Method, device, controller and program product for controlling a vehicle backup brake system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method, apparatus, controller and computer program product for controlling a backup brake system of a vehicle. The method includes determining a system state of the backup brake system in response to a power-on request for the vehicle and a main brake system of the vehicle being in a normal state. The method also includes switching the backup brake system to a sleep state in response to determining that the system state is the normal state. The method further includes switching the backup brake system from the sleep state to a wake-up state in response to an enable request for enabling a predetermined driving function of the vehicle for braking of the vehicle in the event of a failure of the main brake system. According to the method of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the backup brake system of the vehicle can be put in the sleep state without enabling the predetermined driving function of the vehicle and put in the wake-up state with enabling the predetermined driving function, thereby greatly reducing power consumption of the backup brake system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to the field of vehicles, and more particularly to methods, apparatus, controllers, and computer program products for controlling a vehicle's backup braking system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, vehicles can perform more and more functions, bringing great convenience to users. However, the implementation of these functions requires corresponding power consumption, leading to an increase in vehicle power consumption. Therefore, it is desirable to save vehicle resources and reduce power consumption while meeting user needs, in order to rationally allocate vehicle resources. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a method, apparatus, controller, and computer program product for controlling a vehicle's backup braking system.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a method for controlling a backup braking system of a vehicle is provided. The method includes determining a system state of the backup braking system in response to a power-on request for the vehicle and the vehicle's main braking system being in a normal state. The method further includes switching the backup braking system to a sleep state in response to determining the system state as normal. The method also includes switching the backup braking system from the sleep state to a wake-up state in response to an activation request for activating a predetermined driving function of the vehicle, so as to be used for braking the vehicle in the event of a failure of the main braking system.

[0005] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus for controlling a backup braking system of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a state determination unit configured to determine a system state of the backup braking system in response to a power-on request for the vehicle and the vehicle's main braking system being in a normal state. The apparatus also includes a first switching unit configured to switch the backup braking system to a sleep state in response to determining that the system state is normal. The apparatus further includes a second switching unit configured to switch the backup braking system from the sleep state to an awake state in response to an activation request for activating a predetermined driving function of the vehicle, for use in braking the vehicle in the event of a failure of the main braking system.

[0006] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a controller is provided. The controller includes at least one processor; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor and having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to implement the method according to a first aspect of this disclosure.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a controller according to a third aspect of this disclosure.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product stores computer-executable instructions, which are executed to implement the method according to a first aspect of this disclosure.

[0009] In a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which are executed to implement the method according to a first aspect of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals generally denote like parts.

[0011] Figure 1 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of an example environment in which the apparatus and / or methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0012] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a vehicle's backup braking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of the process for determining the system state of a backup braking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of the process of detecting a wake-up state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a process for detecting communication status according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 6 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of the process of detecting the initialization state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a process for detecting the pressure build-up capability status according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 8 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of the process of detecting the state of a wheel speed sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 9 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a process for responding to an activation request for a predetermined driving function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 10 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a process for detecting the voltage build-up capability status in response to a power-down request according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 11 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a process for detecting the state of a wheel speed sensor in response to a power-down request according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 12 A schematic block diagram of an apparatus for controlling a vehicle's backup braking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 13 A schematic block diagram of an example of an example device suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0024] In the various figures, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and embodiments of this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0026] In the description of embodiments of this disclosure, the term "comprising" and similar terms should be understood as open-ended inclusion, i.e., "including but not limited to". The term "based on" should be understood as "at least partially based on". The term "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc., may refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions may also be included below.

[0027] With the development of technology, vehicles can perform more and more functions, bringing great convenience to users. However, the implementation of these functions requires corresponding power consumption, leading to an increase in vehicle power consumption. Therefore, it is desirable to save vehicle resources and reduce power consumption while meeting user needs, in order to rationally allocate vehicle resources.

[0028] Typically, some vehicle systems remain active after the vehicle is started, such as the vehicle's backup braking system. Vehicles usually include a main braking system and a redundant backup braking system. The backup braking system is typically active after the vehicle is started, which can lead to higher power consumption, for example, when the driver is manually controlling the vehicle's movement without activating pre-defined driving functions (such as autopilot or automatic parking).

[0029] To address at least the aforementioned and other potential problems, embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for controlling a backup braking system of a vehicle. The method includes determining a system state of the backup braking system in response to a power-on request for the vehicle and the vehicle's main braking system being in a normal state. The method further includes switching the backup braking system to a sleep state in response to determining the system state to be in a normal state. The method also includes switching the backup braking system from the sleep state to an awake state in response to an activation request for activating a predetermined driving function of the vehicle, so as to be used for braking the vehicle in the event of a failure of the main braking system. The method according to embodiments of this disclosure enables the vehicle's backup braking system to be in a sleep state when the predetermined driving function is not activated, and to be in an awake state when the predetermined driving function is activated, thereby significantly reducing the power consumption of the backup braking system and thus reducing the vehicle's power consumption.

[0030] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of an example environment 100 in which the devices and / or methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Figure 1 Example environment 100 illustrates a vehicle 110, which may include a main braking system 111, a backup braking system 112, and a predetermined driving function control unit 113. The main braking system 111, the backup braking system 112, and the predetermined driving function control unit 113 can communicate with each other, such as... Figure 1 As indicated by the arrows in the diagram. In some embodiments, the main braking system 111 may include a plurality of subunits 111-1, ..., 111-N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1). For example, the plurality of subunits 111-1, ..., 111-N may include a communication subunit for communicating with the backup braking system 112 and the predetermined driving function control unit 113, a management subunit for controlling the wake-up or sleep of the backup braking system 112, a processing subunit for processing information of the backup braking system 112, a diagnostic subunit for determining the state of the backup braking system 112 based on information from the backup braking system, and a storage subunit for storing relevant information, etc.

[0031] In some embodiments, the backup braking system 112 may include a plurality of subunits 112-1, ..., 112-X (where X is an integer greater than or equal to 1). For example, the plurality of subunits 112-1, ..., 112-X may include a communication subunit for communicating with the main braking system 111 and the predetermined driving function control unit 113, a detection subunit for detecting at least one detection item of the backup braking system 112, a processing subunit for processing information from the detection subunit to obtain detection results, a diagnostic subunit for determining the state of the backup braking system 112 based on the detection results, and a storage subunit for storing relevant information, etc.

[0032] In some embodiments, the predetermined driving function control unit 113 may include a plurality of subunits 113-1, ..., 113-Y (where Y is an integer greater than or equal to 1). For example, the plurality of subunits 113-1, ..., 113-Y may include a communication subunit for communicating with the main braking system 111 and the backup braking system 112, a processing subunit for processing information from the main braking system 111 and the backup braking system 112, a control subunit for controlling the driving of the vehicle 110 according to the predetermined driving function, and a storage subunit for storing relevant information, etc.

[0033] It should be understood that, although Figure 1 The example environment 100 shown only illustrates the main braking system 111, the backup braking system 112, and the predetermined driving function control unit 113 of the vehicle 110. However, the vehicle 110 may also include other units as needed. Furthermore, it should be understood that the sub-units included in the main braking system 111, the backup braking system 112, and the predetermined driving function control unit 113 described above are merely examples. In practical applications, the main braking system 111, the backup braking system 112, and the predetermined driving function control unit 113 may include different sub-units capable of performing the methods according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method 200 for controlling a vehicle's backup braking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Hereinafter, the method 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described by... Figure 1 The method 200 according to the embodiments of this disclosure is described by way of example, which is executed by the main braking system 111, the backup braking system 112, and the predetermined driving function control unit 113 (e.g., its associated subunits). However, it should be understood that the method 200 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be executed by a separate control unit that is different from the main braking system 111, the backup braking system 112, and the predetermined driving function control unit 113 described above.

[0035] like Figure 2As shown, at block 202, in response to a power-on request for vehicle 110 and the main braking system 111 of vehicle 110 being in a normal state, the system state of the backup braking system 112 is determined (as will be further described in the examples below). In some embodiments, the power-on request is, for example, a request to power on the vehicle generated by vehicle 110 in response to user input received via a relevant button.

[0036] In some embodiments, the system state of the backup braking system 112 may include a normal state and a fault state. In some embodiments, the method 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may, in response to determining that the system state of the backup braking system 112 is a fault state, deactivate the backup braking system 112 and prevent the vehicle 110 from activating a predetermined driving function. This can improve vehicle safety. In some embodiments, the predetermined driving function may include an automatic driving function. In other embodiments, the predetermined driving function may include an automatic parking function.

[0037] At block 204, in response to determining that the system state is normal, the backup braking system 112 is switched to a sleep state. At block 206, in response to an activation request for a predetermined driving function of the vehicle 110, the backup braking system 112 is switched from the sleep state to the wake-up state to be used for braking the vehicle 110 in the event of a failure of the main braking system 111. Since the backup braking system 112 was determined to be in a normal state before being switched to the sleep state at block 204, the backup braking system 112 can be directly woken up at block 206 in response to an activation request to provide braking as a redundancy for the main braking system 111.

[0038] According to the method 200 of the embodiments of this disclosure, the vehicle's backup braking system can be put into a sleep state when the vehicle's predetermined driving function is not activated, and the backup braking system can be put into a wake-up state when the predetermined driving function is activated, thereby significantly reducing the power consumption of the backup braking system and thus reducing the vehicle's power consumption. The following will refer to... Figures 3 to 8 The following description illustrates an example process for determining the system state of the backup braking system 112, and uses the main braking system 111, backup braking system 112, and predetermined driving function control unit 113 as examples to illustrate the execution of these processes. However, it should be understood that the operations performed by the main braking system 111, backup braking system 112, and predetermined driving function control unit 113 as indicated in the following figures can be performed by any other control unit.

[0039] Figure 3 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a process 300 for determining the system state of the backup braking system 112 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The process shown corresponds to Figure 2 Box 202 in the middle. (e.g.) Figure 3 As shown, the main braking system 111 may, in response to a power-on request for the vehicle 110 and when the main braking system 111 is in a normal state, send a wake-up request 302 to the backup braking system 112 to perform at least one detection item of the backup braking system 112. The backup braking system 112 may, in response to the wake-up request, begin performing a detection 304 related to at least one detection item and communicate 306 with the main braking system 111 to send detection-related information (periodic information in the example below).

[0040] In some embodiments, the main braking system 111 or the backup braking system 112 can determine that the system state of the backup braking system 112 is normal if each of the at least one detection item passes the detection. In this case, the main braking system 111 can send a sleep request to the backup braking system 112 (corresponding to...). Figure 2 Boxes 204 and 308 in the main braking system 111 are used to switch the backup braking system 112 to a sleep state. Additionally, the main braking system 111 can send the detection results to a predetermined driving function control unit 113 or other control units of the vehicle 110. Furthermore, either the main braking system 111 or the backup braking system 112 can store the detection results.

[0041] In other embodiments, the main braking system 111 or the backup braking system 112 may determine that the backup braking system 112 is in a fault state if at least one of the detection items fails the test. In this case, the main braking system 111 may also send the detection result to the predetermined driving function control unit 113 or other control units of the vehicle 110 to disable the backup braking system 112 as described above and prevent the vehicle 110 (e.g., its predetermined driving function control unit 113) from activating the predetermined driving function. Furthermore, the main braking system 111 or the backup braking system 112 may store the detection result.

[0042] In some embodiments, the at least one detection item for detecting the system state of the backup braking system 112 may include the wake-up state of the backup braking system. In other embodiments, the at least one detection item may include the communication state of the backup braking system. In other embodiments, the at least one detection item may include the initialization state of the backup braking system. In other embodiments, the at least one detection item may include the pressure build-up capability state of the backup braking system. In other embodiments, the at least one detection item may include the wheel speed sensor state of the backup braking system.

[0043] Figure 4 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a wake-up state detection process 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4As shown, the backup braking system 112 initiates a wake-up operation in response to receiving a wake-up request 302, and after being woken up, periodically sends periodic information (e.g., network management messages) to the main braking system 111. Figure 4 The first periodic message 402 sent by the backup braking system 112 is shown.

[0044] The main braking system 111 can determine whether it receives periodic information 402 from the backup braking system 112 within a first predetermined time length T1 from the time the wake-up request is sent. In some embodiments, the main braking system 111 can determine that the backup braking system 112 has failed to wake up and that the wake-up status has failed the detection if it does not receive periodic information 402 within the first predetermined time length T1. In other embodiments, the main braking system 111 can determine that the backup braking system 112 has successfully woken up and that the wake-up status has passed the detection if it receives periodic information within the first predetermined time length T1.

[0045] Once it is confirmed that the backup braking system 112 has been successfully activated, other test items can continue to be tested. Figure 5 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a process 500 for detecting communication status according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 As shown, after being awakened, the backup braking system 112 can periodically send periodic information 502-1, ..., 502-M (M is an integer greater than or equal to 0) to the main braking system 111 to maintain communication with the main braking system 111.

[0046] The main braking system 111 may, in response to a successful wake-up of the backup braking system 112, continuously detect whether the periodic information 502-1, ..., 502-M has not been received for a second predetermined time length T2. In some embodiments, the main braking system 111 may, in response to the failure to receive periodic information for a second predetermined time length T2, determine that the communication status has failed the detection. In other embodiments, the main braking system 111 may, in response to the interval between receiving periodic information being less than the second predetermined time length (< T2, e.g., ... Figure 5 As shown in the image, the communication status has passed the check. It should be understood that this communication status check needs to be performed continuously until all check items have been completed.

[0047] Figure 6 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a process 600 for detecting an initialization state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6As shown, the backup braking system 112 can initiate 602 in response to a successful backup braking system wake-up. In some embodiments, the backup braking system 112 can determine that the initialization state has passed the detection in response to a successful backup braking system initialization. In other embodiments, the backup braking system 112 can determine that the initialization state has failed the detection in response to a backup braking system initialization failure. Accordingly, the backup braking system 112 can send information related to successful or failed initialization to the main braking system 111 via periodic information 502-i (i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than M).

[0048] Figure 7 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a process 700 for detecting the pressure build-up capacity state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 As shown, after the backup braking system 112 is successfully initialized, the backup braking system 112 can start to detect the pressure build-up capacity status 702, and can send the pressure build-up capacity status detection result to the main braking system 111 through periodic information 502-j (j is an integer greater than i and less than M).

[0049] like Figure 7 As shown in the flowchart on the right, during the pressure build-up capability detection 702, at box 712, the backup braking system 112 can, in response to successful initialization of the backup braking system 112, determine the pressure build-up capability detection result in the previous valid power-on cycle prior to the current valid power-on cycle. Here, since pressure build-up capability detection requires meeting numerous detection conditions (including but not limited to the driver not being able to press the brake pedal and the motor needing to operate in the corresponding state), considering user experience, the pressure build-up capability detection can be set during the vehicle's power-off phase (i.e., the phase where power to the vehicle needs to be cut off in response to a power-off request). Therefore, the detection result of the previous valid power-on cycle can be directly determined during the vehicle's power-on phase corresponding to the power-on request, thereby saving detection time and improving user experience.

[0050] In some embodiments, the effective power-on cycle can represent the time between when vehicle 110 begins to power on in response to a power-on request and when it completely powers off in response to a corresponding power-off request. In some embodiments, to exclude the possibility of receiving a power-off request very shortly after the vehicle receives a power-on request, the length of the aforementioned effective power-on cycle can be greater than a predetermined time length threshold. This time length threshold can be set according to actual needs. A power-off request is, for example, a request generated by vehicle 110 in response to user input received via a relevant button to power off the vehicle.

[0051] In some embodiments, if the pressure build-up capability test result indicates a pass at block 712, the backup braking system 112 can determine at block 722 that the pressure build-up capability status has passed the test. In other embodiments, if the pressure build-up capability test result indicates a fail or no test was performed at block 712, the backup braking system 112 can determine at block 732 whether the test conditions for testing the pressure build-up capability status are currently met.

[0052] In some embodiments, if the detection conditions are not met at block 732, the backup braking system 112 may determine at block 762 that the pressure build-up capability status has not been detected. In other embodiments, if the detection conditions are met at block 732, the backup braking system 112 may determine at block 742 whether the backup braking system can establish a predetermined deceleration. This predetermined deceleration can be set according to actual needs. If the predetermined deceleration is determined to be able to be established at block 742, the backup braking system 112 may determine at block 722 that the pressure build-up capability status has passed the detection. If the predetermined deceleration is determined not to be able to be established at block 742, the backup braking system 112 may determine at block 752 that the pressure build-up capability status has failed the detection. Furthermore, the backup braking system 112 may store the pressure build-up capability detection results.

[0053] Figure 8 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a process 800 for detecting the state of a wheel speed sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 As shown, after the backup braking system 112 is successfully initialized, the backup braking system 112 can start detecting the wheel speed sensor status 802, and can send the wheel speed sensor status detection result to the main braking system 111 through periodic information 502-k (k is an integer greater than i and less than M).

[0054] like Figure 8 As shown in the flowchart on the right, during the wheel speed sensor status detection 802, at block 812, the backup braking system 112 can, in response to successful backup braking system initialization, determine the current count value of the wheel speed sensor status and the sensor detection result based on the current count value. Here, since wheel speed sensor status detection requires the vehicle speed to be greater than a predetermined speed threshold and the detection time is relatively long, to save detection time and power consumption, wheel speed sensor status detection can be performed periodically (e.g., 20 or any other number) of valid power-on cycles instead of every valid power-on cycle. The aforementioned count value can represent the number of valid power-on cycles elapsed since the last wheel speed sensor status detection.

[0055] In some embodiments, if at block 812 it is determined that the current count value is less than a predetermined count threshold and the sensor detection result indicates that the detection has passed, at block 822 the backup braking system 112 may determine that the wheel speed sensor status has passed the detection and increment the current count value by one. In some embodiments, the predetermined count threshold may indicate the number of valid power-on cycles (e.g., 20 or any other number) that serve as the detection cycle.

[0056] In other embodiments, if at block 812 the current count value is determined to be equal to a predetermined count threshold, or the sensor detection result indicates a failed detection, at block 832, the backup braking system 112 can (by increasing the vehicle speed to a predetermined speed threshold) detect whether the vehicle's wheel speed sensors are functioning correctly. If at block 832 the wheel speed sensor is determined to be functioning correctly, at block 842, the backup braking system 112 can determine that the wheel speed sensor status has passed the detection, update the current count value to an initial value (e.g., 1 or other preset initial value), and update the sensor detection result to "passed detection." If at block 832 the wheel speed sensor is determined to be faulty, at block 852, the backup braking system 112 can determine that the wheel speed sensor status has failed the detection, update the current count value to an initial value, and update the sensor detection result to "failed detection."

[0057] It should be understood that, although Figures 4 to 8 Examples of some detection items for detecting the system status of the backup braking system 112 are listed, but in practical applications, the detection of the system status of the backup braking system may include some of the above detection items or may include other detection items. After all detection items of the backup braking system 112 have been completed, the backup braking system 112 may be switched to a sleep state. While the backup system 112 is in a sleep state, it may be awakened in response to an activation request for activating a predetermined driving function generated based on user input, and remain awake throughout the activation of the predetermined driving function.

[0058] Figure 9 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a process 900 for responding to an activation request for a predetermined driving function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 As shown, in response to an activation request, the predetermined driving function control unit 113 can send a wake-up request 902 to the backup braking system 112. Furthermore, the predetermined driving function control unit 113 can also send information 904 indicating that the predetermined driving function will be activated to the main braking system 111. The backup braking system 112 can be activated 906 in response to the wake-up request, and after successful activation, periodically sends periodic information 502 to the main braking system 111.

[0059] In some embodiments, during the above process, if the backup braking system 112 fails to wake up or malfunctions, the main braking system 111 may send a wake-up failure or malfunction message 908 to the predetermined driving function control unit 113. In response to this message 908, the predetermined driving function control unit 113 may control the vehicle to perform a predetermined operation. For example, if the predetermined driving function is an automatic driving function, control the vehicle to park on the side of the road; if the predetermined driving function is an automatic parking function, stop automatic parking, etc.

[0060] In other embodiments, if the main braking system 111 malfunctions 910 during the use of a predetermined driving function after the backup braking system 112 has been successfully activated and no fault has been found, the main braking system 111 can send fault information 912 to the backup braking system 112 and the predetermined driving function control unit 113. The backup braking system 112 can maintain communication 914 with the predetermined driving function control unit 113 for braking of the vehicle 110.

[0061] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as when the predetermined driving function is an autonomous driving function, the vehicle 110 may be traveling at a higher speed (e.g., on a highway). Therefore, the wheel speed sensor status of the backup braking system 112 can be detected, thereby saving detection time and power consumption. As an example, the backup braking system 112 can determine whether the speed of the vehicle 110 is greater than a predetermined speed threshold in response to the vehicle 110 activating the predetermined driving function due to an activation request and the backup braking system 112 being switched to an awake state. If the backup braking system 112 determines that the speed is greater than the predetermined speed threshold, the wheel speed sensor status can be detected 916. The backup braking system 112 can determine the detection result of detection 916, and if it determines that the wheel speed sensor status has failed the detection, the backup braking system 112 can be disabled, and information 918 can be sent to the predetermined driving function control system 113 so that the predetermined driving function control system 113 performs a predetermined operation on the vehicle using the predetermined driving function (e.g., controlling the vehicle to park on the side of the road, etc.).

[0062] Furthermore, during or after the detection of wheel speed sensor status, if the predetermined driving function control unit 113 sends an exit request 920 to the backup braking system 112 (or also to the main braking unit 111) to exit the predetermined driving function, the backup braking system 112 can switch from an awake state to a sleep state. Thus, the backup braking system 112 can be kept awake only while the predetermined driving function is activated, thereby saving power consumption of the vehicle 110.

[0063] Furthermore, if a power-down request for the vehicle's current effective power-up cycle is received during, before, or after the aforementioned autonomous driving process, the pressure build-up capability status of the backup braking system 112 can be detected, as described above. Figure 10 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a process 1000 for detecting the voltage build-up capability status in response to a power-down request according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 As shown, the main braking system 111 can send a wake-up request 1002 to the backup braking system 112 in response to a power-down request, so as to wake up the backup braking system 112 for detection. It should be understood that if the backup braking system is already in a wake-up state (e.g., when the vehicle's predetermined driving function is enabled), the main braking system 111 may not send a wake-up request to the backup braking system 112, or the backup braking system 112 may ignore the received wake-up request.

[0064] After the backup braking system 112 is activated, or during the activation process described above, the backup braking system 112 can maintain its communication connection with the main braking system 111 by periodically sending periodic information 1004 (similar to the periodic information 502 described above) to the main braking system 111. Furthermore, the backup braking system 112 can perform a detection 1006 of the pressure build-up capability status. For example... Figure 10 As shown in the flowchart on the right, during the process of detecting the voltage build-up capability status 1006, at box 1012, the backup braking system 112 can determine whether the voltage build-up capability status has been detected within the current effective power-on cycle.

[0065] In some embodiments, if it is determined at block 1012 that the voltage build-up capability status has been detected and the voltage build-up capability status has passed the detection, then at block 1022, the backup braking system 112 can record the voltage build-up capability detection result for the current valid power-on cycle as a passed detection. In other embodiments, if it is determined at block 1012 that the voltage build-up capability status has been detected and the voltage build-up capability status has failed the detection, or if the voltage build-up capability status has not been detected, then at block 1032, the backup braking system 112 can determine whether the detection conditions are currently met.

[0066] In some embodiments, if it is determined at block 1032 that the detection conditions are not met, at block 1042, the backup braking system 112 may record the voltage build-up capability detection result for the current valid power-on cycle as not being detected. In other embodiments, if it is determined at block 1032 that the detection conditions are met, at block 1052, the backup braking system 112 may detect the voltage build-up capability status. At block 1062, the backup braking system 112 may determine whether the current voltage build-up capability status has passed the detection.

[0067] In some embodiments, if the current pressure build-up capability status is determined to have passed the detection at block 1062, the backup braking system 112 may record the pressure build-up capability detection result for the current valid power-on cycle as a passed detection at block 1022. In some embodiments, if the current pressure build-up capability status is determined to have failed the detection at block 1062, the backup braking system 112 may record the pressure build-up capability detection result for the current valid power-on cycle as a failed detection at block 1072. Furthermore, the backup braking system 112 may also send the obtained pressure build-up capability detection result to the main braking system via periodic information 1008. Afterwards, the main braking system 111 may send a sleep request 1010 to the backup braking system 112. Afterwards, the vehicle 110 may be completely powered off.

[0068] By detecting the vehicle's pressure build-up capability during the power-down phase corresponding to the vehicle's power-down request, the detection process can be made to ensure that the vehicle's normal operation is not hindered. Furthermore, the pressure build-up capability detection results can be directly used during the power-up phase of the next effective power-up cycle, thereby reducing the time required to wake up the backup braking system during the power-up phase and improving the user experience.

[0069] In addition, the wheel speed sensor status can be updated or detected during the power-down phase in response to a power-down request. This can be done to update the detection results of wheel speed sensor status detection during the activation of the scheduled driving function, or to complete the detection during the power-down phase when the wheel speed sensor status needs to be detected. This can further reduce the time required to wake up the backup braking system during the power-up phase of the next effective power-up cycle and improve the user experience.

[0070] Figure 11 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a process 1100 for detecting the state of a wheel speed sensor in response to a power-down request according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 The wake-up request 1002 and periodic information 1004 shown can be associated with... Figure 10 The same as shown. Figure 11 The flowchart on the right illustrates the process of updating or detecting the wheel speed sensor status 1102. For example... Figure 11 As shown in the flowchart on the right, at box 1112, the backup braking system 112 can determine whether the wheel speed sensor status has been detected during the period when the predetermined driving function is activated.

[0071] In some embodiments, if it is determined at block 1112 that the wheel speed sensor status has been over-detected and the wheel speed sensor status has passed the detection, at block 1122, the backup braking system 112 can update the counter value to the initial value and update the sensor detection result to "passed detection". In other embodiments, if it is determined at block 1112 that the wheel speed sensor status has been over-detected and the wheel speed sensor status has failed the detection, at block 1132, the backup braking system 112 can detect the wheel speed sensor status. At block 1142, the backup braking system 112 can determine whether the wheel speed sensor status has passed the detection.

[0072] In some embodiments, if the current wheel speed sensor status is determined to have passed detection at block 1142, the backup braking system 112 can update the counter value to the initial value and update the sensor detection result to pass detection at block 1122. In other embodiments, if the current wheel speed sensor status is determined to have failed detection at block 1142, the backup braking system 112 can update the counter value to the initial value and update the sensor detection result to fail detection at block 1152. This further reduces the time the backup braking system spends in wake-up during the next effective power-on cycle.

[0073] Figure 12 A schematic block diagram of a device 1200 for controlling a vehicle's backup braking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 12 As shown, the device 1200 includes a state determination unit 1202, a first switching unit 1204, and a second switching unit 1206. The state determination unit 1202 is configured to determine the system state of the backup braking system in response to a power-on request for the vehicle and the vehicle's main braking system being in a normal state. The first switching unit 1204 is configured to switch the backup braking system to a sleep state in response to determining that the system state is normal. The second switching unit 1206 is configured to switch the backup braking system from the sleep state to a wake-up state in response to an activation request for activating a predetermined driving function of the vehicle, so as to be used for braking the vehicle in the event of a failure of the main braking system.

[0074] Figure 12 The state determination unit 1202, the first switching unit 1204, and the second switching unit 1206 shown above can execute the above-mentioned reference. Figure 2 The method shown and reference Figures 3 to 11The example process shown will not be repeated here. The apparatus 1200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can put the vehicle's backup braking system into a sleep state when the vehicle's predetermined driving function is not enabled, and put the backup braking system into a wake-up state when the predetermined driving function is enabled, thereby greatly reducing the power consumption of the backup braking system and thus reducing the power consumption of the vehicle.

[0075] Figure 13 A schematic block diagram of an example of an example device 1300 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The controller described above can be implemented using device 1300. As shown, device 1300 includes a processor 1301 that can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to computer program instructions loaded into random access memory (RAM) 1303 based on computer program instructions stored in read-only memory (ROM) 1302. Various programs and data required for the operation of device 1300 may also be stored in RAM 1303. The processor 1301, ROM 1302, and RAM 1303 are interconnected to each other via bus 1304. Input / output (I / O) interface 1305 is also connected to bus 1304.

[0076] The various processes and procedures described above, such as method 200 and processes 300-1100, can be executed by processor 1301. For example, in some embodiments, method 200 and processes 300-1100 can be implemented as computer software programs tangibly contained in a machine-readable medium. In some embodiments, part or all of the computer program can be loaded and / or installed on device 1300 via ROM 1302. When the computer program is loaded into RAM 1303 and executed by processor 1301, one or more actions of method 200 and processes 300-1100 described above can be performed.

[0077] This disclosure can be a method, apparatus, system, and / or computer program product. A computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions loaded thereon for performing various aspects of this disclosure.

[0078] Computer-readable storage media can be tangible devices capable of holding and storing instructions for use by an instruction execution device. Computer-readable storage media can be, for example—but not limited to—electrical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, electromagnetic storage devices, semiconductor storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: 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 disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multifunction disc (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanical encoding devices, such as punch cards or recessed protrusions storing instructions thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. The computer-readable storage media used herein are not to 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 through fiber optic cables), or electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0079] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from computer-readable storage media to various computing / processing devices, or downloaded via a network, such as the Internet, local area network, wide area network, and / or wireless network, to an external computer or external storage device. The network may include copper transmission cables, fiber optic transmission, wireless transmission, 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 the computer-readable storage media in the respective computing / processing device.

[0080] Computer program instructions used to perform the operations of this disclosure may be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, status setting 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 conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving a remote computer, 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, such as programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs), is personalized by utilizing the status information of the computer-readable program instructions to implement various aspects of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method (200) for controlling a vehicle's backup braking system, comprising: In response to a power-on request for the vehicle and the main braking system of the vehicle being in a normal state, the system state of the backup braking system is determined (202); In response to determining that the system state is normal, the backup braking system is switched to sleep state (204); as well as In response to an activation request for a predetermined driving function of the vehicle, the backup braking system is switched from a sleep state to an awake state (206) to be used for braking the vehicle in the event of a failure of the main braking system.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the system state (202) of the backup braking system comprises: Send a wake-up request (302) to the backup braking system to detect at least one detection item of the backup braking system (304); In response to each of the at least one detection item passing the detection, the system state is determined to be normal. as well as In response to the presence of a failed detection item among the at least one detection item, the system state is determined to be a fault state.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the at least one detection item comprises: The status of the backup braking system includes its wake-up status, communication status, initialization status, pressure build-up capability status, and wheel speed sensor status.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the wake-up state is detected as follows: Determine whether periodic information from the backup braking system is received within a first predetermined time length (T1) from the time the wake-up request is sent (402); In response to receiving the periodic information, it is determined that the backup braking system has been successfully woken up, and that the wake-up status has passed the detection. as well as In response to the failure to receive the periodic information, it is determined that the backup braking system has failed to wake up, and the wake-up status has failed the detection.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the communication state is detected as follows: In response to the successful wake-up of the backup braking system, continuously detect whether the periodic information (502-1, ... 502-M) has not been received for a second predetermined time length (T2); In response to the failure to receive the periodic information for a second predetermined time length, it is determined that the communication state has failed the detection; and In response to the interval at which the periodic information is received being less than the second predetermined time length, the communication status is determined to have passed the detection.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the initialization state is detected as follows: In response to the successful wake-up of the backup braking system, the backup braking system is controlled to initialize (602); In response to the successful initialization of the backup braking system, it is determined that the initialization state has passed the detection; and In response to the failure of the backup braking system initialization, it is determined that the initialization state has failed the detection.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the pressure build-up capacity status is detected as follows: In response to the successful initialization of the backup braking system, the pressure build-up capability detection result for the pressure build-up capability state in the previous effective power-on cycle before the current effective power-on cycle is determined (712); In response to the pressure build-up capacity test result indicating that the test has been passed, the pressure build-up capacity status is determined to have passed the test (722); In response to the pressure build-up capacity test result indicating that the test failed or was not performed, determine whether the test conditions for testing the pressure build-up capacity status are currently met (732); In response to the fulfillment of the detection conditions, the detection of the pressure build-up capability status is performed as follows: Determine whether the backup braking system is able to establish a predetermined deceleration (742). In response to determining that the predetermined deceleration can be established, the pressure build-up capability state is determined to pass the detection (722), and In response to determining that the predetermined deceleration cannot be established, the pressure build-up capability state is determined to have failed the detection (752); as well as In response to the failure to meet the detection conditions, it is determined that the pressure build-up capability status has not been detected (762). The effective power-on cycle refers to the time between when the vehicle starts to be powered on in response to a power-on request and when it is completely powered off in response to a corresponding power-off request, and the length of the time interval is greater than a predetermined time length threshold.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: In response to a power-down request for the current valid power-on cycle, the backup braking system is put into a wake-up state to determine whether the pressure build-up capability status has been detected during the current valid power-on cycle (1012). In response to the over-detection of the voltage build-up capability status and the over-detection of the voltage build-up capability status, the voltage build-up capability detection result for the current valid power-on cycle is recorded as passed detection (1022); In response to the fact that the pressure build-up capability status has been detected and the pressure build-up capability status has failed the detection, or the pressure build-up capability status has not been detected, it is determined whether the detection condition is currently met (1032); In response to the failure to meet the detection conditions, the voltage build-up capability detection result for the current valid power-on cycle is recorded as not being detected (1042); In response to the fulfillment of the detection conditions, the pressure build-up capability status is detected (1052); In response to the current voltage build-up capability status passing the detection (1062), the voltage build-up capability detection result for the current valid power-on cycle is recorded as passing the detection (1022); and In response to the current voltage build-up capability status failing the test (1062), the voltage build-up capability test result for the current valid power-on cycle is recorded as failing the test (1072).

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the state of the wheel speed sensor is detected as follows: In response to the successful initialization of the backup braking system, the current count value for the wheel speed sensor status and the sensor detection result for the current count value are determined (812); In response to the current count value being less than a predetermined count threshold and the sensor detection result indicating that the detection has been passed, the wheel speed sensor state is determined to have passed the detection, and the current count value is incremented by one (822); as well as In response to the current count value being equal to the predetermined count threshold, or the sensor detection result indicating a failed detection, the wheel speed sensor status is detected as follows: Check whether the wheel speed sensors of the vehicle are functioning properly (832); In response to the detection that the wheel speed sensor is normal, the wheel speed sensor status is determined to have passed the detection, the current count value is updated to the initial value, and the sensor detection result is updated to have passed the detection (842); as well as In response to the detection of a wheel speed sensor malfunction, and the determination that the wheel speed sensor status has failed the detection, the current count value is updated to the initial value, and the sensor detection result is updated to fail the detection (852).

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: In response to the vehicle activating the predetermined driving function due to the activation request and the backup braking system being switched to a wake-up state, it is determined whether the speed of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined speed threshold. In response to a speed exceeding the predetermined speed threshold, the state of the wheel speed sensor is detected (916); as well as In response to the wheel speed sensor failing the detection, the backup braking system is disabled, and the predetermined driving function is used to perform a predetermined operation on the vehicle (918).

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: In response to a power-down request for the current effective power-on cycle of the vehicle, the backup braking system is brought into a wake-up state to determine whether the wheel speed sensor state has been detected during the activation of the predetermined driving function (1112). In response to an over-detection of the wheel speed sensor state and a pass detection of the wheel speed sensor state, the counter value is updated to the initial value, and the sensor detection result is updated to pass detection (1122); In response to an over-detection of the wheel speed sensor state and an under-detection of the wheel speed sensor state, the wheel speed sensor state is detected (1132); In response to the current wheel speed sensor state passing detection (1142), the counter value is updated to the initial value, and the sensor detection result is updated to pass detection (1122); and In response to the current wheel speed sensor state failing the detection (1142), the counter value is updated to the initial value, and the sensor detection result is updated to fail the detection (1152).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, further comprising: In response to determining that the system state is a fault state, the backup braking system is deactivated, and the vehicle is prohibited from activating the predetermined driving function. The predetermined driving function includes at least one of the following: automatic driving function or automatic parking function.

13. A device (1200) for controlling a vehicle's backup braking system, comprising: The status determination unit (1202) is configured to determine the system status of the backup braking system in response to a power-on request for the vehicle and the main braking system of the vehicle being in a normal state. The first switching unit (1204) is configured to switch the backup braking system to a sleep state in response to determining that the system state is a normal state; as well as The second switching unit (1206) is configured to switch the backup braking system from a sleep state to a wake state in response to an activation request for enabling a predetermined driving function of the vehicle, so as to be used for braking the vehicle in the event of a failure of the main braking system.

14. A controller, comprising: At least one processor; as well as A memory coupled to the at least one processor and having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-12.

15. A computer program product comprising computer-executable instructions, wherein the computer-executable instructions are executed to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-12.

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