Vehicle Control Logic for Unresponsive Occupants and Network Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems fail to effectively manage autonomous operation when an occupant is unresponsive and communication networks are unavailable, potentially leading to unsafe stopping locations where help cannot be contacted.
Innovation Solution
A control system that determines occupant responsiveness and communication channel availability, enabling autonomous driving to a safe location and continuous monitoring for network availability, with options for contacting emergency services or predetermined contacts based on occupant condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (steering angle control, braking force control, driving force control) into a single control unit that processes inputs from various sensors (steering angle sensor, brake pedal sensor, acceleration sensor) and coordinates multiple actuators. This integration reduces the number of separate control units while maintaining comprehensive vehicle control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can control steering angle, braking force, and driving force based on different sensor inputs and control strategies. This multi-functional design allows a single unit to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized control units.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and control units are deployed for comprehensive vehicle monitoring, then measurement precision and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates data from multiple sensors (steering angle sensor, brake pedal sensor, acceleration sensor) into a single control unit that processes all inputs centrally. This centralized processing maintains comprehensive monitoring capabilities while reducing the complexity associated with multiple distributed control units each processing sensor data independently.
3Device complexity
If conventional control systems without integration are used, then device complexity is lower, but information loss and coordination efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit merges processing of information from multiple sensors and control strategies in one centralized location, ensuring that all relevant information is available for decision-making. This prevents information loss that would occur in distributed systems where each control unit only has access to its own local data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors sensor inputs (steering angle, brake pedal position, acceleration) and adjusts control outputs accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that information is maintained and used for coordinated control actions across all vehicle systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system for a vehicle comprises one or more controllers (106, 108) and is configured to receive an occupant status signal (103) indicative of an ability of an occupant of the vehicle to take control of the vehicle, receive a communication signal (105) indicative of a status of a communication channel, determine whether the occupant is able to take control of the vehicle in dependence on the received occupant status signal (103), determine the availability of the communication channel in dependence on the communication signal (105), and output a control signal (107, 109) to cause operation of the vehicle to be controlled in dependence on the determination of whether the occupant is able to take control of the vehicle and the determination of the availability of the communication channel.