Predictive Transmission Control Using Front Camera Road Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle transmission systems rely on delayed lateral G-force measurements from inertial sensors, which do not effectively optimize sports-shifting performance, as they do not predict road conditions ahead of time.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a front camera module and map data to predict road curvature and lateral G-forces, allowing the transmission control module to select appropriate speed ratios based on anticipated driving conditions, thereby enhancing transmission performance by anticipating road curves and adjusting transmission settings proactively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If lateral G-force measurements from inertial sensors are used for transmission control, then transmission control is simple to implement, but the control response is delayed and does not predict road conditions ahead of time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by using the front camera module to capture images of the road ahead and predict road curvature before the vehicle reaches the curve. This allows the transmission control module to pre-adjust speed ratios in anticipation of upcoming road conditions, eliminating the delayed response inherent in using only inertial sensor measurements. The predicted road curvature data is processed ahead of time to determine anticipated lateral G-forces, enabling proactive transmission control rather than reactive control.
2Productivity
If front camera module and map data are used to predict road curvature, then transmission performance is optimized by anticipating road conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by integrating multiple data sources (front camera module, map database module, inertial measuring unit) into a unified transmission control framework. The front camera module serves multiple functions: capturing road geometry images, determining road curvature, and predicting lateral G-forces. The transmission control module processes diverse inputs (image data, map data, sensor data) through a single algorithmic framework, reducing the need for separate specialized systems and managing complexity through multi-functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing the front camera module as a mediator between the road environment and the transmission control system. Instead of directly using inertial sensor feedback from road contact, the camera captures visual information about upcoming road conditions and translates it into predictive data. This intermediary enables the system to 'see' ahead of the vehicle's current position, providing advance notice of road curvature and allowing proactive transmission control adjustments.
3Productivity
If predicted lateral G-force is used to select speed ratio, then sports-shifting performance is optimized, but the algorithm complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by using the vehicle's existing front camera module (designed for other purposes such as lane detection or obstacle detection) to also determine road curvature for transmission control. The camera processor that already exists in the vehicle is leveraged to extract road geometry information, eliminating the need for dedicated specialized sensors. This self-service approach allows the system to enhance sports-shifting performance using resources already available in the vehicle, minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a transmission of a vehicle includes: determining, via an electronic controller, a predicted lateral G-force that will act on the vehicle while the vehicle moves along a road curve using image data from a front camera of the vehicle before the vehicle moves along the road curve; communicating, via the electronic controller, the predicted lateral G-force to a transmission controller; and and controlling, via the transmission controller, the transmission of the vehicle based on the predicted lateral G-force.