Adverse weather vehicle system

Abstract

A vehicle includes a traction control system. The vehicle includes a controller configured to indicate a recommended speed on a display based on precipitation deposits, temperature, and speed limits, and to activate the traction control system before the vehicle intersects the vector. The indication and activation can be in response to an expected route of the vehicle intersecting an expected precipitation deposit of a weather prediction vector received from a source external to the vehicle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to adverse weather systems in vehicles. BACKGROUND

[0002] Route selection and navigation systems provide directional information to vehicle occupants. These systems can provide speed limits or traffic indications along a route. Vehicles can also encounter adverse weather. Occupants can not be aware of weather conditions along their intended route. SUMMARY

[0003] A vehicle includes a traction control system. The vehicle includes a controller configured to indicate a recommended speed on a display based on a precipitous deposit, temperature, and speed limit, and to activate the traction control before the vehicle intersects the vector. The indication and activation can be in response to an intended route of the vehicle intersecting an expected precipitous deposit of a weather prediction vector received from a source outside the vehicle.

[0004] A method includes indicating a recommended speed on a display based on a deposit, temperature, and speed limit. The indication can be in response to an intended route of the vehicle intersecting an expected precipitous deposit of a weather prediction vector received from a source outside the vehicle. The method includes activating a traction control system before the vehicle intersects the vector. The method can be performed by a controller.

[0005] A vehicle includes a controller configured to indicate a driving recommendation on a display based on a precipitous deposit, temperature, and speed limit. The indication and activation can be in response to an intended route of the vehicle intersecting an expected precipitous deposit of a weather prediction vector received from a source outside the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a summary of vehicle telematics and control systems;

[0007] Figure 2 is a display of a navigation system;

[0008] Figure 3 is a display of a navigation system on a vehicle dashboard; and

[0009] Figure 4 is an algorithm for displaying speed recommendations and activation of traction controls. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments can take various forms and alternate forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; some features can be exaggerated or minimized to show specific details. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present application in a variety of ways. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, various features shown and described in reference to one of the drawings can be combined with features shown and described in reference to one or more other drawings to produce embodiments that are not explicitly shown or described. Combinations of the features shown and described are provided to show representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features, consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure, can be desired for particular applications or implementations.

[0011] A vehicle navigation system can be configured to receive weather information proximate to a travel path of a vehicle. The weather information can be in the form of a vector with an estimated time component, a starting coordinate, a travel direction, and a travel rate. The vector can form an object defined by an area or volume. The vector can be associated with a weather pattern or a segment of a weather pattern with an expected precipitation deposit. For example, a weather pattern can have different elements that are expected to produce rain. Each different element can have an associated weather prediction vector. The weather prediction vector can have an originating coordinate and a predicted travel path over time. The vector can include an expected rate of precipitation, a displacement velocity, a temperature, and other information.

[0012] If the travel path and vector intersect, the controller can be configured to display weather information on a display of the passenger or a navigation screen. For example, an icon can be associated with the intersection or cross, which can indicate the location of the intersection on the intended vehicle route. The display can include an estimate of the accumulated precipitation. For example, a color can be used to indicate the type of precipitation, and a line thickness can be used to indicate the amount of precipitation. Additionally, the controller can display a recommended speed based on the mapped speed limit and the amount of precipitation for a portion of the route. For example, the amount of precipitation can be 2 inches, and the speed limit for a given portion of the route is 55-mph. The amount can also include the intensity of the rainfall, the accumulation of ice, or any type of precipitation deposit. The controller can recommend a travel speed below the speed limit based on the precipitation. The recommendation can be further based on the expected temperature of the precipitation. For example, the vector can include a temperature characteristic that further modifies the speed recommendation. Based on the presence of 44-mph of rainfall, the speed limit of 55-mph can be reduced by 20%. The temperature can further reduce the speed limit of 55-mph by 60% to 22-mph. The display can also include driving tips (e.g., turn on traction control, ease off the brakes, slow down, reduce speed, avoid sudden maneuvers, approaching a hill, take your foot off the accelerator, heavy rain, wet road, icy road).

[0013] Figure 1 An example vehicle 102 is shown that implements a controller to communicate with a remote server 150. The vehicle 102 can include a vehicle computing system (VCS) 106 that is configured to communicate using a telematics control unit (TCU) 120-A via a wide area network 152 (e.g., cellular, Wi-Fi, SRC, IEEE 802.1 lp, vehicular ad hoc network) using a cellular modem 116. The system also includes a vehicle data server 150 that is configured to send, compute, and otherwise produce weather prediction vectors, vehicle routes, and precipitative deposits. Although Figure 1 An example system is shown, but the example components as shown are not intended to be limiting. Indeed, the system can have more or fewer components, and can use additional or alternative components and / or implementations. Some functionality can be performed by the vehicle, the server, or a combination thereof.

[0014] The vehicle 102 can include various types of cars, crossover utility vehicles (CUVs), sport utility vehicles (SUVs), trucks, recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, airplanes, or other mobile machines for transporting people or cargo. In many cases, the vehicle 102 can be powered by an internal combustion engine. As another possibility, the vehicle 102 can be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powered by both an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors, such as a series hybrid electric vehicle (SHEV), a parallel hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a parallel / series hybrid electric vehicle (PSHEV). As the type and configuration of the vehicle 102 can vary, the capabilities of the vehicle 102 can correspondingly vary. As some other possibilities, the vehicle 102 can have different capabilities with respect to passenger capacity, towing capacity and capacity, and storage capacity.

[0015] The VCS 106 can be configured to support voice commands and a Bluetooth interface to interface with drivers and devices carried on the vehicle, receive user input via various buttons or other controls, and provide vehicle status information to the driver or other vehicle 102 occupants. An example VCS 106 can be the SYNC system provided by Ford Motor Company of Dearborn, Michigan.

[0016] The VCS 106 can further include various types of computing devices to support performing the functions of the VCS 106 described herein. In an example, the VCS 106 can include one or more processors configured to execute computer instructions, and a storage medium on which computer-executable instructions and / or data can be held. Computer-readable storage media (also referred to as processor-readable media or storage devices) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor). Generally, a processor will receive instructions and / or data from a storage device, e.g., memory, and execute the instructions using the data, to perform one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. Computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted from computer programs created using a variety of programming languages and / or technologies, including, without limitation, and either alone or in combination, Java, C, C++, C#, Fortran, Pascal, Visual Basic, Python, Java Script, Perl, PL / SQL, and the like.

[0017] The VCS 106 can also receive input from human-machine interface (HMI) controls 108 configured to provide occupant interaction with the vehicle 102. For example, the VCS 106 can interface with one or more buttons or other HMI controls 108 configured to invoke functions on the VCS 106 (e.g., steering wheel audio buttons, push-to-talk buttons, dashboard controls, etc.). The VCS 106 can also drive or otherwise communicate with one or more displays 110 configured to provide visual output to a vehicle occupant, e.g., via a video controller. In some cases, the display 110 can be a touchscreen further configured to receive user touch input via the video controller, while in other cases the display 110 can simply be a display without touch input capability. In an example, the display 110 can be a head unit display included in a central console area of a cabin of the vehicle 102. In another example, the display 110 can be a screen of an instrument cluster of the vehicle 102.

[0018] The VCS 106 can be further configured to communicate with other components of the vehicle 102 via one or more in-vehicle networks 112 or vehicle buses 112. As some examples, the in-vehicle networks 112 can include one or more of a vehicle controller area network (CAN), Ethernet, and media oriented systems transport (MOST). The in-vehicle networks 112 can allow the VCS 106 to communicate with other vehicle 102 systems, such as a vehicle modem of the TCU 120-A (which can not be present in certain configurations), a global positioning system (GPS) module 120-B configured to provide current vehicle 102 location and heading information, and various other vehicle ECUs configured to cooperate with the VCS 106. As some non-limiting possibilities, the vehicle ECUs can include a powertrain control module (PCM) 120-C configured to provide control over and monitoring of engine operating components (e.g., idle speed control components, fuel delivery components, emission control components, etc.), a body control module (BCM) 120-D configured to manage various power control functions such as exterior lighting, interior lighting, keyless entry, remote start, and access point status verification (e.g., closure status of the hood, doors, and / or trunk of the vehicle 102), a radio transceiver module (RCM) 120-E configured to communicate with a key fob or other local vehicle 102 device, a climate control management (CCM) 120-F module configured to provide control over and monitoring of heating and cooling system components (e.g., compressor clutch and blower control, temperature sensor information, etc.), and a battery control module (BACM) 120-G configured to monitor the state of charge or other parameters of the battery of the vehicle 102.

[0019] As some non-limiting examples, the wide area network 152 can include one or more interconnected communication networks, such as the Internet, a cable television distribution network, a satellite link network, a local area network, a wide area network, and a telephone network. Using the embedded modem 116 of the VCS 106, the vehicle 102 can be able to transmit outgoing data from the vehicle 102 to network destinations on the wide area network 152, and receive incoming data from network destinations on the wide area network 152 to the vehicle 102. The vehicle can also transmit and receive data from the V2V modem 122 or the WPAN modem 116. It should be appreciated that any of the information disclosed herein for communicating can be provided by any combination of processors located internal or external to the vehicle, and transmitted using any combination of networking protocols. The processing can be distributed among all vehicles 102 in the vicinity of the event, or performed on the backend server 150. The vehicles 102 can include various communication media and methods to distribute vehicle path information among all autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles affected by the event. For example, the vehicles 102 can form a special distributed network to distribute the processing of gestures or path information. The vehicles 102 can form a distributed network to communicate detour instructions and travel paths among each other. The vehicles 102 can cooperatively determine a rejection rate or altered travel paths.

[0020] The TCU 120-A can include a cellular modem or other network transceiver configured to facilitate communication between the vehicle 102 and other devices of the system via the wide area network 152. In examples, the VCS 106 can be configured to access the communication features of the TCU 120-A by communicating with the TCU 120-A via the vehicle bus 112. As some examples, may include a controller area network (CAN) bus, an Ethernet bus, or a MOST bus. In other examples, the VCS 106 can use a communication service of a mobile device to access the wide area network 152. In examples, the VCS 106 can communicate with a mobile device via a local area connection (e.g., Bluetooth), and the mobile device in turn communicates via the wide area network 152 using a cellular modem of the mobile device.

[0021] With reference to Figure 2, showing a vehicle display 110. The vehicle display can be part of the HMI controls 108 or a separate device. The display shows an expected route 202 for the vehicle from Detroit, Michigan to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Expected weather forecast vectors 204, 206, 208 intersect the expected route 202. The weather forecast vectors 204, 206, 208 are associated with a weather pattern 210. The weather forecast vectors 204, 206, 208 can be expected to produce a precipitation deposit 212. The precipitation deposit can define a weather forecast perimeter. The precipitation deposit 212 can be divided into a specific portion for each of the forecast vectors 204, 206, 208. For example, each vector can have a separate time component for the intersection. The time component can be associated with the expected deposit 212. Each vector can have an expected deposit 212 component that defines an expected amount of deposit. For example, the deposit can vary between vectors.

[0022] Referring to Figure 3 , showing a dashboard 300 for a vehicle. The dashboard 300 includes a display 112. The display 112 informs a passenger that at least one of the weather forecast vectors 204, 206, 208 has intersected the expected route 202. The passenger can be informed with a warning indicator 306. As shown, the passenger can be provided with a suggested speed indicator 304. The display 112 can include an indication 308 that a weather guidance mode has been activated. The display 112 can further include a route 202 planning icon 310.

[0023] Referring to Figure 4 , an algorithm 400 for performing the teachings of the present disclosure. The steps of the algorithm 400 can be performed in any order and some steps can be omitted. The algorithm 400 begins in step 402. In step 404, an expected route 202 is determined. The expected route 202 can be determined by user input via the display 112 and icon 310. The expected route 202 can be determined by an autonomous source on or off the vehicle. The algorithm 400 can be performed on or off the vehicle and can provide instructions to the vehicle. For example, the server 150 can perform all of the calculations required and send the results to the vehicle 102.

[0024] In step 406, the weather prediction vectors 204, 206, 208 are received. The vehicle or server can determine whether the intended route 202 intersects with the weather prediction vectors 204, 206, 208. If the path intersects, the controller can determine whether the weather prediction vectors include precipitation deposits 212 that will be deposited along the route 202. For example, rain can be deposited along the route 202, requiring a reduction in speed and an increase in the attention of the driver or vehicle. Additionally, traction or stability controls can be engaged at the expense of fuel economy or other necessities. In step 412, the controller can determine whether the intersection includes an expected temperature below 0°C. If the intersection includes such a temperature, the controller can further reduce the suggested speed to account for the lower coefficient of friction associated with ice, sleet, snow, or a mixture thereof. In step 414, the controller can receive posted speed limits from a national or local repository. For example, the speed limit on a highway from Detroit, Michigan to Ann Arbor, Michigan can be between 55 and 70 mph.

[0025] The controller can further activate traction controls or other assistive systems to ensure that vehicle control can be made before and during the intersection. For example, assistive systems can require a period of time to engage. The assistive systems can be activated with sufficient lead time to ensure that those systems are properly engaged before the intersection.

[0026] The suggested speed can vary with many variables (e.g., speed limit, temperature, deposit amount, visibility, time, traffic, lane of travel). For example, the speed limit can act as a starting point. Based on the intersection or crossing meaning any precipitation, the suggested speed can be 50% less than the posted speed limit. Any additional factors (e.g., traffic, visibility, time, deposit amount) can further reduce the suggested speed by 50% or another amount tailored to the particular factor.

[0027] The intended route can be defined based on an algorithmically determined route to a selected destination. The user or controller can select the destination. An algorithm can be used to determine the shortest route to the destination. The intended route can be a portion of the algorithmically determined route. The vector can include a visibility distance. The visibility distance can also be determined by a lidar or other tool. The suggested speed can be based on the visibility distance. For example, if the visibility drops below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 1 mile), the speed can be reduced.

[0028] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. The details in such examples are to be considered in a context of a description. Various embodiments can omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. Like reference numerals can be used to denote like components throughout the description, particularly in the drawings. The numbering of components in figures corresponds with the numbering used in the description. The numbering in figures follows the numbering of components in the description, with the first digit corresponding to the figure number in which that component is first shown, and the remaining digits corresponding to the component number in the figure. The components can be arranged and configured in a manner that is different than shown in the figures, as a result of for example the components being arranged in a different order or being arranged in a different manner than shown in the figures. In addition, it is to be understood that the describing text can use phraseology or interrelated subjects such as, for example, related circuit components, system blocks, or other related apparatuses that are in the nature of equivalents to express the technical and / or functional descriptions for the described technical glass. Such phrases and associated subjects are not to be considered as contributing to the literal or legal definition of the described technical glass, and are not to be used to construe the claims in a manner that is not consistent with the plain and ordinary meaning of the recited claims.

[0029] According to the invention, there is provided a vehicle having a traction control system; and a controller configured to, in response to an expected route of the vehicle intersecting an expected precipitation deposit of a weather prediction vector received from a source external to the vehicle, indicate a recommended speed on a display based on the deposit and a temperature associated with the deposit and a speed limit associated with the route, and activate the traction control system prior to the vehicle intersecting the vector.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the expected precipitation deposit is below a predetermined temperature.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the expected precipitation deposit is an accumulation of snow above a predetermined snow threshold.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the expected precipitation deposit is an accumulation of ice above a predetermined ice threshold.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the expected precipitation deposit is an accumulation of ice and snow above a predetermined ice, snow threshold.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the expected route is defined based on a selected destination by an algorithmically determined route.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the vector includes a visibility distance.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the speed is further based on the visibility distance.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the controller is further configured to activate a stability control in response to the visibility falling below a visibility threshold and the expected precipitation deposit being snow.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the speed has a local minimum when the temperature is within 10% of freezing.

[0039] According to the invention, there is provided a method having a controller indicating a recommended speed on a display in response to an expected route of a vehicle intersecting an expected precipitation deposit of a weather forecast vector received from a source external to the vehicle, based on the deposit, a temperature associated with the deposit, and a speed limit associated with the route; and activating a traction control system prior to the vehicle intersecting the vector.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the temperature is below a predetermined temperature.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the expected precipitation deposit is an accumulation of snow above a predetermined snow threshold.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the expected precipitation deposit is an accumulation of ice above a predetermined ice threshold.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the expected precipitation deposit is an accumulation of ice and snow above a predetermined ice, snow threshold.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the expected route is defined based on a selected destination by an algorithmically determined route.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the vector includes a visibility distance.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the speed is further based on the visibility distance.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the controller is further configured to activate a stability control in response to the visibility falling below a visibility threshold and the deposit being snow.

[0048] According to the invention, there is provided a vehicle having a controller configured to indicate a driving recommendation on a display in response to an expected route of the vehicle intersecting an expected precipitation deposit of a weather forecast vector received from a source external to the vehicle, based on the deposit, a temperature associated with the deposit, and a speed limit associated with the route.

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising: a traction control system; and a controller configured to, in response to an intended route of the vehicle intersecting an expected precipitation deposit of a weather prediction vector received from a source external to the vehicle, indicate a recommended speed on a display based on the deposit and a temperature associated with the deposit and a speed limit associated with the route, and activate the traction control system prior to the vehicle intersecting the vector, wherein the temperature is below a predetermined temperature, the weather prediction vector has an estimated time component, a starting coordinate, a direction of travel, and a rate of travel, forms a predicted path of travel over time, and has a separate time component for the intended route intersecting the expected precipitation deposit.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, the expected precipitation deposit is an accumulation of snow above a predetermined snow threshold.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, the expected precipitation deposit is an accumulation of ice above a predetermined ice threshold.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, the expected precipitation deposit is an accumulation of ice and snow above a predetermined ice, snow threshold.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, the intended route is defined based on a route determined by an algorithm to a selected destination.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, the vector includes a visibility distance.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein, the speed is further based on the visibility distance.

8. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein, the controller is further configured to activate a stability control in response to a visibility distance falling below a visibility threshold and the expected precipitation deposit being snow.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, the speed has a local minimum when the temperature is within 10% of freezing.

10. A vehicle control method, comprising: by a controller, in response to an intended route of a vehicle intersecting an expected precipitation deposit of a weather prediction vector received from a source external to the vehicle, indicating a recommended speed on a display based on the deposit, a temperature associated with the deposit, and a speed limit associated with the route, wherein the temperature is below a predetermined temperature, the weather prediction vector has an estimated time component, a starting coordinate, a direction of travel, and a rate of travel, forms a predicted path of travel over time, and has a separate time component for the intended route intersecting the expected precipitation deposit; and activating a traction control system prior to the vehicle intersecting the vector.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, the expected precipitation deposit is an accumulation of snow above a predetermined snow threshold.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, the expected precipitation deposit is an accumulation of ice above a predetermined ice threshold.

13. A vehicle, comprising: a controller configured to, in response to an intended route of the vehicle intersecting an expected precipitation deposit of a weather prediction vector received from a source external to the vehicle, indicate a driving recommendation on a display based on the deposit, a temperature associated with the deposit, and a speed limit associated with the route, wherein the temperature is below a predetermined temperature, the weather prediction vector has an estimated time component, a starting coordinate, a direction of travel, and a rate of travel, forms a predicted path of travel over time, and has a separate time component for the intended route intersecting the expected precipitation deposit.

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