Vehicle Proximity Alert Control for On-Road and Off-Road States

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle parking aid systems generate excessive false proximity alerts when driving off-road due to undulating terrain, causing frustration for drivers.

Innovation Solution

A control system that determines the vehicle's operating state (on-road or off-road) and selectively inhibits or modifies proximity alerts based on this state, using sensors and vehicle data to adjust alert characteristics or distance thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate control units are used for different vehicle functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control units (engine control, transmission control, braking control, steering control) into a single integrated control unit that can execute different control algorithms for various vehicle functions. This merging approach maintains functional versatility while reducing device complexity and cost by eliminating redundant hardware components and inter-unit communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is designed with multi-functionality to perform diverse control tasks including engine management, transmission control, braking systems, and steering assistance. By implementing a universal control platform that can adapt to different control algorithms and vehicle functions, the system achieves versatility without requiring separate specialized control units for each function.

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

2Device complexity

If traditional control units are used, then device complexity is reduced, but information processing speed and communication efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidinformation processing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with electronic control units that utilize processors and communication buses (such as CAN bus). This substitution enables significantly faster information processing and communication speeds compared to mechanical linkages and contact-based control systems, while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through standardized electronic components.

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

3Speed

If control units are physically close to each other, then communication speed is improved, but adaptability to different vehicle layouts deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidadaptability to vehicle layouts
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system employs dynamic communication architecture where the integrated control unit can adapt its communication patterns and data routing based on the specific vehicle layout and operational requirements. The system dynamically adjusts communication protocols and data transmission paths to optimize performance for different vehicle configurations while maintaining high communication speeds through electronic bus systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4052241B1Control system and method for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD
  • EP4052241B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4052241B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4052241B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the present invention relate to a control system (1) for controlling generation of a proximity alert for a vehicle (2). The control system comprises one or more controllers (80). The control system (1) is configured to determine an operating state of the vehicle (2) within a spatial environment in dependence on vehicle data from one or more vehicle systems (10, 30, 40, 50, 60). The operating state indicates whether the vehicle (2) is currently in an on-road state or an off-road state. The control system (1) controls generation of the proximity alert in dependence on the determined operating state. Aspects of the present invention also relate to a vehicle (2) comprising a control system (1); a method of controlling generation of a proximity alert; computer software and a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium.