Advanced intelligent engine braking system

Abstract

A system and method for slowing a vehicle. Road conditions around the vehicle are monitored and it is determined whether these road conditions are hazardous. An engine control unit is informed of the hazardous road conditions and changes its operation in response to the hazardous road conditions. When an operator of the vehicle wishes to slow the vehicle, an indication is received that indicates an intent to slow the vehicle. The vehicle is then slowed based on the changed operation of the engine control unit by applying a vacuum to increase manifold vacuum of the engine.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates to controlling a vehicle during braking, and more specifically, to controlling a vehicle during braking in the presence of dangerous road conditions.

[0002] Vehicles travel on roads all over the world. Weather and road conditions are constantly changing. Some of these road conditions make it difficult to slow a vehicle in a way that allows the driver to maintain control. The development of anti-lock braking systems (ABS) helps maintain vehicle control and improves vehicle safety. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an engine braking system for a vehicle. The system includes an internal combustion engine and an engine control unit that controls the engine. A transmission is connected to the engine to transfer the engine's rotational energy to the vehicle's wheels. A braking system exists that uses mechanical methods to suppress wheel rotation. An external road condition detector is present to detect road conditions and determine whether those conditions are dangerous. The vehicle is enhanced by a vacuum system connected to the engine, which increases the engine manifold vacuum during engine operation in response to detected dangerous road conditions.

[0004] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a computer-implemented process for decelerating a vehicle. The process monitors road conditions around the vehicle and determines whether those conditions are hazardous. If the process determines that a road condition is hazardous, it notifies the engine control unit of the hazardous road condition. It further modifies the operation of the engine control unit in response to the hazardous road condition. When the vehicle operator wishes to decelerate the vehicle, an instruction indicating the intention to decelerate the vehicle is received. The process then decelerates the vehicle by applying a vacuum to increase the manifold vacuum of the engine, based on the modified operation of the engine control unit. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The accompanying drawings included in this application are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are merely illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0006] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a content delivery system according to an embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for optimizing the delivery of content to users in a multi-user content delivery system according to an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating a computing system according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 This is an illustration of a cloud computing environment.

[0010] Figure 5 A set of functional abstraction layers provided by a cloud computing environment is illustrated according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0011] While the invention may be adapted to various modifications and alternatives, its details have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within its scope. Detailed Implementation

[0012] This disclosure relates to controlling a vehicle during braking, and more specifically, to controlling a vehicle during braking in the presence of hazardous road conditions. While this disclosure is not necessarily limited to such applications, various aspects of this disclosure can be understood through the discussion of different examples using this context.

[0013] Vehicles travel on roads around the world carrying passengers and goods. Weather and road conditions are constantly changing. Some of these conditions, such as snow, ice, and rain, can make it difficult to slow a vehicle in a way that allows the driver to maintain control. While anti-lock braking systems (ABS) help maintain control of the vehicle, they are not always the most effective. In certain road conditions, ABS often result in increased stopping distances. This is due to the on / off characteristics of the brakes applied in the vehicle. This increased stopping distance is most commonly observed on surfaces covered with snow or ice. Increased stopping distances can lead to additional and avoidable collisions. These collisions account for millions of dollars annually in damage to both vehicles and cargo (damage caused by the collision itself). Therefore, systems designed to enhance ABS to both help maintain vehicle control and reduce stopping distances can lead to safer transportation of both people and goods.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the components of an intelligent engine braking system 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 100, installed in a vehicle, includes an engine 110, an engine control unit 120, a transmission 130, a braking system 140, and an external road condition detector 150.

[0015] Engine 110 is a component of system 100 that provides propulsive power to the vehicle. Engine 110 is an internal combustion engine 110 that uses gasoline, diesel, or natural gas as fuel to provide combustion within engine 110. Engine 110 has one or more cylinders that compress fuel before ignition by an applied spark or by compression of the fuel. Fuel is injected into engine 110 using one or more fuel injectors associated with each of the present cylinders. The rate at which fuel is supplied to engine 110 by the fuel injectors determines the rate at which the cylinders cycle through their respective stages. In one embodiment, engine 110 is a four-stroke engine 110. In a four-stroke engine 110, the complete cycle of the combustion process in the cylinder occurs in four stages: an intake stage where fuel and air are mixed, a compression stage where the fuel-air mixture is compressed by the piston, a power stage where the fuel-air mixture burns and pushes the piston downward, and an exhaust stage where gases from the combustion are expelled from the cylinder. As the piston moves through each stage, it interacts with the crankshaft via the connecting rod to generate rotational power.

[0016] The engine control unit 120 is a component of system 100 that controls the operation of engine 110 and associated components. Engine control unit 120 controls the amount of fuel supplied to engine 110 in response to actuation of the accelerator pedal. Engine control unit 120 also controls other functions and features of engine 110, such as valve timing or shutting down various cylinders of engine 110 to conserve fuel. Engine control unit 120 can also control the vacuum system 145 of the present invention.

[0017] The transmission 130 is a component of system 100 that transmits rotational power from engine 110 to the wheels and tires 135 of the vehicle, thereby allowing the vehicle to move. The transmission 130 adapts the output of engine 110 to the drive wheels. When engine 110 operates at a relatively high rotational speed compared to the rotational speed of the drive wheels at low speeds (e.g., 700 RPM for the engine versus less than 10 RPM for the wheels), the transmission 130 reduces the higher engine speed to the slower wheel speed, thereby increasing torque in the process by using one or more gears. Similarly, at high speeds, reverse gear is real. That is, the wheel speed is relatively higher than the engine speed. In this case, the transmission 130 raises the lower engine speed to match the higher wheel speed. The transmission 130 can switch between gears or gear ratios as the vehicle speed changes. Gears allow the transmission 130 to match engine speed with wheel speed. Furthermore, some gears can change the direction of wheel rotation, thereby allowing forward and backward movement.

[0018] The transmission 130 is typically connected to the crankshaft of the engine 110 via, for example, a flywheel, clutch, or fluid coupling. The output of the transmission 130 is transmitted via a drive shaft to one or more differentials at the drive wheels.

[0019] Braking system 140 is a component of system 100 that suppresses wheel rotation by absorbing energy from the wheels to slow or stop the vehicle. Braking system 140 applies friction to a portion of the wheel to transfer rotational energy into another form of energy. Typically, heat is generated by applying brake pads to the rotor due to friction. However, in some methods, additional resistance, such as through regenerative braking system 140, can be used to provide braking action. Braking system 140 can be enhanced by anti-lock braking system 143.

[0020] The anti-lock braking system 143 is an automatic system that applies the principles of threshold braking and rhythmic braking to help decelerate the vehicle while allowing the driver to maintain control of the vehicle without causing wheel lock-up. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) allows for improved vehicle control and reduces stopping distance on dry and some slippery surfaces. However, on loose gravel or snow-covered surfaces, the ABS significantly increases the braking distance. This increased stopping distance could cause the vehicle to collide with an object (e.g., another vehicle or person) while still allowing the driver to maintain steering control. However, on some surfaces (e.g., ice), the ABS 143 may fail if all wheels on which the ABS 143 operates stop rotating. This stoppage of rotation causes the ABS 143 to believe the vehicle has stopped moving, despite the fact that the vehicle is still slipping.

[0021] To enhance the anti-lock braking system 143 in these and other situations, the braking system 140 also includes an engine braking system. The engine braking system uses the drag of the engine 110 to help decelerate the vehicle and reduce wear on the brake pads and / or drums and rotors. When a specific road condition or a specific braking action is detected, the engine braking system, in conjunction with the anti-lock braking system 143, is used as an additional brake by the vehicle. Unlike typical engine braking systems, the engine braking system includes vacuum enhancement, which allows the system to be used on a wider variety of vehicles, such as passenger cars or light / medium-duty trucks and vans.

[0022] Vacuum system 145 is a component of braking system 140, which allows for an increase in manifold vacuum of engine 110 at engine speeds above idle. In internal combustion engine 110, manifold vacuum is highest when engine 110 is idling and gradually decreases as engine speed increases to higher RPMs. By increasing manifold vacuum, the system is able to replicate the internal conditions present when engine 110 is idling. To increase manifold vacuum, a vacuum pump is connected to the intake port of engine 110. When the vacuum pump is activated, manifold vacuum increases, causing engine 110 to work harder to maintain the same engine power and speed. However, since no additional fuel is supplied to the engine, no additional power is available to offset the effects of the increased vacuum pressure. This increased workload demand causes engine 110 to decelerate, which in turn causes the vehicle to decelerate without applying any mechanical brakes to the vehicle.

[0023] The external road condition detector 150 is a component of a system that detects road conditions inside and around a vehicle. The detector 150 can use various sensors attached to the vehicle to determine road conditions. For example, the detector 150 can use cameras mounted around the vehicle, such as rear-view cameras or cameras in mirrors, to identify road conditions. For instance, if the road surface appears white in an image, the detector 150 can determine that the road is covered in snow. Other sensors, such as temperature sensors and vehicle stability control sensors, can be used to determine the vehicle's external environment and response. The detector 150 can obtain additional information about road conditions. For example, information from local government traffic monitoring systems can be obtained and used by the detector 150 to help determine road conditions. Other information, such as from traffic cameras, network cameras, snowplow cameras, GPS, other vehicles, etc., can be used to help identify areas where road conditions may affect safe and stable driving. This information can be received via a network or other connection, such as a cellular network, Wi-Fi network, mobile phone, etc.

[0024] When detector 150 determines the presence of a hazardous road condition such as snow or ice, it transmits this information to engine control unit 120, allowing vacuum system 145 to be controlled to assist in slowing the vehicle when necessary. For example, when the driver releases the accelerator pedal, engine control unit 120 can increase manifold vacuum to further amplify the effect of releasing the accelerator pedal. This causes the vehicle to slow down more significantly than would be possible by adjusting fuel to engine 110. By slowing the vehicle without using the brakes, the driver maintains greater control over the vehicle than when the brakes are applied, and the required stopping distance in hazardous situations can be significantly reduced. In some embodiments, detector 150 may also notify anti-lock braking system 143 of the hazardous road condition. The ABS system can respond by delaying brake application or altering how the ABS system is applied to the vehicle to further help maintain vehicle control and reduce stopping distance.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a process 200 of using the intelligent braking system 140 according to an embodiment. The process begins with the driver starting the vehicle and beginning to travel along a road or highway. This is shown at step 210.

[0026] As the vehicle travels along the road, the external road condition detector 150 monitors road conditions. This is illustrated in step 220. Detector 150 can use sensors on the vehicle to determine road conditions. For example, a camera on the vehicle can be used to determine whether the road is covered with snow or is wet. In some embodiments, other sensors or systems on the vehicle can be used to monitor road conditions. For example, the ABS system can provide detector 150 with information about how many times the ABS system has been used, or the stability control system can provide information about how many times it has been used to maintain the stability of the vehicle. Detector 150 can also receive road condition-related information from other external sources, such as traffic cameras, snowplow cams, other vehicles, GPS, internet sources (e.g., news, weather, traffic websites), etc. However, any information source can be used to provide information to detector 150.

[0027] Detector 150 uses received information about road conditions to determine whether a hazardous road condition exists. This is illustrated at step 230. Detector 150 may determine the presence of a hazardous road condition based on a comparison of information / data received from various sensors, systems, and sources with data from known conditions that cause a hazardous road condition. For example, data associated with snow on the road may be associated with a hazardous road condition. This can be identified using, for example, a camera on a vehicle indicating that the road surface is white. Other data may be compared, such as data received from, for example, a snowplow cam indicating that it is currently snowing (because this data would typically not be available if it were not for snow), or from a weather application that provides forecasts for the area. This data may be compared with stored data indicating hazardous weather conditions to determine whether a hazardous road condition exists.

[0028] If no dangerous road conditions are determined, detector 150 returns to step 220 and continues monitoring road conditions. However, if a dangerous road condition is determined, detector 150 notifies engine control unit 120 of the condition. This is illustrated in step 240.

[0029] The engine control unit 120 responds to the instruction by altering its operation to take into account the detected condition. This is illustrated in step 250. The engine control unit 120 may modify the way it responds to movement in the accelerator and / or brake pedals of the vehicle in response to an instruction to decelerate. This instruction is illustrated in step 255. For example, the engine control unit 120 may indicate a desired speed reduction by reducing the flow of fuel to the engine 110 in response to an increase in the accelerator pedal.

[0030] Furthermore, the engine control unit 120 can engage a vacuum pump to increase the manifold vacuum of the engine 110. This increased manifold vacuum causes the engine 110 to work harder to maintain the same RPM. Without additional fuel to provide power to overcome the vacuum, the engine 110 begins to slow down at a faster rate than if only the fuel flow were reduced. This slowing down of the engine 110 slows down the vehicle itself without requiring additional braking. Step 260 illustrates the deceleration of the vehicle using the engine control unit 120.

[0031] In some embodiments, the engine control unit 120 communicates with the ABS system to indicate the presence of a hazardous road condition. This indication can modify how the ABS system operates. This is illustrated in step 270. When the engine control unit 120 has detected a hazardous condition, the ABS system can alter its operation to minimize brake usage. When light braking pressure is applied to the brake pedal to allow deceleration to occur via the engine 110, the ABS system can delay brake application. Alternatively, the ABS system can allow brake application but implement anti-lock braking before the wheels actually lock.

[0032] Now for reference Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a high-level block diagram of an exemplary computer system 301, which can be used to implement one or more and any associated functions of the methods, tools, and modules described herein (e.g., using one or more processor circuits or a computer processor) according to embodiments of the present disclosure discussed in the above figures. In some embodiments, the main components of the computer system 301 may include one or more CPUs 302, a memory subsystem 304, a terminal interface 312, a storage interface 316, an I / O (input / output) device interface 314, and a network interface 318, all of which may be directly or indirectly communicatively coupled for inter-component communication via a memory bus 303, an I / O bus 308, and an I / O bus interface unit 310.

[0033] Computer system 301 may include one or more general-purpose programmable central processing units (CPUs) 302A, 302B, 302C, and 302D, collectively referred to herein as CPU 302. In some embodiments, computer system 301 may include a typical multiple processors of a relatively large system; however, in other embodiments, computer system 301 may alternatively be a single CPU system. Each CPU 302 may execute instructions stored in memory subsystem 304 and may include one or more levels of onboard cache.

[0034] System memory 304 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 322 or cache memory 324. Computer system 301 may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, storage system 326 may be configured to read from and write to non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (such as a "hard disk drive"). Although not shown, a disk drive may be provided for reading from or writing to a removable non-volatile disk (e.g., a "floppy disk"), or an optical disk drive may be provided for reading from or writing to a removable non-volatile optical disk (such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical media). Furthermore, memory 304 may include flash memory, such as a flash stick drive or a flash drive. The memory device may be connected to memory bus 303 via one or more data media interfaces. Memory 304 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions of different embodiments.

[0035] Although memory bus 303 is Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a single bus structure providing a direct communication path between CPU 302, memory subsystem 304, and I / O bus interface 310. However, in some embodiments, memory bus 303 may include multiple different buses or communication paths, which may be arranged in any of a variety of forms, such as point-to-point links in hierarchical, star, or network configurations, multiple hierarchical buses, parallel and redundant paths, or any other suitable type of configuration. Furthermore, while I / O bus interface 310 and I / O bus 308 are shown as a single corresponding unit, in some embodiments, computer system 301 may include multiple I / O bus interface units 310, multiple I / O buses 308, or both. Further, while multiple I / O interface units are shown separating I / O bus 308 from different communication paths running to different I / O devices, in other embodiments, some or all I / O devices may be directly connected to one or more system I / O buses.

[0036] In some embodiments, computer system 301 may be a multi-user mainframe computer system, a single-user system, a server computer, or a similar device with little or no direct user interface but receiving requests from other computer systems (clients). Further, in some embodiments, computer system 301 may be implemented as a desktop computer, portable computer, laptop or notebook computer, tablet computer, pocket computer, telephone, smartphone, network switch or router, or any other suitable type of electronic device.

[0037] It is important to note that Figure 3This description aims to depict representative major components of an exemplary computer system 301. However, in some embodiments, the various components may have more... Figure 3 The greater or lesser complexity represented therein can exist differently from... Figure 3 Those components shown or excluding Figure 3 Components other than those shown, and the number, type, and configuration of such components can vary.

[0038] One or more programs / utilities 328, each having at least one set of program modules 330, may be stored in memory 304. Programs / utilities 328 may include a hypervisor (also called a virtual machine monitor), one or more operating systems, one or more applications, other program modules, and program data. Each or some combination of the operating system, one or more applications, other program modules, and program data may include an implementation of a network environment. Programs 328 and / or program modules 330 typically perform functions or methods of different embodiments.

[0039] It should be understood that while this disclosure includes a detailed description of cloud computing, the implementation of the teachings cited herein is not limited to cloud computing environments. Rather, embodiments of the invention can be implemented in conjunction with any other type of computing environment now known or developed hereafter.

[0040] Cloud computing is a service delivery model that enables convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing, memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services), which can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction with the service provider. This cloud model may include at least five features, at least three service models, and at least four deployment models.

[0041] The features are as follows:

[0042] On-demand self-service: Cloud consumers can unilaterally and automatically provide computing power, such as server time and network storage, as needed, without requiring human interaction with the service provider.

[0043] Extensive network access: Capabilities are available through networks and accessed via standard mechanisms that facilitate the use of heterogeneous thin client or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

[0044] Resource pooling: A provider's computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, where different physical and virtual resources are dynamically assigned and reassigned as needed. There is a sense of location independence because consumers typically do not have control or knowledge of the exact location of the resources provided, but may be able to specify the location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or data center).

[0045] Rapid flexibility: The ability to provide capacity quickly and flexibly, automatically scaling down and up rapidly in some situations to scale up rapidly. For consumers, the available supply capacity often appears unlimited and can be purchased in any quantity at any time.

[0046] Measuring services: Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource usage by leveraging metering capabilities at a level of abstraction appropriate to the service type (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported, providing transparency to both service providers and consumers.

[0047] The service model is as follows:

[0048] Software as a Service (SaaS): This provides consumers with the ability to use the provider's applications running on cloud infrastructure. Applications can be accessed from different client devices via thin client interfaces such as web browsers (e.g., web-based email). Consumers do not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure, including the network, servers, operating system, storage, or even individual application capabilities, with possible exceptions such as limited user-specific application configuration settings.

[0049] Platform as a Service (PaaS): This provides consumers with the ability to deploy applications created or acquired by the consumer using programming languages ​​and tools supported by the provider onto cloud infrastructure. Consumers do not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure, including networks, servers, operating systems, or storage, but they have control over the deployed applications and the configuration of any application hosting environment.

[0050] Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): The capabilities offered to consumers are processing, storage, networking, and other basic computing resources that enable consumers to deploy and run arbitrary software, which may include operating systems and applications. Consumers do not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure, but rather have control over the operating system, storage, deployed applications, and potentially limited control over selected networking components (e.g., host firewalls).

[0051] The deployment model is as follows:

[0052] Private cloud: A cloud infrastructure that operates solely for an organization. It can be managed by the organization or a third party and can exist on-site or off-site.

[0053] Community cloud: A cloud infrastructure shared by several organizations and supporting a specific community with shared concerns (e.g., tasks, security requirements, policies, and compliance considerations). It can be managed by an organization or a third party and can exist on-site or off-site.

[0054] Public cloud: Makes cloud infrastructure available to the public or large industry groups and is owned by an organization that sells cloud services.

[0055] Hybrid cloud: A cloud infrastructure is a combination of two or more clouds (private, community, or public) that remain a single entity but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technologies that enable data and applications to be ported (e.g., cloud bursting for load balancing between clouds).

[0056] Cloud computing environments are service-oriented, focusing on statelessness, loose coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability. At the heart of cloud computing is the infrastructure comprising a network of interconnected nodes.

[0057] System 100 can be used in cloud computing environments. Figure 4 This is an illustration of an illustrative cloud computing environment 450 according to one embodiment. As shown, the cloud computing environment 450 includes one or more cloud computing nodes 454 to which local computing devices used by cloud consumers can communicate. These local computing devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) or cellular phones 454A, desktop computers 454B, laptop computers 454C, and / or automotive computer systems 454N, can communicate with the one or more cloud computing nodes. They may be physically or virtually grouped (not shown) in one or more networks, such as private clouds, community clouds, public clouds, or hybrid clouds, or combinations thereof, as described above. This allows the cloud computing environment 450 to provide infrastructure, platforms, and / or software as services that cloud consumers do not need to maintain on their local computing devices. It should be understood that... Figure 4 The types of computing devices 454A-N shown are intended to be illustrative only, and computing node 454 and cloud computing environment 450 can communicate with any type of computerized device via any type of network and / or network-addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser).

[0058] See now Figure 5 This demonstrates the 450 (cloud computing environment) Figure 4 This provides a set of functional abstractions. It should be understood beforehand. Figure 5 The components, layers, and functions shown are intended to be illustrative only, and embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. As described, the following layers and corresponding functions are provided:

[0059] The hardware and software layer 560 includes hardware and software components. Examples of hardware components include: a host 561; a server 562 based on a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture; a server 563; a blade server 564; a storage device 565; and a network and network components 566. In some embodiments, the software components include network application server software 567 and database software 568.

[0060] The virtualization layer 570 provides an abstraction layer from which the following examples of virtual entities can be provided: virtual server 571; virtual storage 572; virtual network 573, including virtual private network; virtual application and operating system 574; and virtual client 575.

[0061] In one example, management layer 580 provides the following functionalities: Resource Provisioning 581 provides dynamic procurement of computing resources and other resources used to perform tasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and Pricing 582 provides cost tracking as resources are utilized within the cloud computing environment and bills or invoices for the consumption of these resources. In one example, these resources may include application software licenses. Security provides authentication for cloud consumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources. User Portal 583 provides access to the cloud computing environment for consumers and system administrators. Service Level Management 584 provides cloud resource allocation and management to ensure that required service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) Planning and Fulfillment 585 provides pre-scheduling and procurement of cloud resources, anticipating future requirements for those resources according to the SLA.

[0062] The workload layer 590 provides examples of functionalities that can be leveraged in a cloud computing environment. Examples of workloads and functionalities that can be provided from this layer include: mapping and navigation 591; software development and lifecycle management 592; content distribution and processing 593; data analytics and processing 594; transaction processing 595; and databases 596.

[0063] This invention can be a system, method, and / or computer program product with any possible level of technical detail integration. The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or media) having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to execute aspects of the invention.

[0064] Computer-readable storage media can be tangible means for retaining and storing instructions for use by an instruction execution device. Computer-readable storage media can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic storage devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, electromagnetic storage devices, semiconductor storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes: portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital universal disk (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanical encoding devices such as punch cards or protrusions in slots having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. As used herein, computer-readable storage media should not be construed as transient signals themselves, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through fiber optic cables), or electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0065] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to a suitable computing / processing device via a network (e.g., the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network), or to an external computer or external storage device. The network may include copper cables, optical fibers, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards them to a computer-readable storage medium within the suitable computing / processing device.

[0066] Computer-readable program instructions used to perform the operations of this invention may be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, integrated circuit configuration data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​(such as Smalltalk, C++, etc.) and procedural programming languages ​​(such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages). The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on a user's computer, partially on a user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on a user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network (including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs) may execute computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information from the computer-readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry in order to perform aspects of this invention.

[0067] The present invention will now be described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0068] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that causes a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other device to operate in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium storing the instructions includes an article of manufacture containing instructions that implement aspects of the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0069] Computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce computer-implemented processing, such that the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device perform the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0070] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. Each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, including one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than indicated in the figures. For example, depending on the functions involved, two consecutively shown blocks may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action or executes a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0071] Various embodiments of this disclosure have been described for illustrative purposes, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein has been chosen to explain the principles of the embodiments, their practical application, or technical improvements to technologies found in the market, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An engine braking system for a vehicle, comprising: engine; An engine control unit configured to control the operation of the engine; A transmission configured to transfer rotational energy from the engine to multiple wheels of the vehicle; A braking system configured to suppress the rotation of the plurality of wheels by at least one mechanical device; An external road condition detector is configured to determine the road conditions inside and around the vehicle; as well as A vacuum system connected to the engine, the vacuum system being configured to increase the manifold vacuum associated with the engine during operation of the engine, based on the determination; The vacuum system is used to decelerate the vehicle based on the determination.

2. The engine braking system according to claim 1, wherein, When the engine is running at a speed higher than its idle speed, the vacuum system increases the manifold vacuum.

3. The engine braking system according to claim 1, wherein, The vacuum system is engaged in response to the external road condition detector detecting a dangerous road condition.

4. The engine braking system according to claim 3, wherein, The vacuum system is engaged by the engine control unit.

5. The engine braking system according to claim 4, wherein, The engine control unit engages the vacuum system in response to the release of the accelerator in the vehicle.

6. The engine braking system according to claim 1, wherein, The braking system further includes an anti-lock braking system.

7. The engine braking system according to claim 6, wherein, The anti-lock braking system is configured to delay the application of at least one mechanical device in response to engagement of the vacuum system.

8. The engine braking system according to claim 1, wherein, The engine control unit is configured to prevent additional fuel from being supplied to the engine when the vacuum system is engaged.

9. The engine braking system according to claim 1, wherein, The external traffic detector is configured to receive road condition information via a network connection.

10. The engine braking system according to claim 1, wherein, The external road condition detector is configured to receive road condition information from sensors installed on the vehicle.

11. A method for slowing down a vehicle, comprising: The vehicle monitors road conditions; The road conditions are determined using an external traffic detector. The engine control unit is notified of the road conditions. The operation of the engine control unit is changed in response to the road conditions. Receive instructions from the operator of the vehicle indicating an intention to slow down the vehicle; as well as Based on the determination, the vehicle is decelerated by applying a vacuum to increase the manifold vacuum of the engine controlled by the engine control unit, based on the changed operation of the engine control unit.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Delay the application of mechanical braking systems.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, Delay is applied via the anti-lock braking system.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Slowing down the vehicle prevents additional fuel from being supplied to the engine when the vacuum is applied.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The vacuum is applied when the engine is running at a speed higher than its idle speed.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Monitoring includes receiving information from the vehicle's onboard sensors.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Monitoring includes receiving information from sources outside the vehicle.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The instruction refers to raising the accelerator pedal in the vehicle.

19. A computer program product comprising computer-executable instructions, which, when executed on at least one processor in a vehicle, cause the at least one processor to: The engine control unit is notified of one or more road conditions inside and around the vehicle, as determined by external road condition detectors. The operation of the engine control unit is changed in response to the road conditions. Receive instructions from the operator of the vehicle indicating an intention to slow down the vehicle; and Based on the determination, the vehicle is decelerated by applying a vacuum to increase the manifold vacuum of the engine controlled by the engine control unit, based on the changed operation of the engine control unit.

Images