Vehicle Control Mode Switching from Road Surface and Motion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle control systems require manual user intervention to switch control modes based on visual and sensory judgment, which is complicated and burdensome.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control device that analyzes road surface conditions using imaging and on-board sensors to automatically switch control modes based on vehicle characteristics, including heave, roll, and pitch, reducing the need for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual switching of control modes is implemented, then the user can control vehicle characteristics, but the operation becomes complicated and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The control mode switching system operates autonomously by detecting road surface conditions through imaging devices and analyzing vehicle characteristics via on-board sensors. The system automatically determines the appropriate control mode without requiring manual user input, thereby simplifying user operation while maintaining adaptive vehicle control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical switching operations with an automated sensing and analysis system. Imaging devices capture road surface images, sensors detect vehicle characteristics, and a control unit processes this data to automatically switch control modes, substituting physical manual operations with electronic and optical detection systems
2Extent of automation
If automated control mode switching is implemented, then user burden is reduced, but the system requires complex sensing and analysis components
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes images from imaging devices, analyzes data from various on-board sensors, determines vehicle characteristics, and switches control modes. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that integrates information from multiple sources (imaging devices, acceleration sensors, vehicle height sensors) and translates this data into appropriate control mode selections. This intermediary function simplifies the interaction between diverse sensing components and the final control execution
3Reliability
If control modes are switched based on road surface condition and vehicle characteristic, then optimum control is achieved, but the analysis and switching process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors changes in key parameters including road surface conditions (via image analysis), vertical acceleration, lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, and vehicle height. By tracking these specific parameters and their changes, the system achieves reliable control mode optimization without requiring complex analysis of all possible vehicle states
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control device includes an analysis unit configured to analyze a road surface condition based on a captured image that is captured by an imaging device that captures an image of a road surface in a traveling direction of a vehicle, a switching unit configured to switch a control mode indicating a level of control related to traveling of the vehicle based on the road surface condition and a vehicle characteristic that is based on detection information from an on-board sensor, and a control unit configured to control the vehicle in the control mode selected by switching.