ISG Control via Camera Road Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Idle Stop and Go (ISG) functions in vehicles are not effectively controlled based on complex road situations, leading to inefficient fuel usage and potential safety hazards due to simplistic speed and pedal input-based activation.
Innovation Solution
A driver assistance apparatus equipped with cameras and a processor that acquires navigation and image data to determine complex road scenarios, such as ramp joins, traffic signals, and pedestrian signals, to precisely control the ISG function, turning it on or off as necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ISG function is controlled based on simple factors such as vehicle speed and pedal input, then the control system is simple and easy to operate, but the fuel efficiency improvement is limited and safety hazards may occur due to inability to recognize complex road situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image processing unit as an intermediary between the simple speed/pedal input control and the ISG function. This unit captures road situation images, processes them to identify complex scenarios (ramps, intersections, construction zones), and provides this information to the control unit. This intermediary enables the system to make informed ISG decisions based on both simple inputs and complex road context, improving fuel efficiency without compromising operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it processes simple speed and pedal input signals while simultaneously integrating complex road situation data from the image processing unit. This multi-functional capability allows the single control unit to manage both basic ISG operations and advanced road-aware decision-making, eliminating the need for separate complex control systems while achieving improved fuel efficiency.
2Device complexity
If the ISG function is controlled based on simple factors such as vehicle speed and pedal input, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of ISG operation in complex road situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ISG control system into two functional segments: a simple control unit that handles basic speed and pedal input processing, and an image processing unit that independently analyzes road situations. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its specific task without increasing overall system complexity significantly, while the combined output achieves high reliability in complex road situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing unit serves as an intermediary that enhances reliability without requiring complete redesign of the control system. It processes road situation images and provides contextual information to the existing control unit, allowing the system to reliably distinguish between situations where ISG should be activated (e.g., flat roads) and where it should be inhibited (e.g., ramps, intersections, construction zones).
3Loss of energy
If the ISG function activates without considering road situations such as ramps, intersections, and construction zones, then the ISG function operates continuously improving fuel efficiency, but safety hazards occur and travel delays may result
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing unit performs preliminary analysis of road situations before the ISG function is activated. By identifying potential hazards such as ramps, intersections, and construction zones in advance, the system can prevent ISG activation in these scenarios. This preliminary anti-action approach stops harmful ISG operations before they occur, ensuring safety while maintaining fuel efficiency in appropriate conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the image processing unit continuously monitors road situations and provides real-time information to the control unit. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically adjust ISG operation based on current road conditions, inhibiting ISG when hazards are detected and enabling it when conditions are safe, thereby balancing fuel efficiency and safety.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the ISG function is turned off frequently to avoid safety hazards in complex road situations, then safety is improved, but fuel efficiency benefits are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing unit provides continuous feedback about road situations to the control unit, enabling precise determination of when ISG should be inhibited. This feedback mechanism ensures that ISG is turned off only when necessary for safety (e.g., detected ramps, intersections, construction zones) while remaining active during safe conditions, thereby minimizing the loss of fuel efficiency benefits while maintaining safety improvements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a driver assistance apparatus included in a vehicle having an Idle Stop and Go (ISG) function. The driver assistance apparatus includes at least one camera configured to acquire a forward image or an around view image of the vehicle, and a processor configured to detect information from the image and to provide a control signal to turn the ISG function on or off based on the detected information or received navigation information.