Dynamic Start Permission Period for Following Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional following travel control devices do not consider the frequency of driver starting requests, leading to inconvenience when the preceding vehicle does not start in a timely manner, requiring multiple requests from the driver to resume following.
Innovation Solution
A starting control device that includes a starting request frequency detection unit to differentiate between first and subsequent starting requests, adjusting the start permission period accordingly, allowing the host vehicle to start following the preceding vehicle only when the standby period meets the preset conditions, which are lengthened for subsequent requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the start permission period is kept short for all starting requests, then the system responds quickly to driver input and avoids unnecessary delays, but the driver experiences inconvenience when the preceding vehicle does not start in a timely manner requiring multiple requests
Solution Approach 1:
The start permission period is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control device adjusts the start permission period based on whether it is the first starting request or a second/subsequent starting request. For first requests, a shorter period applies for quick response, while for subsequent requests, a longer period is granted to accommodate delays in the preceding vehicle's startup, thereby resolving the contradiction between response speed and driver convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The parameter of start permission period is changed based on the frequency of starting requests. The control device detects whether the current request is the first or subsequent and modifies the time parameter accordingly. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between quick response (shorter period for first request) and driver convenience (longer period for subsequent requests)
2Ease of operation
If the start permission period is set long for all starting requests, then the driver experiences less inconvenience when the preceding vehicle delays startup, but the system responds slower to legitimate quick-start scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the start permission period based on request frequency. For subsequent starting requests where driver convenience is paramount, a longer period is applied. For first requests where quick response is critical, a shorter period is used. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by applying the appropriate time parameter based on the operational context
3Reliability
If the system requires multiple starting requests to be made, then the driver's intention to start is clearly confirmed, but the operation becomes more complex and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically detects and counts the frequency of starting requests, and autonomously adjusts the start permission period based on whether it is the first or subsequent request. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the driver to manually configure settings or understand complex parameters, reducing operation complexity while maintaining reliable confirmation of driver intention through the request frequency detection
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(d)
AI summary
A starting control device according to the present invention detects a preceding vehicle that is stopped in front of a host vehicle, acquires the relative speed and the inter-vehicular distance between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle, detects a starting request input by the driver of the host vehicle, and detects the number of times the starting request has been detected after the host vehicle has stopped. Then, the starting control device sets a start permission period according to the number of starting requests, and permits the host vehicle to start and follow the preceding vehicle when a standby period, which is the period from when the starting request is detected to when at least one of the relative speed and the inter-vehicular distance satisfies a preset start condition, is shorter than the start permission period, or suppresses a start when the standby period is greater than or equal to the start permission period.