18380821. VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY RECORDING MEDIUM simplified abstract (TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY RECORDING MEDIUM

Organization Name

TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

Masashi Nose of Nagoya-shi (JP)

Tomoaki Miyazawa of Nagoya-shi (JP)

Kazuya Kumazawa of Nagoya-shi (JP)

Miki Tsujino of Nagakute-shi (JP)

Tsukasa Kitazawa of Toyota-shi (JP)

VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY RECORDING MEDIUM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18380821 titled 'VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY RECORDING MEDIUM

Simplified Explanation

The vehicle control device described in the patent application assists in lane changes by automatically moving the vehicle from one lane to another based on the operation of a control member by the occupant of the vehicle.

• The processor executes first lane change assistance control to move the vehicle from the current travel lane to an adjacent lane when a specific operation is performed by the occupant.
• The processor also executes second lane change assistance control to move the vehicle from the travel lane to a distant lane on the opposite side of the travel lane across the adjacent lane when a different operation is performed by the occupant.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in autonomous vehicles to enhance their lane change capabilities and improve overall safety on the roads.

Problems Solved

This technology helps in reducing the manual effort required for lane changes and provides assistance to the driver in making safe and efficient lane changes.

Benefits

- Improved safety during lane changes - Enhanced driving experience for occupants - Reduced driver workload

Potential Commercial Applications

"Enhancing Lane Change Assistance Control in Vehicles for Improved Safety and Efficiency"

Possible Prior Art

There are existing lane departure warning systems and lane-keeping assist technologies in vehicles, but the specific combination of first and second lane change assistance controls as described in this patent application may be novel.

Unanswered Questions

How does the device differentiate between the first and second operations performed by the occupant?

The patent application does not provide details on how the processor distinguishes between the specific operations executed by the occupant to trigger the first and second lane change assistance controls.

Are there any limitations to the distance or number of lanes the vehicle can change across using this technology?

The patent application does not mention any restrictions or limitations on the distance or number of lanes the vehicle can change across when executing the second lane change assistance control.

Original Abstract Submitted

A vehicle control device includes a processor which, when an operation member operable by an occupant of a vehicle has been operated, causes the vehicle to execute lane change assistance control, wherein the processor: executes first lane change assistance control that moves the vehicle from a travel lane, which is a lane in which the vehicle is traveling, to an adjacent lane when a first operation has been executed with respect to the operation member; and executes second lane change assistance control that moves the vehicle from the travel lane to a distant lane, which is a lane on the opposite side of the travel lane across the adjacent lane, when a second operation different from the first operation has been executed with respect to the operation member.