Remote Vehicle Speed Control Based on Obstacle and Operator Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control vehicle systems lack effective safety measures to ensure the vehicle and its operator are not harmed while being controlled remotely, as they do not adequately account for distances to obstacles or the operator's proximity.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize processing means to determine distance values from obstacles and the remote control device, limiting the vehicle's speed based on these values to ensure safe operation, using signals from sensors and smart key detection to establish speed limits and prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vehicle is allowed to move at high speed during remote control operation, then productivity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to increased risk of collision with obstacles or the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed adjustment by continuously monitoring distance to obstacles and the operator using sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, camera) and modifying the vehicle's maximum speed accordingly. The speed limit is not fixed but adapts in real-time based on environmental conditions, allowing higher speeds when safe and lower speeds when obstacles are detected
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously detect the distance to obstacles and the operator, transmit this information to the control unit, which then adjusts the speed limit accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that speed modifications are based on real-time conditions rather than pre-programmed fixed limits
2Productivity
If the vehicle moves quickly when the operator is far away, then productivity is improved, but safety deteriorates because the operator may be out of communication range and lose control
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors the strength and reliability of the communication signal between the remote control device and the vehicle. When the signal strength falls below a threshold indicating potential loss of control, the system automatically reduces speed or halts movement, providing feedback-based safety intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by reducing speed before complete loss of communication occurs. By detecting deteriorating signal conditions early, the system proactively slows the vehicle to a safe speed while the operator is still within range, preventing the dangerous situation of high-speed movement with lost control
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling vehicle movement comprises processing means configured to receive first signals from a receiving means arranged to receive transmitted signals from a remote control device indicating a requested motion of the vehicle. From the first signals or an additional signal received from a sensing means, one or more distance values indicative of a distance from a point on the vehicle to an object is determined, and a maximum speed value for the vehicle is determine in dependence on the one or more distance values. The processing means provides an output signal for controlling speed of the vehicle based on the requested motion. The output signal is arranged to control the speed of the vehicle to be less than or equal to the maximum speed value.