Smart Adaptive Cruise Control Dynamic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assist systems, such as cruise control and adaptive cruise control, face limited adoption due to concerns about maintaining constant speed in varying road conditions and driver behavior, and there is a need to integrate speed and distance control with other vehicle functionalities for enhanced safety and convenience.
Innovation Solution
The integration of speed and distance control functionalities with other safety, convenience, and comfort features, referred to as smart adaptive cruise control (SACC), which leverages dynamic information from systems like electronic stability control, traction control, and fuel economy management to adjust vehicle speed and distance based on real-time operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cruise control maintains constant preset speed, then speed control functionality is achieved, but driver concern about varying road conditions increases and usage willingness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between speed control mode and distance control mode based on real-time detection of leading vehicles. When a leading vehicle is detected, the system transitions to distance control to maintain safe following distance; when no leading vehicle is present, it returns to speed control mode to maintain preset cruise speed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system both reliable for speed control and adaptable to varying road conditions through automatic mode switching.
2Reliability
If adaptive cruise control switches to distance control mode, then safety is improved by maintaining preset distance, but system complexity increases due to mode switching arbitration
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensor apparatus (radar, laser, lidar, or camera) to continuously detect the presence and position of leading vehicles, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables automatic determination of whether to switch between speed control and distance control modes, reducing the perceived complexity by automating the arbitration process based on objective sensor data rather than requiring complex manual intervention logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cruise control is integrated with multiple vehicle systems, then driver assistance functionality is enhanced, but system integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cruise control system is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both speed control mode and distance control mode, and can be integrated with collision mitigation braking systems. The same sensor apparatus and control unit serve multiple functions: detecting leading vehicles for ACC operation, providing data for collision risk assessment, and enabling integrated braking interventions when necessary. This universal design enhances driver assistance capability while managing integration complexity by having components serve multiple purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A cruise control system of a vehicle comprises a target generator, a speed controller, and a distance controller. The speed controller and the distance controller are each coupled to the target generator. The target generator is configured for generating a dynamic speed target and a dynamic distance target through real-time assessment of information characterizing current operating condition characterizing information. The speed controller is configured for utilizing the dynamic speed target for issuing commands to cause the vehicle to be operated at a road speed that is adaptive to the current operating condition characterizing information. The distance controller is configured for utilizing the dynamic distance target for issuing commands to cause the vehicle to be operated such that a distance between the vehicle and a leading vehicle is adaptive to the current operating condition characterizing information.