Predictive Driver Intent System for Engine Start-Stop Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle engine control systems face challenges in determining when to employ fuel-saving strategies like engine start-stop and fuel shut-off, potentially reducing customer satisfaction if executed when the driver does not intend to stop the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A predictive system that uses sensors to measure vehicle speed and deceleration rate to identify no-stop and complete stop braking events, generating a baseline probability table to predict the driver's intent to stop, and adapt this table based on individual driving behavior to control engine operations, such as initiating engine start-stop, rolling engine start-stop, or fuel shut-off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If engine start-stop control is implemented to save fuel and reduce emissions, then fuel economy improves, but driver satisfaction deteriorates when the engine control strategy is executed when the driver does not intend to stop
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of driver braking behavior by categorizing braking events (complete stop vs. no-stop braking) and generating a baseline probability table before making engine control decisions. This preliminary action enables the system to predict driver intent in advance, allowing the engine control strategy to be executed only when the driver intends to stop, thereby improving fuel economy without compromising driver satisfaction
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual driver braking behavior and compares it with predicted DITS events. By accumulating data from actual braking events and updating the probability table based on the difference between predicted and actual outcomes, the system learns and adapts to individual driver behavior patterns. This feedback mechanism ensures the engine control strategy aligns with driver intent, resolving the contradiction between fuel savings and driver satisfaction
2Loss of energy
If engine control strategy is executed based on simple braking detection, then fuel consumption reduces, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended engine shut-offs during no-stop braking events
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of braking events into complete stop braking events and no-stop braking events by analyzing brake release gradient and driver acceleration tip-in before executing engine control. This preliminary distinction prevents unintended engine shut-offs during no-stop braking while enabling fuel savings during complete stop braking, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from actual braking outcomes to update the baseline probability table. By accumulating data from both complete stop and no-stop braking events and adjusting probability thresholds based on actual driver behavior, the system becomes more accurate in predicting true stop intent. This reduces false positives that cause unintended engine shut-offs, improving reliability while maintaining fuel consumption benefits
Data Source
AI summary
A predictive driver intention to stop (DITS) system for a vehicle having an engine includes one or more sensors configured to measure a set of operating parameters of the vehicle including at least (i) vehicle speed and (ii) vehicle deceleration rate. A controller is configured to identify no-stop braking events and complete stop braking events, and reference a generated baseline probability table indicating a probability of a driver braking to bring the vehicle to a stop, based on at least the vehicle speed and vehicle deceleration rate measured during at least one of the identified no-stop braking events and complete stop braking events. The controller is further configured to predict a DITS event based on the generated baseline probability table, and control operation of the engine based on the predicted DITS event to facilitate reducing vehicle fuel consumption and/or tailpipe emissions.