Adaptive Vehicle Control Profiles for Driver Alerting and Engagement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems fail to provide a varied and engaging driving experience, particularly on long journeys, and may not adequately alert drivers to imminent dangers through lighting adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling vehicle equipment based on instantaneous vehicle and environmental characteristics, using a computer to create multisensory environments that adapt to the vehicle's context, including evaluation of criteria such as time elapsed, frequency of changes, and presence of points of interest to enhance driver engagement and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If driving modes with predetermined control sets are used, then the driving experience can be adapted to different conditions, but the same set of controls is always executed making it tedious on long journeys

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving experience adaptationVSAvoidmonotony of control execution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static predetermined control profiles to dynamic control profiles that are generated in real-time based on current vehicle state and environment. The control profile is continuously updated rather than remaining fixed, making the system adaptive over time while maintaining ease of operation through automated adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by using instantaneous characteristics (vehicle speed, acceleration, environmental factors) to dynamically adjust control parameters. Instead of fixed control sets, the system modifies control parameters based on real-time data, preventing monotony while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If interior lighting is adapted based on ambient light and objects, then the driving experience is improved, but this is insufficient in situations of imminent danger where a change in lighting will not adequately alert the driver

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting adaptation to environmentVSAvoideffectiveness in alerting driver to danger
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring vehicle state and environment through sensors, then using this feedback to dynamically adjust control profiles. This closed-loop system ensures that lighting and other controls respond appropriately to detected dangers, improving reliability while maintaining environmental adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by predicting future vehicle states and environmental conditions based on current data, then proactively adjusting control profiles before the actual state changes occur. This allows the system to prepare for imminent danger situations and alert the driver in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If control is based on instantaneous characteristics of vehicle and environment, then the driving experience becomes more engaging and less monotonous, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement of driving experienceVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a single computer system to perform multiple functions: sensing vehicle state, monitoring environment, generating control profiles, and executing control commands. This multi-functional approach increases engagement while managing system complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the control system to automatically generate and adjust control profiles based on instantaneous characteristics without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously adapting to changing conditions, reducing the complexity burden on the user while maintaining high engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4479283B1Method for controlling at least one device of a motor vehicle, and associated motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 RENAULT SA
  • EP4479283B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4479283B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4479283B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a device of a motor vehicle (1), comprising: in a first time step,- receiving data characterizing a state of said vehicle and the environment,- determining an initial vector on the basis of said data,- selecting a first control profile on the basis of the initial vector,- transmitting said first profile so as to control said device, and then, in a second time step,- updating the data,- determining an updated vector,- selecting a second control profile on the basis of the updated vector, and if said second profile is different from said first profile,- transmitting said second profile so as to update the control of said device of the vehicle.