This gear shifting control device is equipped with a pedal operation detection unit (42) and a control unit (60). The control unit (60) includes a change rate calculation unit (60a) which calculates a time change rate (DFSA) of a pedal load detection value (FS), a load prediction unit (60b) which obtains a pedal load prediction value (FSC), a pedal load determination unit (60c) which determines whether or not the pedal load detection value (FS) reaches a first threshold value (FSCC), a predicted value determination unit (60d) which determines whether or not the pedal load prediction value (FSC) exceeds a second threshold value (FSCTC) when the pedal load detection value (FS) reaches the first threshold value (FSCC), and an output suppression control unit (60e) which performs output suppression control when it is determined that the pedal load prediction value (FSC) exceeds the second threshold value (FSCTC).

A vehicular awakening detection device 10 includes pressure sensors 48 provided in a + side paddle shift 46R and/or a side paddle shift 46L which is able to be operated by a driver in a vehicle. The pressure sensor 48 is used for determining the degrees of awakening of a driver by making the driver to operate the + side paddle shift 46R and/or the side paddle shift 46L.

Aspects of the present invention relates to a vehicle control system (1) for controlling a vehicle transfer case (3). The transfer case (3) is operable in a high range and a low range. The vehicle control system (1) includes a selection means (21) for selecting first and second control strategies for the transfer case. The first and second control strategies are based on an activation time of the selection means (21). A further aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle control system (1) for implementing a deferred transfer case range change. The present invention also relates to a vehicle (5) and a related method of operating a vehicle control system (1).

One way to improve fuel efficiency of a vehicle is to detect the vehicle operational shortcomings related to fuel consumption by determining whether fuel used during operation of the vehicle is normal fuel use or wasted fuel use. Considerations of idling, speeding and inappropriate gear shifts are some ways to measure the amount of fuel wasted due to operator shortcomings. Communicating this information to the operator in real-time so adjustments can be made will improve vehicle fuel efficiency. These techniques are applicable to tracking employment of other driving best practices as well.

One way to improve fuel efficiency of a vehicle is to detect the vehicle operational shortcomings related to fuel consumption by determining whether fuel used during operation of the vehicle is normal fuel use or wasted fuel use. Considerations of idling, speeding and inappropriate gear shifts are some ways to measure the amount of fuel wasted due to operator shortcomings. Communicating this information to the operator in real-time so adjustments can be made will improve vehicle fuel efficiency. These techniques are applicable to tracking employment of other driving best practices as well.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a control system for a motor vehicle, the system being operable in an automatic mode selection condition in which the system is configured to select automatically an appropriate system operating mode and to assume operation in said system operating mode, wherein when operating in the automatic mode selection condition the system is configured to prevent selection of a prescribed one or more operating modes if it is determined that the vehicle is towing a load.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a control system for a motor vehicle, the system being operable in an automatic mode selection condition in which the system is configured to select automatically an appropriate system operating mode from a plurality of operating modes whereby the system assumes operation in said system operating mode, the system being further operable to activate an automatic progress control function in which a speed of the vehicle over terrain is controlled automatically by the system, wherein when the system is in the automatic mode selection condition the system is configured to allow the automatic progress control function to be activated only when the system is operating in one of a subset of one or more system operating modes.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a control system for a motor vehicle, the system being operable in an automatic mode selection condition in which the system is configured to select automatically an appropriate system operating mode whereby the system assumes operation in said system operating mode, the system being further configured to allow activation of an automatic progress control function in which a speed of the vehicle over terrain is controlled automatically by the system, wherein when the automatic progress control function is active the system is configured automatically to suspend changes in the selected system operating mode.

Disclosed is a drive assist device including: a driver state detection unit that outputs a control start signal; a consent confirmation unit that inquires of a driver, whether the driver consents to execution of an emergency evacuation control, and receives a reply to the inquiry from the driver; a control section that executes the emergency evacuation control when receiving a consent reply of the execution of the emergency evacuation control from the driver; and an erroneous operation determination unit that determines whether the driving operation of the driver is an erroneous operation, in which the control section limits the driving operation of the driver when it is determined that the driving operation of the driver is an erroneous operation in a period from the time when the control start signal is received to the time when the consent reply of execution of the control is received.

Automated drive assisting systems, methods, and programs acquire an expected travel route for a vehicle that includes an automated drive section in which automated drive control for the vehicle is permitted, and execute the automated drive control for the vehicle such that the vehicle travels along the expected travel route in the automated drive section which is included in the expected travel route. The systems, methods, and programs make a changeover from the automated drive control to manual drive based on a drive operation by a user in the case where there is a branch point that meets a predetermined condition ahead in a travel direction of the vehicle which travels through the automated drive control in the automated drive section, the changeover being made before the branch point.