Vehicle Control System Automatic Terrain Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle control systems overwhelm drivers with complex choices, making it difficult to achieve an effective and enjoyable driving experience across various terrains and driving styles, as they rely heavily on driver input to select appropriate subsystem control modes.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that automatically evaluates terrain and driving style indicators using sensors to determine the most appropriate subsystem control mode, reducing driver workload and enabling seamless adaptation to different conditions without manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle control system provides multiple subsystem control modes for different terrains, then the adaptability to various driving conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation means automatically evaluates terrain indicators and determines the most appropriate subsystem control mode without requiring driver input or manual selection. The system self-services by autonomously selecting control modes based on real-time terrain assessment, thereby reducing the complexity burden on the driver while maintaining high adaptability across different terrains
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by automatically selecting different subsystem control modes based on evaluated terrain indicators. This parameter change approach allows the control system to adapt to various terrains by adjusting control parameters rather than requiring complex manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
2Ease of operation
If the driver manually selects subsystem control modes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time increases due to driver cognitive load and selection process
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation means performs automatic terrain evaluation and control mode determination without requiring driver cognitive resources or manual selection actions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the time loss associated with driver decision-making while preserving ease of operation through automated response
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of terrain indicators continuously and automatically determines the appropriate control mode in advance of any driver action. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time driver selection, reducing time loss while maintaining operational ease
3Ease of operation
If the system requires driver input for terrain selection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity decreases due to reduced response time
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation means automatically evaluates terrain indicators and determines control modes without waiting for driver input. This self-service approach eliminates the bottleneck of driver response time while keeping the interface simple, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors terrain indicators and provides automatic feedback by selecting appropriate control modes in real-time. This feedback mechanism eliminates the delay inherent in driver-input systems, improving productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through automated terrain-responsive control
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle control system (10) for at least one vehicle subsystem of a vehicle; the vehicle control system comprising a subsystem controller(12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) for initiating control of the or each of the vehicle subsystems in a selected one of a plurality of different subsystem control modes, each of which corresponds to one or more different driving conditions for the vehicle. Evaluation means (18) are provided for evaluating one or more driving condition indicators to determine the extent to which each of the subsystem control modes is appropriate and for providing an output to the subsystem controller that is indicative of the control mode which is most appropriate. This may be an evaluation means for calculating the probability that the or each of the subsystem control modes is appropriate. Automatic control means (20) may be operable in an automatic response mode to select an appropriate one of the subsystem control modes in dependence on the output.