Travel control device, travel control system, travel control method, and tire testing device

A travel control method for testing of a passing noise of tires fitted to a vehicle, the method including steps of:

• detecting information for the vehicle traveling on a course including a testing section for testing the tires and a determination section, wherein the vehicle travels on the course mixed with an other vehicle, and the course comprises a detection device that detects presence of the other vehicle;
• controlling travel of the vehicle using automated driving based on the information for the vehicle so that the vehicle travels on the testing section based on a prescribed standard for testing of the tire, wherein accelerating the vehicle before entering the test section, in which the testing of the tire is performed while the vehicle coasts with an engine or motor of the vehicle is stopped,
• controlling the travel of the vehicle based on information about position of the other vehicle and detection result of the other vehicle by the detection device,
• determining, while the vehicle is traveling on the determination section before the vehicle enters the testing section, the vehicle may travel on the testing section when an absence of the other vehicle in the testing section is detected by the detection device, and
• controlling the travel of the vehicle based on the detection result of at least one of a velocity of the vehicle or objects located around the vehicle.

A tire testing device, comprising a controller for controlling travel of a vehicle fitted with tires, using automated driving, wherein

• the vehicle travels on a course including a testing section for testing the tire and a determination section,
• the vehicle travels on the course mixed with the other vehicle,
• the course comprises a detection device that detects presence of the other vehicle,
• the controller causes the vehicle to travel on the testing section based on a prescribed standard for testing of the tire and to acquire test data of the tire in the testing section so that the vehicle accelerates before entering the test section and coasts in the testing section with an engine or motor of the vehicle stopped,
• the controller controls travel of the vehicle based on information about position of the other vehicle and detection result of the other vehicle by the detection device,
• the controller, while the vehicle is traveling on the determination section before the vehicle enters the testing section, determines the vehicle may travel on the testing section when an absence of the other vehicle in the testing section is detected by the detection device, and
• the travel control device is configured to control travel of the vehicle based on the detection result of at least one of a velocity of the vehicle or objects located around the vehicle.