Vehicle Driving Assistance Control for Operator-Triggered Coasting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle driving assistance systems do not allow operators to initiate a first movement control, such as powering or coasting, while a second movement control is already in progress, despite the operator's desire to do so.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle driving assistance apparatus with an electronic control unit that enables the operator to start a first movement control, such as powering or coasting, by performing a predetermined operation during the execution of a second movement control, allowing seamless transitions between control modes based on operator input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the system automatically interrupts the first movement control and executes the second movement control based on system judgment, then the automated control precision is improved, but the operator's control freedom deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol judgment precisionVSAvoidoperator control freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between automated control modes (first movement control and second movement control) based on real-time detection of operator operations. When operator input is detected during second movement control, the system transitions back to the first movement control mode, making the control system flexible and adaptive to operator intentions rather than rigidly fixed in one mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors for operator operations as feedback signals. When an operator operation is detected during the execution of the second movement control, this feedback triggers the system to switch back to the first movement control mode, ensuring the control system responds to and adapts to operator intent in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If the system restricts switching between control modes to maintain stability, then the control stability is improved, but the operational flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mode stabilityVSAvoidmode switching flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic mode switching that allows transitions between the first and second movement control modes based on detected operator operations. This dynamic approach maintains stability during automated execution while enabling flexible switching when the operator intervenes, optimizing both stability and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects operator operations and self-adjusts the control mode accordingly. When an operator operation is detected during second movement control, the system autonomously switches back to the first movement control mode without requiring additional input from the operator, making the switching process seamless and user-friendly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the system executes only the second movement control to simplify control logic, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol logic complexityVSAvoidvehicle energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between the first movement control (which includes coasting for energy efficiency) and the second movement control (simpler but less energy-efficient) based on operator input. This dynamic selection allows the system to optimize energy consumption by using coasting when appropriate while maintaining relatively simple control logic through clear mode transition rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter (movement control mode) based on detected operator operations. By switching between the first and second movement control modes, the system can adjust energy consumption characteristics while maintaining manageable control logic complexity through well-defined transition conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250289431A1Vehicle driving assistance apparatus, vehicle driving assistance method, and storage medium storing vehicle driving assistance program

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A vehicle driving assistance apparatus selectively executes first and second movement controls as an automatic movement control. The first movement control moves the vehicle autonomously by selectively executing a powering control of powering the vehicle and a coasting control of causing the vehicle to coast to maintain a vehicle speed within a set vehicle speed range including a set vehicle speed or maintain an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle within a set inter-vehicle distance range including a set inter-vehicle distance. The second movement control moves the vehicle autonomously to maintain the vehicle speed at the set vehicle speed or maintain the inter-vehicle distance at the set inter-vehicle distance. The apparatus starts the first movement control when a predetermined condition that a predetermined operation is performed by an operator of the vehicle while the second movement control is being executed, becomes satisfied.