Steering Angle Control Signal Adjustment for Reverse Driving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reversing a vehicle can be challenging due to the difficulty in controlling the steering angle, especially in complex maneuvers like tight parking spaces or narrow roads, where existing technologies may not provide sufficient intuitive control for drivers.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that adjust the steering angle based on an adjustment function to mimic the handling of a vehicle moving forwards, combined with a rear-view video signal processed to resemble a view through the rear window, displayed on a head-up display, allowing drivers to control the vehicle while reversing as if they were moving forwards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the vehicle uses standard steering control during reverse driving, then the steering response is direct and responsive, but the handling becomes counter-intuitive and difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of reverse drivingVSAvoidsteering angle control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering angle ratio is dynamically adjusted based on driving conditions. During reverse driving, the control device changes the steering angle ratio between the steering wheel and steerable wheels, making the steering response less sensitive and more intuitive for the driver. This dynamic adaptation allows the same steering system to provide different steering characteristics for forward and reverse driving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the steering angle parameter based on driving direction. When reverse driving is detected, the control device modifies the steering angle ratio parameter, reducing the steering angle for a given steering wheel rotation. This parameter change makes the vehicle handling during reverse more predictable and easier to control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the steering angle ratio is reduced during reverse driving, then the vehicle handling becomes more intuitive, but the steering system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering control intuitivenessVSAvoidsteering control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing steering control system is enhanced to perform multiple functions. The control device that already manages steering assistance now also adjusts the steering angle ratio based on driving direction. This multi-functionality approach avoids adding separate complex mechanisms while achieving intuitive reverse steering control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex mechanical mechanisms to change steering ratios, the system uses electronic control to adjust the steering angle. The control device processes signals from sensors and dynamically modifies the steering angle ratio through electronic actuators, replacing what would otherwise require complex mechanical variable ratio mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If the vehicle provides traditional rear view display, then the system is simple, but the driver cannot see the rear area clearly while steering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverear area visibilityVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rear view camera displays the rear scene on a head-up display located in the driver's forward field of view. This dimensional change allows the driver to see rear information without turning their head, maintaining situational awareness while steering. The rear view is superimposed on the windshield or dashboard display, creating a multi-dimensional information presentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

A camera system acts as an intermediary to capture the rear view and transmit it to the head-up display. This intermediary device bridges the gap between the rear area and the driver's forward view, allowing simultaneous observation of both areas without physical head movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the vehicle uses automated parking features, then simple parking maneuvers are easier, but complex reversing situations still require difficult manual control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking maneuver easeVSAvoidreversing control adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The steering control system dynamically adapts to different driving situations including both automated and manual modes. During manual reverse driving, the system provides adjusted steering ratios for intuitive control. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to handle both simple automated parking and complex manual reversing scenarios effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3569474B1Apparatus, method and computer program for providing a steering angle control signal for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3569474B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3569474B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3569474B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

Embodiments relate to an apparatus, a method and a computer program for providing a steering angle control signal for a vehicle and a vehicle comprising such an apparatus. The method comprises obtaining (110) information related to an angle of rotation of a steering wheel of the vehicle (100). The method further comprises obtaining (120) information related to a direction of driving of the vehicle (100). The information related to the direction of driving indicates, whether the vehicle (100) is configured to move forwards or whether the vehicle (100) is configured to move backwards. The method further comprises determining (130) a steering angle for the vehicle (100) based on the angle of rotation of the steering wheel and based on the information related to the direction of driving of the vehicle (100). The steering angle is adjusted based on an adjustment function if the vehicle (100) is configured to move backwards. The method further comprises providing (140) the steering angle control signal based on the determined (130) steering angle.