, it is possible to maintain a sufficient distance from the object even when overtaking and overtaking an object such as a preceding vehicle, and the vehicle is less likely to cause anxiety to the driver. The control is successful.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-218935

However, even in the control in which the speed limit distribution that defines the allowable upper limit values of multiple relative speeds is set around the object, if the preceding vehicle that is the object decelerates or changes lanes, It becomes difficult to maintain a sufficient distance from the preceding vehicle. For this reason, depending on the behavior of the preceding vehicle, relatively steep deceleration or steering may be performed so that a sufficient distance is maintained, which may cause anxiety to the driver or make the vehicle uncomfortable. There is.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress sudden deceleration and steering of the own vehicle due to the behavior of peripheral vehicles, which may cause anxiety to the driver and make the vehicle uncomfortable. It is intended to provide a control device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a vehicle control device that controls the running of the vehicle, and is a peripheral vehicle detection unit that detects peripheral vehicles traveling around the own vehicle, and peripheral vehicle detection thereof. It is permissible around the operation information receiving unit that receives the operation information related to acceleration / deceleration and / or steering by the driver of this peripheral vehicle from the peripheral vehicle detected by the peripheral vehicle, and the peripheral vehicle detected by the peripheral vehicle detection unit. A speed distribution setting unit that sets a speed limit distribution that defines an upper limit of relative speed, and a control unit that controls the speed and / or steering of the own vehicle so as to satisfy the speed limit distribution set by this speed distribution setting unit. The speed distribution setting unit estimates changes in the driving behavior of peripheral vehicles based on the operation information received by the operation information receiving unit, and the number of peripheral vehicles traveling in front of the own vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. When it is estimated that the vehicle will decelerate, it is characterized by lowering the speed limit in the traveling direction in the speed limit distribution .

In the present invention configured as described above, the peripheral vehicle detection unit detects peripheral vehicles traveling around the own vehicle, and the operation information receiving unit accelerates / decelerates and / or steers by the driver of the peripheral vehicle. Receives operation information regarding the vehicle from nearby vehicles. The speed distribution setting unit sets a speed limit distribution that defines an upper limit value of the allowable relative speed around the peripheral vehicle detected by the peripheral vehicle detection unit. In addition, the speed distribution setting unit estimates changes in the driving behavior of surrounding vehicles based on the operation information received by the operation information receiving unit, and estimates that the peripheral vehicles traveling in front of the own vehicle will decelerate by a predetermined amount or more. If so, the speed limit in the traveling direction in the speed limit distribution is lowered, and the control unit controls the speed and / or steering of the own vehicle so as to satisfy this speed limit distribution.

According to the present invention configured in this way, the speed distribution setting unit estimates the change in the running behavior of the surrounding vehicle based on the operation information received by the operation information receiving unit, and the speed limit distribution is set accordingly. Will be done. For this reason, the driver of the peripheral vehicle performs acceleration / deceleration and steering operations, and responds to changes in the driving behavior of the peripheral vehicle earlier than dealing with this after the operation appears in the driving behavior of the peripheral vehicle. It becomes possible to set the speed limit distribution, and it is possible to avoid sudden deceleration and steering. As a result, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling uneasy and the ride quality of the vehicle from becoming uncomfortable.
Further, when it is estimated that the surrounding vehicle in front decelerates by a predetermined amount or more, the speed limit in the traveling direction in the speed limit distribution is lowered, so that the deceleration of the own vehicle is early in order to satisfy the speed limit distribution. Is started on. Therefore, braking or the like for satisfying the speed limit distribution can be gently executed, and the riding comfort of the own vehicle can be improved.

In the present invention, preferably, the speed distribution setting unit sets a plurality of speed limit distributions according to the distance from the surrounding vehicle.
According to the present invention configured as described above, since a plurality of speed limit distributions are set according to the distance from the peripheral vehicle, the speed limit can be set stepwise according to the distance from the peripheral vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to set a smooth traveling route that satisfies the speed limit distribution, and it is possible to improve the riding comfort of the own vehicle.

In the present invention, preferably, the speed distribution setting unit is presumed to change lanes in the first direction by a peripheral vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle based on the operation information received by the operation information receiving unit. Decreases the speed limit in at least the first direction in the speed limit distribution.

According to the present invention configured in this way, when it is estimated that the surrounding vehicle in front changes lanes in the first direction, the speed limit in at least the first direction in the speed limit distribution is lowered. Since the speed limit in the first direction is lowered in this way, it becomes difficult to set a traveling route for avoiding and overtaking the surrounding vehicles in front of the vehicle trying to change lanes in the first direction in the first direction. It is possible to regulate unreasonable overtaking by driving support.

Further, the present invention is a vehicle control method for controlling the running of a vehicle, in which a peripheral vehicle traveling around the own vehicle is detected, and acceleration / deceleration by the driver of the peripheral vehicle is performed from the detected peripheral vehicle. And / or an operation information receiving step that receives operation information related to steering, and a speed distribution setting step that sets a speed limit distribution that defines an upper limit value of an acceptable relative speed around the surrounding vehicle detected in the peripheral vehicle detection step. And a control step that controls the speed and / or steering of the own vehicle so as to satisfy the speed limit distribution set in this speed distribution setting step, and in the speed distribution setting step, in the operation information receiving step. If it is estimated that the driving behavior of the surrounding vehicle changes based on the received operation information and that the peripheral vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle decelerates by a predetermined amount or more, the speed limit distribution indicates the traveling direction. It is characterized by lowering the speed limit .

According to the vehicle control device of the present invention, the behavior of peripheral vehicles suppresses sudden deceleration and steering of the own vehicle, which causes anxiety to the driver and makes the vehicle uncomfortable. be able to.

It is a block diagram of the vehicle control device by embodiment of this invention. It is a control block diagram of the vehicle control device by embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the 1st target travel path set in the vehicle control device by embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the 2nd target traveling path set in the vehicle control device by embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the 3rd target traveling path set in the vehicle control device by embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the obstacle avoidance by the correction of the traveling path in the vehicle control device by embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the distance between the peripheral vehicle and own vehicle at the time of avoiding a peripheral vehicle in the vehicle control device according to the embodiment of this invention, and the permissible upper limit value of a relative speed. It is explanatory drawing of the vehicle model in the vehicle control device by embodiment of this invention. It is a processing flowchart of the driving support control in the vehicle control apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is a processing flowchart of the speed limit distribution setting processing in the vehicle control apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the change of the permissible upper limit value of the relative speed when the peripheral vehicle suddenly brakes in the vehicle control device by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the change of the speed limit distribution when the peripheral vehicle suddenly brakes in the vehicle control device according to the embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the change of the permissible upper limit value of the relative speed when the peripheral vehicle changes a lane in the vehicle control device according to the embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the change of the speed limit distribution when the peripheral vehicle changes a lane in the vehicle control device according to the embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the correction coefficient setting when the peripheral vehicle suddenly brakes. It is a figure which shows the deformation example of the speed limit distribution when a peripheral vehicle tries to change a lane.

Hereinafter, the vehicle control device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the configuration of the vehicle control device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle control device, and FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the vehicle control device.

The vehicle control device 100 of the present embodiment is configured to provide different driving support controls to the vehicle 1 (see FIG. 3 and the like) equipped with the vehicle control device 100 in a plurality of driving support modes. The driver can select a desired driving support mode from a plurality of driving support modes.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle control device 100 inputs a user input for a vehicle control calculation unit (ECU) 10, a plurality of sensors and switches, a plurality of control systems, and a driving support mode mounted on the vehicle 1. It is equipped with a driver operation unit (not shown) for performing. The plurality of sensors and switches include a camera 21 for capturing the outside of the vehicle interior, a millimeter wave radar 22, a vehicle speed sensor 23 for detecting the behavior of the vehicle, a positioning system 24, a navigation system 25, and a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26. Further, the plurality of control systems include an engine control system 31, a brake control system 32, and a steering control system 33.

The ECU 10 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a computer including a CPU, a memory for storing various programs, an input / output device, and the like. The ECU 10 has an engine control system 31, a brake control system 32, and steering based on a driving support mode selection signal and a set vehicle speed signal received from a driver operation unit (not shown) and signals received from a plurality of sensors and switches. The control system 33 is configured to be able to output a request signal for appropriately operating the engine system, the braking system, and the steering system, respectively.

The camera 21 captures an image of the front of the vehicle 1 and outputs the captured image data. The ECU 10 has an object (for example, a vehicle, a pedestrian, a road, a lane marking (lane boundary line, a white line, a yellow line), a traffic signal, a traffic sign, a stop line, an intersection, a preceding vehicle, an obstacle, etc.) based on image data. ). It is also possible to provide an outdoor camera that captures images of the sides and the rear of the vehicle 1. Further, the vehicle can be equipped with an in-vehicle camera that captures an image of the driver while driving.

The millimeter wave radar 22 is a measuring device that measures the position and speed of an object (particularly, a preceding vehicle, a parked vehicle, a pedestrian, an obstacle, etc.), and transmits a radio wave (transmitted wave) toward the front of the vehicle 1. Then, the transmitted wave is reflected by the object and the reflected wave generated is received. Then, the millimeter wave radar 22 measures the distance between the vehicle 1 and the object (for example, the inter-vehicle distance) and the relative speed of the object with respect to the vehicle 1 based on the transmitted wave and the received wave. In the present embodiment, as the millimeter wave radar 22, a front radar that detects an object in front of the vehicle 1, a side radar that detects an object on the side, and an object behind the vehicle 1 It is equipped with a rear radar that detects. Further, instead of the millimeter wave radar 22, a laser radar, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like may be used to measure the distance and the relative speed to the object. Further, the position and speed measuring device may be configured by using a plurality of sensors.
The vehicle speed sensor 23 is configured to detect the absolute speed of the vehicle 1.

The positioning system 24 is a GPS system and / or a gyro system, and detects the position of the vehicle 1 (current vehicle position information).
The navigation system 25 stores the map information inside, and can provide the map information to the ECU 10. The ECU 10 identifies roads, intersections, traffic signals, buildings, etc. existing around the vehicle 1 (particularly, in front of the traveling direction) based on the map information and the current vehicle position information. The map information may be stored in the ECU 10.

The vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26 is a communication system between vehicles, and provides vehicle position information, traveling speed information, acceleration / deceleration by the driver, and the like between the own vehicle and a vehicle traveling in the vicinity. It is configured to exchange operation information and the like related to steering and the like. With this vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26, it is possible to acquire information such as the position, speed, and operation by the driver of a vehicle that is stopped or is running at a relatively long distance on the traveling path of the own vehicle.

The engine control system 31 is a controller that controls the engine of the vehicle 1. When it is necessary to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle 1, the ECU 10 outputs an engine output change request signal requesting the engine control system 31 to change the engine output so that the target acceleration / deceleration can be obtained.

The brake control system 32 is a controller for controlling the brake device of the vehicle 1. When it is necessary to decelerate the vehicle 1, the ECU 10 outputs a brake request signal requesting the generation of a braking force to the vehicle 1 so that the target acceleration / deceleration can be obtained to the brake control system 32.

The steering control system 33 is a controller that controls the steering device of the vehicle 1. When it is necessary to change the traveling direction of the vehicle 1, the ECU 10 outputs a steering direction change request signal requesting the steering control system 33 to change the steering direction so that a target serpentine angle can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ECU 10 includes a single CPU that functions as an input processing unit 10a, a peripheral vehicle detection unit 10b, a target travel route calculation unit 10c, a speed distribution setting unit 10d, and a control unit 10e. In the present embodiment, a single CPU is configured to execute a plurality of the above functions, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of CPUs can be configured to execute these functions.

The input processing unit 10a is configured to process input information input from each sensor, the navigation system 25, and the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26. The input processing unit 10a functions as an image analysis unit that analyzes an image of the camera 21 that captures the traveling road surface and detects a traveling lane (partition lines on both sides of the lane) in which the own vehicle is traveling.
The peripheral vehicle detection unit 10b is configured to detect peripheral vehicles and the like traveling around the own vehicle based on input information from the millimeter wave radar 22, the camera 21, the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26, and the like.
The target travel route calculation unit 10c is configured to calculate the target travel route of the vehicle based on the input information from the millimeter wave radar 22, the camera 21, each sensor, and the like.

The speed distribution setting unit 10d sets a speed limit distribution that defines an upper limit value of the allowable relative speed around the surrounding vehicles. For example, the speed distribution setting unit 10d distributes (limits) the upper limit line of the allowable relative speed at which the own vehicle 1 can travel with respect to the peripheral vehicle when a vehicle to be avoided is detected in the vicinity by the peripheral vehicle detection unit 10b. Velocity distribution) is set. Even when a target other than the vehicle to be avoided is detected by the peripheral vehicle detection unit 10b, the speed distribution setting unit 10d sets a speed limit distribution around the target.

Further, the control unit 10e controls the speed and steering of the own vehicle so as to satisfy the speed limit distribution which is the upper limit line of the allowable relative speed at which the vehicle can travel. Specifically, the control unit 10e corrects the target travel route calculated by the target travel route calculation unit 10c so as to satisfy the speed limit distribution, and calculates the corrected travel route. Next, a travel route satisfying a predetermined constraint condition is selected from the corrected travel routes that satisfy the speed limit distribution. Further, the control unit 10e is configured to determine the travel path that minimizes the predetermined evaluation function from the selected travel paths as the optimum corrected travel path. That is, the control unit 10e calculates the corrected travel path based on the speed limit distribution, the predetermined evaluation function, and the predetermined constraint conditions. Further, in the present embodiment, the constraint conditions for determining the optimum corrected driving route are appropriately set based on the selected driving support mode and the driving situation by the driver. It should be noted that the present invention can also be configured such that the control unit 10e generates a travel path that satisfies the speed limit distribution without using constraint conditions or an evaluation function.

Further, the control unit 10e generates a request signal for at least one or a plurality of the engine control system 31, the brake control system 32, or the steering control system 33 in order to travel on the determined optimum correction travel path. Output.

Next, the driving support mode provided in the vehicle control device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, four modes are provided as driving support modes. That is, it is executed when neither the speed limit mode, which is the driver steering mode, the preceding vehicle following mode, which is the automatic steering mode, or the automatic speed control mode, which is the driver steering mode, is selected. Basic control mode is provided.

<Preceding vehicle follow-up mode>
The preceding vehicle following mode is basically an automatic steering mode in which the vehicle 1 follows the preceding vehicle while maintaining a predetermined distance between the vehicle 1 and the preceding vehicle according to the vehicle speed, and is a vehicle control device. It is accompanied by automatic steering control by 100, speed control (engine control, brake control), obstacle avoidance control (speed control and steering control).

In the preceding vehicle following mode, different steering control and speed control are performed depending on whether or not both ends of the lane can be detected and whether or not there is a preceding vehicle. Here, both ends of the lane are both ends of the lane in which the vehicle 1 travels (section lines such as white lines, road edges, curbs, median strips, guardrails, etc.), and are boundaries with adjacent lanes, sidewalks, and the like. be. The input processing unit 10a provided in the ECU 10 detects both ends of the lane from the image data captured by the camera 21. Further, both ends of the lane may be detected from the map information of the navigation system 25. However, for example, there may be cases where both ends of the lane cannot be detected in the case of traveling on a plain where no lane exists, or in the case of poor reading of image data from the camera 21, etc., instead of the road on which the vehicle 1 is maintained.

Further, in the present embodiment, the ECU 10 as the preceding vehicle detection unit detects the preceding vehicle based on the image data by the camera 21 and the measurement data by the front radar of the millimeter wave radar 22. Specifically, other vehicles traveling ahead are detected as peripheral vehicles based on the image data obtained by the camera 21. Further, in the present embodiment, when the distance between the vehicle 1 and the surrounding vehicles is a predetermined distance (for example, 400 to 500 m) or less based on the measurement data by the millimeter wave radar 22, the other vehicle is detected as a preceding vehicle. Ru.

In the preceding vehicle following mode, if the input processing unit 10a detects a peripheral target to be avoided regardless of the presence or absence of a preceding vehicle (peripheral vehicle) and the detection of both ends of the lane, the target travel route. Is corrected, and obstacles (peripheral targets) are automatically avoided.

<Automatic speed control mode>
Further, the automatic speed control mode is a driver steering mode in which the speed is controlled so as to maintain a predetermined set vehicle speed (constant speed) preset by the driver, and the automatic speed control (engine) by the vehicle control device 100. Control, brake control) is involved, but steering control is not performed. In this automatic speed control mode, the vehicle 1 travels so as to maintain the set vehicle speed, but the speed may be increased beyond the set vehicle speed by depressing the accelerator pedal by the driver. Further, when the driver operates the brake, the driver's intention is prioritized and the vehicle is decelerated from the set vehicle speed. In addition, when catching up with the preceding vehicle, the speed is controlled so as to follow the preceding vehicle while maintaining the inter-vehicle distance according to the vehicle speed, and when the preceding vehicle disappears, the speed is controlled so as to return to the set vehicle speed again. Will be done.

<Speed limit mode>
Further, the speed limit mode is a driver steering mode in which the speed is controlled so that the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1 does not exceed the speed limit by the speed sign or the set speed set by the driver, and is automatically performed by the vehicle control device 100. Accompanied by speed control (engine control). The speed limit may be specified by the ECU 10 performing image recognition processing on the speed sign or the image data of the speed display on the road surface captured by the camera 21, or may be received by wireless communication from the outside. In the speed limit mode, even if the driver depresses the accelerator pedal so as to exceed the speed limit, the vehicle 1 is only accelerated to the speed limit.

<Basic control mode>
Further, the basic control mode is a mode (off mode) when no driving support mode is selected, and automatic steering control and speed control are not performed by the vehicle control device 100. However, when the vehicle 1 may collide with a peripheral vehicle such as an oncoming vehicle, control for avoiding the collision is executed. Further, these collision avoidances are similarly executed in the preceding vehicle following mode, the automatic speed control, and the speed limit mode.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, a plurality of traveling routes calculated by the vehicle control device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. 3 to 5 are explanatory views of the first traveling route to the third traveling route, respectively. In the present embodiment, the target travel route calculation unit 10c provided in the ECU 10 is configured to repeatedly calculate the following first travel route R1 to third travel route R3 in time (for example, 0.1). Every second). In the present embodiment, the ECU 10 calculates a traveling route from the present time until a predetermined period (for example, 3 seconds) elapses based on the information of the sensor or the like. The travel route Rx (x = 1, 2, 3) is specified by the target position (Px_k) and target speed (Vx_k) of the vehicle 1 on the travel route (k = 0, 1, 2, ..., N). ). Further, at each target position, target values are specified for a plurality of variables (acceleration, acceleration change amount, yaw rate, steering angle, vehicle angle, etc.) in addition to the target speed.

The travel routes (first travel route to third travel route) in FIGS. 3 to 5 are the surroundings related to the target (obstacles such as peripheral vehicles and pedestrians) on or around the travel path on which the vehicle 1 travels. It is calculated based on the shape of the traveling path, the traveling locus of the preceding vehicle, the traveling behavior of the vehicle 1, and the set vehicle speed without considering the detection information of the target. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the information of the peripheral target is not taken into consideration in the calculation, the overall calculation load of these plurality of traveling routes can be suppressed to a low level.

Hereinafter, for the sake of easy understanding, each travel route calculated when the vehicle 1 travels on the road 5 including the straight section 5a, the curved section 5b, and the straight section 5c will be described. Road 5 consists of left and right lanes 5 _L and 5 _R. At present, it is assumed that the vehicle 1 is traveling on the lane 5 _L of the straight section 5a.

(1st travel route)
As shown in FIG. 3, the first travel path R1 is set for a predetermined period so that the vehicle 1 maintains the travel in the lane 5 _L , which is the travel path, according to the shape of the road 5. Specifically, the first travel path R1 is set so that the vehicle 1 maintains traveling near the center of the lane 5 _L in the straight sections 5a and 5c, and the vehicle 1 is set from the center of the width direction of the lane 5 _L in the curve section 5b. Is also set to travel inward or inward (on the center O side of the radius of curvature L of the curve section).

The target travel route calculation unit 10c executes image recognition processing of image data around the vehicle 1 captured by the camera 21 and detects both ends 6 _L and 6 _R of the lane. Both ends of the lane are lane markings (white lines, etc.), shoulders, etc., as described above. Further, the target travel route calculation unit 10c calculates the lane width W of the lane 5 _L and the radius of curvature L of the curve section 5b based on the detected lane end portions 6 _L and 6 _R. Further, the lane width W and the radius of curvature L may be acquired from the map information of the navigation system 25. Further, the target travel route calculation unit 10c reads the speed sign S and the speed limit displayed on the road surface from the image data. As described above, the speed limit may be acquired by wireless communication from the outside.

In the straight sections 5a and 5c, the target travel route calculation unit 10c is such that the widthwise center portion (for example, the position of the center of gravity) of the vehicle 1 passes through the widthwise center portions of the lane ends 6 _L and 6 _R. A plurality of target positions P1_k of one traveling route R1 are set.

On the other hand, in the curve section 5b, the target travel route calculation unit 10c sets the maximum displacement amount Ws from the center position in the width direction of the lane 5 _L to the in side at the center position P1_c in the longitudinal direction of the curve section 5b. This displacement amount Ws is calculated based on the radius of curvature L, the lane width W, and the width dimension D of the vehicle 1 (a specified value stored in the memory of the ECU 10). Then, the target travel route calculation unit 10c sets a plurality of target positions P1_k of the first travel route R1 so as to smoothly connect the central position P1_c of the curve section 5b and the center position in the width direction of the straight sections 5a and 5c. Even before and after entering the curve section 5b, the first travel path R1 may be set on the inside side of the straight sections 5a and 5c.

In principle, the target speed V1_k at each target position P1_k of the first traveling path R1 is set to a speed set by the driver or a predetermined set vehicle speed (constant speed) preset by the vehicle control device 100. However, when this set vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit obtained from the speed indicator S or the like or the speed limit defined according to the radius of curvature L of the curve section 5b, the target speed of each target position P1_k on the traveling route. V1_k is limited to the slower speed limit of the two speed limits. Further, the target travel path calculation unit 10c appropriately corrects the target position P1_k and the target vehicle speed V1_k according to the current behavior state of the vehicle 1 (that is, vehicle speed, acceleration, yaw rate, steering angle, lateral acceleration, etc.). For example, if the current vehicle speed is significantly different from the set vehicle speed, the target vehicle speed is corrected so that the vehicle speed approaches the set vehicle speed.

(Second travel route)
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the second traveling path R2 is set for a predetermined period so as to follow the traveling locus of the preceding vehicle 3 (peripheral vehicle). The target travel route calculation unit 10c is based on the image data by the camera 21, the measurement data by the millimeter wave radar 22, and the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1 by the vehicle speed sensor 23, and the position of the preceding vehicle 3 on the lane 5 _L on which the vehicle 1 travels and the position of the preceding vehicle 3 The speed is continuously calculated, and these are stored as the preceding vehicle trajectory information, and based on this preceding vehicle trajectory information, the traveling trajectory of the preceding vehicle 3 is set as the second traveling path R2 (target position P2_k, target speed V2_k). Set.

(Third travel route)
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the third travel path R3 is set for a predetermined period based on the current driving state of the vehicle 1 by the driver. That is, the third travel path R3 is set based on the position and speed estimated from the current travel behavior of the vehicle 1.
The target travel route calculation unit 10c calculates the target position P3_k of the third travel route R3 for a predetermined period based on the steering angle, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration of the vehicle 1. However, when both ends of the lane are detected, the target travel route calculation unit 10c corrects the target position P3_k so that the calculated third travel route R3 does not approach or intersect the lane end.

Further, the target travel route calculation unit 10c calculates the target speed V3_k of the third travel route R3 for a predetermined period based on the current vehicle speed and acceleration of the vehicle 1. If the target speed V3_k exceeds the speed limit obtained from the speed sign S or the like, the target speed V3_k may be corrected so as not to exceed the speed limit.

Next, the relationship between the driving support mode and the traveling route in the vehicle control device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, when the driver selects one driving support mode, the traveling route is selected according to the selected driving support mode.

When both ends of the lane are detected when the preceding vehicle following mode is selected, the first traveling route is applied regardless of the presence or absence of the preceding vehicle. In this case, the set vehicle speed becomes the target speed.
On the other hand, when both ends of the lane are not detected and the preceding vehicle is detected when the preceding vehicle following mode is selected, the second traveling route is applied. In this case, the target speed is set according to the vehicle speed of the preceding vehicle. Further, when both ends of the lane are not detected and the preceding vehicle is not detected when the preceding vehicle following mode is selected, the third traveling route is applied.

Further, when the automatic speed control mode is selected, the third traveling route is applied. The automatic speed control mode is a mode in which speed control is automatically executed as described above, and the set vehicle speed is the target speed. Further, steering control is executed based on the operation of the steering wheel by the driver.

The third travel route is also applied when the speed limit mode is selected. The speed limit mode is also a mode in which speed control is automatically executed as described above, and the target speed is set in the range of the speed limit or less according to the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal by the driver. Further, steering control is executed based on the operation of the steering wheel by the driver.

Further, when the basic control mode (off mode) is selected, the third traveling route is applied. The basic control mode is basically the same as the state in which the speed limit is not set in the speed limit mode.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the travel path correction process executed by the control unit 10e of the ECU 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of obstacle avoidance by correcting the traveling route. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the distance between the peripheral vehicle and the own vehicle when avoiding the peripheral vehicle and the allowable upper limit value of the relative speed, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the vehicle model.
In FIG. 6, the vehicle 1 is traveling on the travel path (lane) 7, and is trying to overtake the vehicle 3 by passing the vehicle 3 (peripheral vehicle) that is running or stopped.

Generally, when passing (or overtaking) an obstacle on or near an obstacle (for example, a preceding vehicle, a parked vehicle, a pedestrian, etc.), the driver of the vehicle 1 is in a lateral direction orthogonal to the traveling direction. A predetermined clearance or distance (lateral distance) is maintained between the vehicle 1 and the obstacle, and the speed is reduced to a speed that the driver of the vehicle 1 feels safe. Specifically, in order to avoid dangers such as sudden change of course of the preceding vehicle, pedestrians coming out from the blind spot of the obstacle, and the door of the parked vehicle opening, the smaller the clearance, the more the obstacles The relative velocity is reduced.

Further, in general, when approaching the preceding vehicle from behind, the driver of the vehicle 1 adjusts the speed (relative speed) according to the inter-vehicle distance (longitudinal distance) along the traveling direction. Specifically, when the inter-vehicle distance is large, the approach speed (relative speed) is maintained high, but when the inter-vehicle distance is small, the approach speed is reduced. Then, the relative speed between the two vehicles becomes zero at a predetermined inter-vehicle distance. This is the same even if the preceding vehicle is a parked vehicle.

In this way, the driver drives the vehicle 1 without danger while considering the relationship between the relative speed and the distance between the obstacle and the vehicle 1 (including the lateral distance and the vertical distance). ing.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle 1 has an obstacle detected from the vehicle 1 (for example, a parked vehicle 3) around the obstacle (horizontal region, rear region, And over the front area) or at least between the obstacle and the vehicle 1, configured to set a two-dimensional distribution (speed limit distribution 40) that defines an allowable upper limit for the relative speed of the vehicle 1 in the direction of travel. There is. In the speed limit distribution 40, the allowable upper limit value V _lim of the relative speed is set at each point around the obstacle. In this way, the speed distribution setting unit 10d sets a plurality of speed limit distributions 40 according to the distance from the peripheral vehicle 3. In the present embodiment, in all the driving support modes, the travel route is corrected so that the relative speed of the vehicle 1 with respect to the obstacle does not exceed the allowable upper limit value V _lim in the speed limit distribution 40. Further, as will be described later, when the obstacle is a peripheral vehicle, the speed limit distribution 40 set around the obstacle corresponds to the information received from the peripheral vehicle via the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26. Different ones are set.

As can be seen from FIG. 6, in principle, the speed limit distribution 40 is such that the smaller the lateral distance and the vertical distance from the obstacle (the closer to the obstacle), the smaller the allowable upper limit of the relative speed. Set. That is, the speed limit distribution 40 is set as a plurality of isobaric velocity lines connecting points having the same allowable upper limit value. The equal relative velocity lines a, b, c, and d indicate speed limit distributions 40 having allowable upper limit values V _lim of 0 km / h, 20 km / h, 40 km / h, and 60 km / h, respectively. In this example, each speed limit distribution 40 is set to a substantially rectangular shape. In this way, when the input processing unit 10a recognizes an obstacle (peripheral target) to be avoided, the speed distribution setting unit 10d has an upper limit line of the allowable relative speed at which the vehicle can travel with respect to the obstacle. The speed limit distribution 40 is set. Then, the control unit 10e corrects the target travel route calculated by the target travel route calculation unit 10c so as to satisfy the speed limit distribution 40.

The speed limit distribution 40 does not necessarily have to be set over the entire circumference of the obstacle, and is at least behind the obstacle and on one side of the obstacle in the lateral direction in which the vehicle 1 is present (vehicle 3 in FIG. 6). It may be set in the area on the right side of. Further, the speed limit distribution 40 may be set asymmetrically.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the vehicle 1 travels at a certain relative speed with respect to an obstacle (in the example of FIG. 6, since the obstacle vehicle 3 is stopped, the relative speed is the absolute speed of the vehicle 1. Is equal to), the permissible upper limit V _lim is set to increase quadratically with respect to the distance from the obstacle. That is, the allowable upper limit value V _lim [km / h] of the relative velocity is relative to the lateral clearance X from the obstacle.
V _lim = αk ₁ (X-D _X0 ) ² , (X ≧ D _X0 ) (1)
V _lim = 0 (X <D _X0 )
Is set by.

In the above equation (1), k ₁ is a gain coefficient related to the degree of change in V _lim with respect to the lateral clearance X, and is set depending on the type of obstacle and the like. Further, the safety distance D _{X 0} can also be set depending on the type of obstacle and the like. As an example, in the present embodiment, the safety distance D _X0 = 0.2 [m] is set. Further, the correction coefficient α is a coefficient that is changed according to the operation information by the driver of the peripheral vehicle received from the peripheral vehicle via the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26 when the obstacle is a peripheral vehicle. be. The setting of the correction coefficient α will be described later.

Further, as shown in the equation (1), the allowable upper limit value V _lim is 0 (zero) km / h until the clearance X is D _{X 0} (safety distance) in the lateral direction of the obstacle, and is D _{X 0} or more. Increases in a quadratic function. That is, for safety assurance, when the clearance X is D _{X 0} or less, the allowable relative speed of the vehicle 1 becomes zero. On the other hand, when the clearance X is D _{X 0} or more, the larger the clearance, the larger the relative speed of the vehicle 1 is allowed to pass.

On the other hand, in the vertical direction of the obstacle (traveling direction of the vehicle 1), the allowable upper limit value V _lim [km / h] of the relative speed is relative to the distance Y in the traveling direction to the obstacle.
V _lim = βk ₂ (Y−D _Y0 ) ² / Vs, (Y ≧ _DY0 ) (2)
V _lim = 0 (Y < _DY0 )
Is set by.

In the above equation (2), Vs [km / h] is the traveling speed of the own vehicle 1, and k ₂ is the gain related to the degree of change in V _lim with respect to the distance Y (distance to the obstacle) in the traveling direction. It is a coefficient and is set depending on the type of obstacle and the like. Further, the safety distance _DY0 can also be set depending on the type of obstacle and the like. As an example, in this embodiment, the safety distance _DY0 = 2 [m] is set. Further, the correction coefficients α and β are changed according to the operation information by the driver of the peripheral vehicle received from the peripheral vehicle via the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26 when the obstacle is a peripheral vehicle. It is a coefficient. The setting of the correction coefficients α and β will be described later.

As shown in the equation (2), the allowable upper limit value V _lim is 0 (zero) km in the traveling direction (vertical direction) of the own vehicle until the vertical distance Y is _DY0 (safety distance). It is / h and increases in a quadratic function above _DY0 . That is, for safety assurance, when the distance Y to the obstacle is _DY 0 or less, the relative speed allowed for the vehicle 1 becomes zero. On the other hand, when the distance Y is _DY0 or more, the larger the distance Y, the larger the relative speed of the vehicle 1 is allowed to approach. Further, in the vertical direction, the allowable upper limit value V _lim is set so as to be inversely proportional to the traveling speed Vs of the own vehicle 1. That is, the higher the traveling speed Vs of the own vehicle 1, the longer the braking distance of the own vehicle 1. Therefore, in consideration of this, the traveling speed Vs is increased and the allowable upper limit value V _lim is lowered. As a result, the higher the traveling speed Vs of the own vehicle 1, the lower the upper limit value V _lim of the relative speed allowed for the same distance Y.

In this embodiment, V _lim is defined to be a quadratic function of X and Y in both the horizontal and vertical directions, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other functions (for example, a linear function, etc.) are used. It may be defined in. Further, with reference to FIG. 7, the horizontal allowable upper limit value V _lim of the obstacle and the vertical allowable upper limit value V _lim behind the obstacle have been described, but all including the vertical direction in front of the obstacle. Can be set in the same manner in the radial direction of. At that time, the coefficient k and the safety distance D ₀ can be set according to the direction from the obstacle.

The speed limit distribution 40 can be set based on various parameters. As parameters, for example, the relative speed between the vehicle 1 and the obstacle, the type of the obstacle, the traveling direction of the vehicle 1, the moving direction and the moving speed of the obstacle, the length of the obstacle, the absolute speed of the vehicle 1, etc. should be considered. Can be done. That is, the coefficient k and the safety distance D ₀ can be selected based on these parameters.

Further, in the present embodiment, the obstacles include vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, cliffs, ditches, holes, falling objects and the like. Furthermore, vehicles can be distinguished by automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles. Pedestrians can be distinguished by adults, children and groups.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the vehicle 1 is traveling on the travel path 7, the input processing unit 10a built in the ECU 10 of the vehicle 1 is an obstacle (vehicle 3) based on the image data from the camera 21. Is detected. At this time, the type of obstacle (in this case, a vehicle or a pedestrian) is specified.

Further, the input processing unit 10a calculates the position, relative speed, and absolute speed of the obstacle (vehicle 3) with respect to the vehicle 1 based on the measurement data of the millimeter wave radar 22 and the vehicle speed data of the vehicle speed sensor 23. The position of the obstacle includes a y-direction position (longitudinal distance) along the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 and an x-direction position (horizontal distance) along the lateral direction orthogonal to the traveling direction.

The speed distribution setting unit 10d built in the ECU 10 sets the speed limit distribution 40 for all the detected obstacles (vehicle 3 in the case of FIG. 6). Then, the control unit 10e corrects the traveling route so that the speed of the vehicle 1 does not exceed the allowable upper limit value V _lim of the speed limit distribution 40. The control unit 10e corrects the target traveling route applied according to the driving support mode selected by the driver as the obstacle is avoided.

That is, when the vehicle 1 travels on the target travel route, if the target speed exceeds the allowable upper limit value defined by the speed limit distribution 40 at a certain target position, the target speed is lowered without changing the target position. (Route Rc1 in FIG. 6), or change the target position on the detour route so that the target speed does not exceed the allowable upper limit without changing the target speed (Route Rc3 in FIG. 6), target position and target speed. Both are changed (path Rc2 in FIG. 6).

For example, FIG. 6 shows a case where the calculated target travel path R is a route traveling at a center position (target position) in the width direction of the travel path 7 at 60 km / h (target speed). In this case, the parked vehicle 3 exists in front as an obstacle, but as described above, this obstacle is not considered in the calculation stage of the target travel route R in order to reduce the calculation load.

When traveling on the target travel path R, the vehicle 1 crosses the isobaric speed lines d, c, c, and d of the speed limit distribution 40 in order. That is, the vehicle 1 traveling at 60 km / h enters the region inside the equal relative speed line d (allowable upper limit value V _lim = 60 km / h). Therefore, the control unit 10e corrects the target travel path R so as to limit the target speed at each target position of the target travel path R to the allowable upper limit value V _lim or less, and generates the corrected target travel path Rc1. That is, in the corrected target travel path Rc1, the target speed gradually decreases to less than 40 km / h as the vehicle approaches the vehicle 3 so that the target vehicle speed becomes equal to or less than the allowable upper limit value V _lim at each target position. After that, the target speed is gradually increased to the original 60 km / h as the distance from the vehicle 3 increases.

Further, the target travel route Rc3 does not change the target speed (60 km / h) of the target travel route R, and is therefore set to travel outside the equilateral speed line d (corresponding to the relative speed of 60 km / h). It is a route. In order to maintain the target speed of the target travel path R, the control unit 10e corrects the target travel path R so as to change the target position so that the target position is located on or outside the equilateral speed line d. The target travel route Rc3 is generated. Therefore, the target speed of the target travel route Rc3 is maintained at 60 km / h, which is the target speed of the target travel route R.

Further, the target travel route Rc2 is a route in which both the target position and the target speed of the target travel route R are changed. On the target travel path Rc2, the target speed is not maintained at 60 km / h, gradually decreases as it approaches the vehicle 3, and then gradually increases to the original 60 km / h as it moves away from the vehicle 3. Will be done.

A correction that does not change the target position of the target travel path R and changes only the target speed, as in the target travel path Rc1, can be applied to a driving support mode that involves speed control but not steering control (). For example, automatic speed control mode, speed limit mode, basic control mode).
Further, a correction for changing only the target position without changing the target speed of the target travel route R, such as the target travel route Rc3, can be applied to a driving support mode accompanied by steering control (for example, following a preceding vehicle). mode).
Further, a correction for changing both the target position and the target speed of the target travel route R, such as the target travel route Rc2, can be applied to a driving support mode accompanied by speed control and steering control (for example, a preceding vehicle following mode). ).

Next, the control unit 10e built in the ECU 10 determines the optimum corrected travel path from the settable corrected travel paths based on the sensor information and the like. That is, the control unit 10e determines the optimum corrected travel path from the configurable corrected travel paths based on a predetermined evaluation function and a predetermined constraint condition.

The ECU 10 stores the evaluation function J, the constraint condition, and the vehicle model in the memory. When determining the optimum corrected travel route, the control unit 10e calculates the optimum corrected travel route having an extreme value in the evaluation function J within a range satisfying the constraint conditions and the vehicle model (optimization process).

The evaluation function J has a plurality of evaluation factors. The evaluation factors of this example are, for example, speed (vertical and horizontal directions), acceleration (vertical and horizontal directions), acceleration change amount (vertical and horizontal directions), yaw rate, horizontal position with respect to the center of the lane, vehicle angle, and steering. It is a function for evaluating the quality of a plurality of travel routes corrected for the target travel route for angles and other soft constraints.

The evaluation factors include an evaluation factor related to the vertical behavior of the vehicle 1 (vertical evaluation factor: vertical speed, acceleration, acceleration change amount, etc.) and an evaluation factor related to the lateral behavior of the vehicle 1 (horizontal evaluation factor). : Lateral speed, acceleration, amount of change in acceleration, yaw rate, lateral position with respect to the center of the lane, vehicle angle, steering angle, etc.) are included.

In this embodiment, the evaluation function J is described by the following equation.

In the formula, Wk (Xk-Xrefk) ² is an evaluation factor, Xk is a physical quantity related to the evaluation factor of the corrected travel route, Xrefk is a physical quantity related to the evaluation factor of the target travel route (before correction), and Wk is a weight value of the evaluation factor (for example). 0 ≦ Wk ≦ 1) (however, k = 1 to n). Therefore, the evaluation function J of the present embodiment weights the sum of the squares of the difference between the physical quantities of the target travel path (before correction) and the physical quantities of the corrected travel path for the physical quantities of n evaluation factors, and weights the sum of the squares for a predetermined period (before correction). For example, it corresponds to the total value over the travel path length of N = 3 seconds).

In the present embodiment, the higher the evaluation of the travel route corrected for the target travel route, the smaller the evaluation function J has. Therefore, the travel route in which the evaluation function J has the minimum value is the optimum corrected travel route by the control unit 10e. Is calculated as.

The constraint condition is a condition that the corrected travel route needs to be satisfied, and by narrowing down the corrected travel route to be evaluated by the constraint condition, it is possible to reduce the calculation load required for the optimization process by the evaluation function J. The calculation time can be shortened.

The vehicle model defines the physical motion of the vehicle 1 and is described by the following equation of motion. This vehicle model is the two-wheel model shown in FIG. 8 in this example. By defining the physical motion of the vehicle 1 by the vehicle model, it is possible to calculate a corrected traveling route with reduced discomfort during traveling, and it is possible to quickly converge the optimization process by the evaluation function J. can.

In FIGS. 8 and (3) and (4), m is the mass of the vehicle 1, I is the yawing inertia moment of the vehicle 1, l is the wheelbase, l _f is the distance between the center of gravity of the vehicle and the front axle, and l _r is. Distance between the center of gravity of the vehicle and the rear axle, K _f is the tire cornering power per front wheel, _Kr is the tire cornering power per rear wheel, V is the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1, δ is the actual steering angle of the front wheels. β is the lateral slip angle of the center of gravity of the vehicle, r is the yaw angle speed of the vehicle 1, θ is the yaw angle of the vehicle 1, y is the lateral displacement of the vehicle 1 with respect to the absolute space, and t is the time.
In this way, the control unit 10e calculates the optimum corrected travel route that minimizes the evaluation function J from among a large number of travel routes based on the target travel route, constraint conditions, vehicle model, and the like.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14, the processing flow of the vehicle control method in the vehicle control device 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a processing flowchart for driving support control, and FIG. 10 is a processing flowchart for speed limit distribution setting processing.

The ECU 10 repeatedly executes the processing flowchart of FIG. 9 at predetermined time intervals (for example, 0.1 seconds). First, the input processing unit 10a of the ECU 10 executes data reading as an information acquisition process in step S10. In the information acquisition process, the ECU 10 acquires information on the current vehicle position information, map information, peripheral targets, etc. from the positioning system 24, the navigation system 25, and the vehicle-to-vehicle inter-vehicle communication system 26, and the camera 21, the millimeter-wave radar 22, Sensor information is acquired from the vehicle speed sensor 23 and the like. It should be noted that the present invention can also be configured so as to acquire sensor information from an acceleration sensor, a yaw rate sensor, a driver operation unit (not shown above), or the like in step S10. Further, the present invention may be configured to acquire switch information from a steering angle sensor, an accelerator sensor, a brake sensor (above, not shown) and the like.

Further, the ECU 10 detects vehicle operation information (steering angle, accelerator pedal depression amount, brake pedal depression amount, etc.) related to vehicle operation by the driver from the switch information, and further, the behavior of the vehicle 1 from the switch information and sensor information. Detects driving behavior information (vehicle speed, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, yaw rate, etc.).

The information received from the peripheral vehicle via the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26 includes the steering angle, the accelerator pedal depression amount, the brake pedal depression amount, and the like as operation information related to acceleration / deceleration and steering by the driver of the peripheral vehicle. It has been. Therefore, the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26 functions as an operation information receiving unit for receiving operation information by drivers of peripheral vehicles. Further, when the peripheral vehicle is equipped with a vehicle control device such as a driving support device or an automatic driving device, the information regarding the traveling route after the present time set in this vehicle control device can also be used in the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26. Received via.

Next, in step S11, the ECU 10 executes a predetermined object detection process using various information acquired in the information acquisition process. In the object detection process, the ECU 10 currently uses vehicle position information, map information, information from the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26, and sensor information to provide travel path information (straight section and curve) regarding the travel path shape in the surrounding area and the front area of the vehicle 1. Presence / absence of sections, length of each section, radius of curvature of curve section, lane width, position of both ends of lane, number of lanes, presence / absence of intersection, speed limit defined by curve curvature, etc.), driving regulation information (speed limit, red light) Etc.), and the preceding vehicle trajectory information (driving trajectory of the preceding vehicle) is detected. Further, the peripheral vehicle detection unit 10b of the ECU 10 performs peripheral target information including peripheral vehicles (obstacles on the traveling route) from information from the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26 and sensor information such as the camera 1 as an object detection process. Presence / absence, type, size, position, etc.) is detected. Therefore, the process in steps S10 and S11 detects the peripheral vehicle traveling around the own vehicle, and from the detected peripheral vehicle, the operation information regarding acceleration / deceleration and / or steering by the driver of the peripheral vehicle 3 is obtained. It functions as an operation information receiving step to be received via the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26.

Next, in step S12, the speed distribution setting unit 10d of the ECU 10 executes the speed limit distribution setting process. That is, the speed distribution setting unit 10d sets the speed limit distribution 40 shown in FIG. 6 around the peripheral target such as the peripheral vehicle detected by the peripheral vehicle detection unit 10b in step S11. Therefore, the process in step S12 functions as a speed distribution setting step for setting the speed limit distribution 40 that defines the upper limit of the allowable relative speed around the peripheral vehicle 3.
Next, in step S13, the target travel route calculation unit 10c of the ECU 10 calculates the target travel route shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 using the travel route information detected in step S11. Further, the control unit 10e corrects the calculated target travel route so as to satisfy the speed limit distribution 40, and calculates a corrected travel route that defines a travel locus and a travel speed along the travel locus.

Further, in step S14, the control unit 10e of the ECU 10 goes to the corresponding control system (engine control system 31, brake control system 32, steering control system 33) so as to travel on the corrected travel path calculated in step S13. Output the request signal. Specifically, the ECU 10 generates and outputs a request signal according to the target control amount of the engine, the brake, and the steering specified by the calculated corrected travel path. Therefore, the processing in steps S13 and S14 functions as a control step for controlling the speed and / or steering of the own vehicle so as to satisfy the set speed limit distribution.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14, the speed limit distribution setting process executed in step S12 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the speed limit distribution setting process executed as a subroutine of the flowchart shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a change in the allowable upper limit value of the relative speed when a peripheral vehicle suddenly applies a brake, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a change in the speed limit distribution 40 in this case. Further, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a change in the allowable upper limit value of the relative speed when a peripheral vehicle changes lanes, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a change in the speed limit distribution 40 in this case.

First, in step S21 of FIG. 10, the peripheral vehicle is based on the operation information by the driver of the peripheral vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle 1 acquired via the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26 in step S10 of FIG. Estimate the behavior of. For example, when the driver of a peripheral vehicle depresses the brake pedal by a predetermined amount or more, it can be estimated that the driver applies the brake suddenly and the peripheral vehicle decelerates suddenly. Alternatively, if the driver rotates the steering wheel by a predetermined amount or more, it can be estimated that the peripheral vehicle turns a corner or changes lanes. In addition, when the peripheral vehicle is equipped with a vehicle control device such as a driving support device or an automatic driving device, the peripheral vehicle changes lanes based on the information on the travel route set in the vehicle control device. Can be estimated.

The vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26 repeatedly receives operation information by drivers of peripheral vehicles at predetermined time intervals from vehicles running or stopped around the own vehicle 1. Since this time interval is sufficiently short, for example, when the driver applies a sudden brake, the surrounding vehicles actually start to decelerate, which is earlier than the detection by the camera 21 or the millimeter wave radar 22 of the own vehicle 1. It is possible to detect the deceleration of surrounding vehicles.

In step S22, it is determined whether or not the driver of the peripheral vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle 1 suddenly brakes. In the present embodiment, when the amount of depression of the brake pedal of the peripheral vehicle acquired via the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, it is determined that the sudden braking is applied. Alternatively, the presence or absence of sudden braking in the peripheral vehicle may be determined based on the control signal for the brake actuator provided in the peripheral vehicle.

When the sudden braking is applied, the process proceeds to step S23, where the value of the correction coefficient β of the above equation (2) for calculating the allowable upper limit value V _lim of the relative speed is changed. When the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is started, the values of the correction coefficients are set to α = 1 and β = 1, respectively, by default. That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in the graph on the left side of FIG. 11, the correction coefficient β = 1 in the normal state, and the allowable upper limit value V _lim of the relative speed is predetermined as the distance Y to the surrounding vehicle increases. It increases in a quadratic function with a slope. On the other hand, when it is estimated that the sudden braking is applied to the surrounding vehicle in front, the correction coefficient is changed to β = 0.8, and as shown in the graph on the right side of FIG. 11, with respect to the increase in the distance Y. Therefore, the upper limit of the relative velocity, V _lim , increases quadratically, and the slope is changed to a gentle one.

In this way, the speed distribution setting unit 10d estimates the change in the traveling behavior of the peripheral vehicle 3 based on the operation information received by the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26, and sets the speed limit distribution accordingly. In the present embodiment, when the deceleration of the peripheral vehicle 3 is less than a predetermined value, or when the operation information of the peripheral vehicle cannot be obtained via the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26, it is processed as "normal time". The correction coefficient is the default β = 1.

After setting the value of the correction coefficient β in step S23, the process in the ECU 10 proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the speed limit distribution 40 is set based on the set correction coefficients α and β (the value of α remains the default), and one process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is completed, and the ECU 10 is completed. The process in is returned to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Since the value of the correction coefficient β is changed to a small value in step S23, the speed limit distribution 40 set in step S26 changes from the one shown on the left side of FIG. 12 to the one shown on the right side. That is, the speed limit distribution 40 is expanded from the normal time (β = 1) shown on the left side of FIG. 12 to the one extended in the traveling direction from the peripheral vehicle 3 toward the rear as shown on the right side of FIG. Be changed. As a result, when it is estimated that the peripheral vehicle 3 traveling in front of the own vehicle 1 decelerates by a predetermined amount or more, the speed limit in the traveling direction in the speed limit distribution 40 is reduced. Even if the peripheral vehicle 3 decelerates by a predetermined amount or more, the value of the correction coefficient α in the equation (1) is not changed, so that the width of the speed limit distribution 40 in the lateral direction (direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the own vehicle) is , Same as normal time.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, when the own vehicle 1 is traveling behind the peripheral vehicle 3 at a distance Y ₁ , the speed limit is not set in the normal time shown on the left side. On the other hand, when the peripheral vehicle 3 is suddenly braked and the correction coefficient β = 0.8, as shown on the right side of FIG. 12, the own vehicle 1 has an upper limit line of an allowable relative speed of 60 km / h. The relative speed is limited to 60km / h. As described above, when the peripheral vehicle 3 is suddenly braked, the upper limit of the allowable relative speed is lowered for the same distance Y ₁ from the peripheral vehicle 3.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when it is estimated that the peripheral vehicle 3 in front decelerates by a predetermined amount or more, the upper limit of the allowable relative speed is lowered, so that the own vehicle 1 is referred to from the peripheral vehicle 3. The relative speed is limited at an early stage when the vehicle is sufficiently distant, and it is possible to cope with the sudden braking of the peripheral vehicle 3 with a margin. Therefore, when the peripheral vehicle 3 in front suddenly brakes, the anxiety given to the driver can be reduced.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 of FIG. 10 that the sudden braking is not applied, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, it is determined whether or not the peripheral vehicle 3 is about to change lanes. In the present embodiment, it is determined that the driver of the peripheral vehicle 3 is trying to change lanes or the like when the rotation angle of the steering wheel of the peripheral vehicle acquired via the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. Will be done. Alternatively, when the peripheral vehicle 3 is provided with a vehicle control device, it may be determined to change the lane of the peripheral vehicle 3 based on the target travel route set by the vehicle control device.

If the peripheral vehicle 3 is about to change lanes, the process proceeds to step S25, where the value of the correction coefficient α of the above equation (1) for calculating the allowable upper limit value V _lim of the relative speed is changed. That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in the graph on the left side of FIG. 13, the correction coefficient α = 1 in the normal state, and the allowable upper limit value V _lim of the relative speed is the lateral clearance with the peripheral vehicle 3. As X increases, it increases quadratically with a predetermined slope. On the other hand, when it is estimated that the peripheral vehicle 3 in front is trying to change lanes, the correction coefficient is changed to α = 0.8, and as shown in the graph on the right side of FIG. 13, the clearance X is changed. The upper limit of relative velocity V _lim increases quadratically with respect to the increase. The slope is changed to a gradual one. In the present embodiment, when the rotation angle of the steering wheel of the peripheral vehicle 3 is less than a predetermined value, or when the operation information of the peripheral vehicle cannot be obtained via the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26, it is regarded as "normal time". It is processed and the correction coefficient becomes the default α = 1.

After setting the value of the correction coefficient α in step S25, the process in the ECU 10 proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the speed limit distribution 40 is set based on the set correction coefficients α and β (the value of β remains the default), and one process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is completed, and the ECU 10 is completed. The process in is returned to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Since the value of the correction coefficient α is changed to a smaller value in step S25, the speed limit distribution 40 set in step S26 changes from the one shown on the left side of FIG. 14 to the one shown on the right side. That is, the speed limit distribution 40 extends from the normal time (α = 1) shown on the left side of FIG. 14 to the lateral direction (direction perpendicular to the traveling direction) of the peripheral vehicle 3 as shown on the right side of FIG. It will be changed to the one that was done. As a result, when it is estimated that the peripheral vehicle 3 traveling in front of the own vehicle 1 changes lanes, the lateral speed limit in the speed limit distribution 4 is reduced. Even if it is estimated that the peripheral vehicle 3 changes lanes, the value of the correction coefficient β in the equation (2) is not changed, so that the length of the speed limit distribution 40 in the vertical direction (traveling direction of the own vehicle) is normal. Is the same as.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, when the own vehicle 1 is traveling behind the peripheral vehicle 3 and is trying to overtake the peripheral vehicle 3 in front, the own vehicle 1 is traveling while accelerating in the normal time shown on the left side. By changing the lane to the right side, it is possible to avoid exceeding the allowable relative speed with the surrounding vehicle 3. However, if the peripheral vehicle 3 also starts the lane change almost at the same time as the own vehicle 1 starts the lane change, the own vehicle 1 approaches the peripheral vehicle 3 that has changed lanes, which gives the driver anxiety. Will be. On the other hand, when it is detected that the peripheral vehicle 3 is about to change lanes and the correction coefficient α is changed to 0.8, the speed limit distribution 40 is expanded laterally as shown on the right side of FIG. .. As a result, the target travel route (corrected travel route) of the own vehicle 1 that is about to overtake the peripheral vehicle 3 falls within the speed limit distribution 40 around the peripheral vehicle 3, and thus such travel in the own vehicle 1. Route setting is avoided.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when it is estimated that the peripheral vehicle 3 in front changes lanes, the lateral speed limit in the speed limit distribution is lowered, so that the own vehicle 1 overtakes the peripheral vehicle 3. The setting of the travel route is restricted, and accidental approach between the own vehicle 1 and the peripheral vehicle 3 can be avoided. Therefore, when the own vehicle 1 tries to change lanes at almost the same time as the surrounding vehicle 3 in front, it is possible to reduce the anxiety given to the driver.

According to the vehicle control device of the embodiment of the present invention, the speed distribution setting unit 10d estimates the change in the traveling behavior of the peripheral vehicle 3 based on the operation information received by the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 26, and limits the change accordingly. The velocity distribution 40 is set. Therefore, the driver of the peripheral vehicle 3 performs acceleration / deceleration and steering operations, and the change in the driving behavior of the peripheral vehicle 3 is earlier than dealing with the operation after the operation appears in the driving behavior of the peripheral vehicle 3. It becomes possible to set the speed limit distribution 40 according to the above, and it is possible to avoid sudden deceleration and steering.

Further, according to the vehicle control device of the present embodiment, since a plurality of speed limit distributions 40 (FIG. 6) are set according to the distance from the peripheral vehicle 3, the distance (X or Y) from the peripheral vehicle 3 is set. Along with this, the speed limit can be set step by step. Therefore, it is possible to set a smooth traveling route that satisfies the speed limit distribution 40, and it is possible to improve the riding comfort of the own vehicle 1.

Further, according to the vehicle control device of the present embodiment, when it is estimated that the peripheral vehicle 3 in front decelerates by a predetermined amount or more (steps S22 → S23 in FIG. 10), the speed limit distribution 40 limits the traveling direction. Since the speed is reduced (FIG. 12), the deceleration of the own vehicle 1 is started early in order to satisfy the speed limit distribution 40. Therefore, braking or the like for satisfying the speed limit distribution 40 can be gently executed, and the riding comfort of the own vehicle can be improved.

Further, according to the vehicle control device of the present embodiment, when it is estimated that the surrounding vehicle in front changes lanes, the lateral speed limit in the speed limit distribution 40 is reduced (FIG. 14). Since the speed limit in the lateral direction becomes low in this way, it becomes difficult to set a traveling route to avoid and overtake the surrounding vehicle 3 in front of the vehicle trying to change lanes, and to regulate unreasonable overtaking by the driving support of the own vehicle 1. Can be done.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. In particular, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when it is estimated that the peripheral vehicle 3 in front of the vehicle decelerates by a predetermined amount or more, the correction coefficient β is reduced from 1 to 0.8 in a stepwise manner (FIG. FIG. As a modification, step S23) of 10 can linearly reduce the correction coefficient β, as shown in FIG. That is, in this modification, the correction coefficient β = 1 in the normal state, and when the deceleration of the peripheral vehicle 3 becomes larger than the predetermined value a ₁ (when the deceleration suddenly exceeds the predetermined deceleration a ₁ ), the correction is made. The coefficient β is linearly changed to a small value. Preferably, when the peripheral vehicle 3 suddenly decelerates at a deceleration close to the limit of the vehicle, the correction coefficient β is reduced to about 0.5.

Further, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the peripheral vehicle 3 in front is about to change lanes, the speed limit distribution 40 is laterally extended to both sides of the peripheral vehicle 3. On the other hand, as a modification, as shown in FIG. 16, the present invention can be configured to extend the speed limit distribution 40 only on the side where the peripheral vehicle 3 is about to change lanes. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 16, when it is estimated that the peripheral vehicle 3 traveling in front of the own vehicle 1 changes lanes to the right, which is the first direction, the speed limit only in the right direction in the speed limit distribution 40. (The value of the correction coefficient α is reduced only when calculating the allowable upper limit value V _lim of the relative speed on the right side). As a result, unnecessary expansion of the speed limit distribution 40 is avoided, and a wide range of target travel routes (corrected travel routes) can be set.

Further, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is determined in step S22 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 whether or not sudden braking is applied, and if sudden braking is applied, step S23 is executed and the correction coefficient is applied. Only β was changed. As a modification, the present invention may be configured to determine whether or not the peripheral vehicle 3 is changing lanes (similar to step S24 in FIG. 10) even when a sudden brake is applied. .. When sudden braking is applied and the lane is changed, both the correction coefficients α and β are changed to small values.

1 Vehicle 10 Vehicle control calculation unit (ECU)
10a Input processing unit 10b Peripheral vehicle detection unit 10c Target travel route calculation unit 10d Speed distribution setting unit 10e Control unit 21 Camera 22 Millimeter wave radar 23 Vehicle speed sensor 24 Positioning system 25 Navigation system 26 Vehicle-to-vehicle communication system (operation information reception unit)
31 Engine control system 32 Brake control system 33 Steering control system 40 Speed limit distribution 100 Vehicle control device

Claims (5)

A vehicle control device that controls the running of a vehicle.
Peripheral vehicle detection unit that detects peripheral vehicles traveling around the own vehicle, and
An operation information receiving unit that receives operation information related to acceleration / deceleration and / or steering by the driver of the peripheral vehicle from the peripheral vehicle detected by the peripheral vehicle detection unit.
A speed distribution setting unit that sets a speed limit distribution that defines an upper limit of the permissible relative speed around the peripheral vehicle detected by the peripheral vehicle detection unit, and a speed distribution setting unit.
It has a control unit that controls the speed and / or steering of the own vehicle so as to satisfy the speed limit distribution set by the speed distribution setting unit.
The speed distribution setting unit estimates changes in the driving behavior of peripheral vehicles based on the operation information received by the operation information receiving unit, and estimates that the peripheral vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle decelerates by a predetermined amount or more. If this is the case, the vehicle control device is characterized by lowering the speed limit in the traveling direction in the speed limit distribution . A vehicle control device that controls the running of a vehicle.
Peripheral vehicle detection unit that detects peripheral vehicles traveling around the own vehicle, and
An operation information receiving unit that receives operation information related to acceleration / deceleration and / or steering by the driver of the peripheral vehicle from the peripheral vehicle detected by the peripheral vehicle detection unit.
A speed distribution setting unit that sets a speed limit distribution that defines an upper limit of the permissible relative speed around the peripheral vehicle detected by the peripheral vehicle detection unit, and a speed distribution setting unit.
It has a control unit that controls the speed and / or steering of the own vehicle so as to satisfy the speed limit distribution set by the speed distribution setting unit.
The speed distribution setting unit estimates a change in the driving behavior of a peripheral vehicle based on the operation information received by the operation information receiving unit, and when the peripheral vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle changes lanes in the first direction. A vehicle control device characterized in that, when estimated, the speed limit in at least the first direction in the speed limit distribution is reduced . The vehicle control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the speed distribution setting unit sets a plurality of speed limit distributions according to the distance from the surrounding vehicles. It is a vehicle control method that controls the running of the vehicle.
An operation information receiving step that detects a peripheral vehicle traveling around the own vehicle and receives operation information related to acceleration / deceleration and / or steering by the driver of the peripheral vehicle from the detected peripheral vehicle.
A speed distribution setting step that sets a speed limit distribution that defines an upper limit of the permissible relative speed around the peripheral vehicle detected in the peripheral vehicle detection step, and a speed distribution setting step.
It has a control step for controlling the speed and / or steering of the own vehicle so as to satisfy the speed limit distribution set in this speed distribution setting step.
In the speed distribution setting step, changes in the running behavior of peripheral vehicles are estimated based on the operation information received in the operation information receiving step, and when the peripheral vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle decelerates by a predetermined amount or more. A vehicle control method, characterized in that, when estimated, the speed limit in the traveling direction is lowered in the speed limit distribution . It is a vehicle control method that controls the running of the vehicle.
An operation information receiving step that detects a peripheral vehicle traveling around the own vehicle and receives operation information related to acceleration / deceleration and / or steering by the driver of the peripheral vehicle from the detected peripheral vehicle.
A speed distribution setting step that sets a speed limit distribution that defines an upper limit of the permissible relative speed around the peripheral vehicle detected in the peripheral vehicle detection step, and a speed distribution setting step.
It has a control step for controlling the speed and / or steering of the own vehicle so as to satisfy the speed limit distribution set in this speed distribution setting step.
In the speed distribution setting step, changes in the traveling behavior of peripheral vehicles are estimated based on the operation information received in the operation information receiving step, and the peripheral vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle changes lanes in the first direction. When it is estimated that the vehicle control method is to reduce the speed limit in at least the first direction in the speed limit distribution .

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