Vehicle Control Unit Mode Switching Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems fail to optimally switch operation modes of devices like accelerators, braking systems, and steering mechanisms in a stepwise manner, as the timing for mode switching varies based on the driver's state and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that switch operation modes of multiple driving mechanisms at different timings based on an operation mode switching trigger, utilizing a vehicle control unit with components like switching trigger detection, identification, timing determination, and mode switching units to adjust the operation modes of steering, braking, and driving mechanisms according to driver state and environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If operation modes of driving mechanisms are switched simultaneously at the same timing, then the control system is simple to operate, but the switching cannot adapt to different driver states and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation mode switching into different timing stages for different driving mechanisms. Instead of switching all mechanisms simultaneously, the control unit switches them at different timings based on their respective importance and safety requirements. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to various driver states and environmental conditions while maintaining manageable control complexity through structured phased switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching timing for different driving mechanisms based on real-time assessment of driver state and environmental conditions. The control unit dynamically adjusts the switching timing for accelerator, braking, and steering mechanisms according to the evaluated situation, making the system adaptable without requiring overly complex control structures.
2Reliability
If operation modes are switched in a stepwise manner at different timings, then the switching can be more appropriate and adaptive, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary evaluation of driver state and environmental conditions before executing the mode switching. This preliminary assessment allows the system to determine the appropriate switching timing for each driving mechanism in advance, ensuring reliable and appropriate switching while maintaining control system manageability through pre-planned switching sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different switching timing strategies to different driving mechanisms based on their specific characteristics and safety importance. The control unit assigns different switching timings to accelerator, braking, and steering mechanisms according to their individual requirements, achieving high switching appropriateness while keeping the overall control structure organized and manageable.
3Reliability
If all driving mechanisms switch mode simultaneously, then the response time is short, but the switching cannot account for individual mechanism requirements and safety considerations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mode switching process into multiple phases with different timing for each driving mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to prioritize safety-critical mechanisms while maintaining overall efficiency. The control unit manages the phased switching to ensure safety requirements are met without excessive time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary assessment and planning of the switching sequence before execution. This preliminary action allows the system to optimize the switching timing for each mechanism, ensuring safety-critical switches are performed at appropriate times while minimizing overall switching duration and maintaining efficient response.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present technology relates to a vehicle control apparatus, a vehicle control method, and a movable object that make it possible to realize more appropriate switching of an operation mode. A vehicle control unit switches operation modes of driving mechanisms such as an engine or a driving motor relating to driving (travelling) of a vehicle, a braking device relating to braking of the vehicle, and a steering mechanism relating to steering of the vehicle at different timings in accordance with an operation mode switching trigger of the vehicle, on a basis of, for example, a state of an individually identified driver or a situation around the vehicle. The present technology is applicable to, for example, an ECU for controlling a vehicle that performs automatic driving.