Adaptive Set Speed Control for Predictive Longitudinal Assistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle assistance systems for controlling longitudinal movement, such as cruise control, do not adequately account for varying traffic conditions ahead, leading to potential collisions and inefficient braking.

Innovation Solution

A method that assesses a predetermined route length ahead to identify areas with different traffic conditions (free, slow-moving, stagnant, or congested traffic) and automatically sets the vehicle's speed to one of several predetermined values based on these conditions, enabling predictive braking assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the set speed is manually specified by the driver, then the driver has full control over vehicle speed, but the system cannot automatically adapt to varying traffic conditions ahead

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptability to traffic conditionsVSAvoidSystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of traffic conditions ahead by evaluating route information, traffic data, and weather conditions before the vehicle reaches problematic areas. This advance assessment allows the system to proactively adjust the set speed to prevent collisions and optimize braking, rather than reacting only when hazards are immediately present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors actual traffic conditions, vehicle speed, and environmental factors, then uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the set speed. The control unit compares predicted traffic conditions with actual conditions and modifies the assistance system's behavior accordingly, creating a closed-loop adaptive control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the assistance system automatically adjusts set speed based on traffic conditions, then collision prevention is improved, but the driver's control authority is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCollision prevention capabilityVSAvoidDriver control authority
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the set speed based on real-time traffic conditions, distance to other vehicles, and environmental factors. Rather than fixed speed limits, the system continuously modifies the target speed to optimize safety and efficiency, allowing the assistance system to adapt its behavior to changing conditions while maintaining driver oversight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters including set speed, acceleration rates, and braking forces based on traffic condition analysis. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to detected traffic patterns, weather conditions, and route information, the system optimizes vehicle control while preventing collisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the system evaluates detailed route information and traffic data, then speed adjustment accuracy is improved, but the processing time and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSpeed determination accuracyVSAvoidProcessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation process is segmented into distinct functional modules: route information analysis, traffic condition assessment, weather data processing, and speed calculation. Each module handles specific aspects of the data independently, allowing parallel processing and reducing overall computation time while maintaining comprehensive analysis accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Route information and traffic data are pre-processed and stored in accessible formats before needed for speed determination. The system prepares evaluation criteria and thresholds in advance, allowing rapid comparison with current conditions during actual speed adjustment decisions, thereby reducing real-time processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3976432B1Method for determining a set speed of an assistance system for regulating a longitudinal movement of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG
  • EP3976432B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3976432B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3976432B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining a set speed (VS) of an assistance system for regulating a longitudinal movement of a vehicle. According to the invention, a driving route (FS) in front of the vehicle having a predefined total route length is examined to determine whether this total route length includes - zones with a freely moving traffic (FV) traffic status, - zones with a slowly moving and/or stop-and-start traffic (ZSV) traffic status, - zones with a halted traffic (GV) traffic status, and a length (LFV, LZSV, LGV) of the respective zone is determined, wherein a decision is taken in dependence upon same, as to whether the set speed (VS) should be specified by the assistance system, and to which of a plurality of predefined speed values (VSN, VSM, VSH) the set speed (VS) should be set.