Patent ID: 8401759

Claim:
An apparatus to control a reaction force of an accelerator of a vehicle, the control apparatus comprising: a means for detecting an opening degree of the accelerator based on a magnitude at which the accelerator is operated; a first means for increasing the reaction force by a first force magnitude during a period in which the vehicle transitions from a first operational state to a second operational state in response to an increase in the opening degree of the accelerator; and a second means for increasing the reaction force, distinct the first means for increasing the reaction force, if the accelerator opening degree is increased within a predetermined time period after the reaction force is increased by the first means; wherein the first operational state corresponds to a low specific fuel consumption and the second operational state corresponds to a specific fuel consumption higher than the low specific fuel consumption, and wherein the first means is configured to decrease the reaction force by the first force magnitude in response to a reduction in the opening degree of the accelerator.