Vehicle Control Apparatus for Learning Time-Optimal Race Track Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control devices for motor vehicles are inadequate in enabling drivers to quickly and safely learn how to drive on a predetermined, time-optimal ideal line on a race track, requiring a complex multi-stage learning process.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a memory unit for storing ideal line position data, a position recognition unit for determining the vehicle's position relative to the ideal line, and an actuator control unit for automatically controlling steering, acceleration, and deceleration actuators, allowing the vehicle to move autonomously along the ideal line, with optional driver input and feedback for learning and correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If driver assistance systems provide instructions for optimal acceleration and braking times, then driving performance can be improved, but the system complexity and multi-stage learning process requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the driver's actual driving behavior and compares it with the ideal driving line and timing data. Position recognition units detect the vehicle's location relative to the ideal line, and the control unit provides real-time feedback through visual displays and haptic steering wheel feedback, guiding the driver to adjust their driving without complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical driver assistance systems with an information-based system. Instead of physical guides or cables, the system uses electronic position recognition, visual displays showing the ideal line, and electronic control of steering wheel feedback to guide the driver, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining effectiveness
2Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicle control is implemented using image capture and continuous target course calculation, then the vehicle can follow a uniform overall course, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential elements needed for autonomous driving on closed circuits: pre-stored ideal line position data and vehicle position recognition. It removes unnecessary components such as complex image capture systems, continuous target course calculation units, and extensive sensor arrays required for general road autonomous driving, focusing solely on tracking the predetermined ideal line
Solution Approach 2:
The ideal line position data is predetermined and stored in the system before driving begins. This eliminates the need for real-time complex calculations of the target course during driving. The system only needs to retrieve pre-calculated ideal line data and compare it with actual vehicle position, significantly reducing computational and device complexity
3Reliability
If full autonomous driving with multiple sensors is used on public roads, then safety and critical situation prevention are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and retains only the essential safety function needed for closed-circuit autonomous driving: position recognition relative to the ideal line. It removes unnecessary sensors and systems required for complex public road environments such as pedestrian detection, traffic signal recognition, and extensive surround-sensing equipment, achieving adequate safety with minimal device complexity
4Extent of automation
If guide cables or similar infrastructure are installed for autonomous unmanned vehicles, then autonomous following capability is improved, but the implementation cost and infrastructure requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical guide cables and infrastructure with electronic and information-based systems. Position recognition units detect the vehicle's location using electronic means, and the ideal line is represented as digital position data rather than physical markings or cables, eliminating the need for expensive infrastructure installation and maintenance
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control apparatus for motor vehicles for learning to automatically travel along a predefined time-optimum ideal line of a secluded stretch of road, preferably a race track. In an adjustable first stage of the control apparatus, when travelling along the race track, at least the steering actuators are automatically actuated in such a way that the motor vehicle moves autonomously along the ideal line of the secluded stretch of road with respect to the lateral direction. In an adjustable second stage, the driver himself controls the actuators and only receives instructions. In an adjustable third stage, the driver no longer receives instructions but instead is assessed only after travelling along the race track.