Camera-Based Vehicle Start-Stop Engine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle vision systems do not effectively utilize camera data to optimize engine operation by shutting down the engine when a vehicle is coasting towards a stop sign or stop line, leading to inefficient fuel usage.
Innovation Solution
A camera-based start-stop system processes image data from exterior cameras to detect approaching stop signs or lines and shuts down the engine when the driver coasts towards a stopping area, and restarts it when the brake is released, while maintaining power steering and braking assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine operates continuously to maintain vehicle power, then vehicle reliability and responsiveness are improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic engine operation by shutting down the engine during coasting phases toward stop signs and restarting it when needed, creating an on-off cycle that reduces fuel consumption while maintaining vehicle operability when required
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is shut down to save fuel during coasting, then fuel economy is improved, but vehicle responsiveness and power availability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses camera-based detection to identify stop signs ahead of time and proactively shuts down the engine before the driver would naturally release the accelerator, allowing the vehicle to coast to the stop while maintaining readiness to restart if needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle state through camera detection of stop signs and accelerator input, providing feedback to the control module that determines when to shut down or restart the engine, ensuring responsiveness to actual driving conditions
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional start-stop systems are used, then fuel economy at complete stops is improved, but fuel consumption during coasting phases is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical start-stop triggers with a camera-based vision system that detects stop signs and analyzes driver accelerator input to intelligently determine when coasting is occurring, enabling fuel savings during previously untapped coasting phases
Data Source
AI summary
A method of vehicular control includes providing a camera and a control at a vehicle. Image data captured by the camera is processed at the control to determine presence of a stopping area ahead of the vehicle and being approached by the vehicle as the vehicle is maneuvered along the road. Responsive to determination of presence of the stopping area, and responsive to determination that the driver releases the accelerator pedal of the vehicle, the operating capacity of the vehicle engine is reduced so that the engine operates at reduced capacity as the vehicle moves toward and stops, via the driver applying the brake pedal of the vehicle, at the determined stopping area. After stopping the vehicle, the control determines if a hazard is present in the field of view of the camera and restores the operating capacity of the engine its normal operating capacity if no hazard is present.