Automatic Driving Mode System Using GPS Location and Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face distractions and inefficiencies when manually switching between vehicle driving modes, and may not be aware of the optimal mode for their location or driving habits, leading to sub-optimal vehicle performance and reduced safety.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a GPS unit to detect geographical location, an electronic control unit (ECU) to determine and adjust driving modes based on a stored driving mode map and user input for desired aggressiveness, automatically adjusting settings such as suspension, throttle sensitivity, shift points, air conditioning, traction control, and stability control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual switching between driving modes is implemented, then driver control over vehicle settings is improved, but driver distraction and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle to automatically select and adjust driving modes based on GPS location data and stored driving mode maps, eliminating the need for manual driver intervention. The vehicle serves itself by autonomously determining optimal driving settings for different geographical locations while still allowing driver input through the sensitivity slider if manual override is desired.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driving modes are offered, then vehicle adaptability to different conditions is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores multiple driving mode configurations in a driving mode map associated with specific GPS locations. Before the driver needs to switch modes, the appropriate driving mode settings are already prepared and stored in memory, allowing for rapid automatic selection without complex real-time decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving mode system is segmented into distinct, pre-defined modes (e.g., sport mode, comfort mode, economy mode), each with specific operational settings for suspension, throttle sensitivity, shift points, and other vehicle functions. This segmentation allows the complex adaptability to be broken into manageable, pre-configured options.
3Reliability
If automatic driving mode selection is implemented, then driver distraction is reduced, but loss of driver knowledge about vehicle settings is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a user feedback mechanism through the sensitivity slider, allowing drivers to indicate their preferred level of aggressiveness. This feedback is stored and used to personalize automatic mode selections, ensuring the system learns and adapts to individual driver preferences over time, maintaining driver awareness and control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If driving mode sensitivity adjustment is added, then personalized driving experience is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single parameter - the driving mode sensitivity slider - to represent and adjust multiple underlying vehicle settings simultaneously. By changing this one parameter, the system automatically adjusts suspension tightness, throttle sensitivity, shift points, and other settings in a coordinated manner, simplifying the user interface while maintaining comprehensive personalization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus for automatically determining and implementing a driving mode from a plurality of driving modes of a vehicle. The system includes a GPS unit configured to detect a geographical location of the vehicle. The system includes a memory configured to store a driving mode map identifying an initial driving mode based on a given geographical location. The system includes an input unit configured to receive a driving mode sensitivity indicating a desired level of driving aggressiveness. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to determine the driving mode based on the driving mode map, the detected geographical location of the vehicle, and the driving mode sensitivity. The ECU is configured to automatically adjust operation of the vehicle based on the adjusted driving mode by adjusting a suspension, throttle sensitivity, shift points, air conditioning usage, traction control, or stability control.