Redundant Camera Switching for Continuous Vehicle Cruise Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in maintaining continuous cruise control when there is an abnormality in the camera signal system, as they rely on a single set of cameras for environmental monitoring, leading to disruptions in automated driving.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle control system with multiple camera combinations (first and second cameras) and corresponding radar systems, allowing for automatic switching between different operational modes to ensure continuous cruise control even if one signal system experiences an abnormality, by using outputs from either the first or second cameras for monitoring the environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single set of cameras is used for environmental monitoring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of cruise control is compromised when abnormality occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuity of cruise controlVSAvoidnumber of camera systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system is segmented into multiple independent signal systems (first signal system with first cameras, second signal system with second cameras). Each signal system can independently perform environmental monitoring, allowing the vehicle to switch between systems when one experiences abnormality, thereby maintaining cruise control continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares backup camera systems in advance before any abnormality occurs. The control unit is pre-programmed to detect abnormalities and automatically switch to the other signal system, cushioning against potential disruptions to cruise control operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If multiple camera combinations are provided, then the reliability of cruise control is improved through redundancy, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuity of cruise controlVSAvoidsignal system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex signal system is segmented into distinct, modular first and second signal systems, each with its own cameras and processing path. This modular segmentation makes the overall complexity manageable while providing the necessary redundancy for reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of the camera system from single-mode to multi-mode operation. The control unit dynamically adjusts which signal system is active based on detected abnormalities, changing the system's operational state to maintain reliability without permanently increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If automatic switching between operational modes is implemented, then the continuity of cruise control is maintained, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecruise control continuityVSAvoidcontrol unit functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is pre-configured with abnormality detection and automatic switching capabilities before operation. This beforehand preparation allows seamless transition between signal systems without requiring complex real-time decision-making, reducing the actual control complexity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through abnormality detection by the control unit, which monitors the status of both signal systems and automatically triggers switching when needed. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains cruise control continuity with relatively simple control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3862240B1Vehicle control system
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 MAZDA MOTOR CORP
  • EP3862240B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3862240B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3862240B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A plurality of first cameras (11a) are provided in a vehicle (100) so as to surround the vehicle (100). A plurality of second cameras (11b) are provided in the vehicle (100) so as to surround the vehicle (100). A control unit (20) performs a first operation of outputting a control signal for cruise control of the vehicle (100) based on both outputs from the plurality of the first cameras (11a) and outputs from the plurality of the second cameras (11b), a second operation of outputting the control signal based on the outputs from the plurality of the first cameras (11a), and a third operation of outputting the control signal based on the outputs from the plurality of the second cameras (11b).