Vehicle Control System with Zone Tracking Remote
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-board vehicle control systems require manual user selection of channels or functions, making them prone to errors and unsuitable for multi-user environments or controlling multiple systems within a single room.
Innovation Solution
An on-board control system with a central unit and a wireless remote control that uses a tracking system with RF, ultra-sonic, or infrared technology to determine the remote control's location within the vehicle, allowing location-specific control of vehicle systems and automatically selecting appropriate functions based on defined operating zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual user selection of channels or functions is required, then the control system can be simple in structure, but the ease of operation deteriorates and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines which display module to control by tracking the remote control's position within the vehicle. The tracking system continuously monitors the remote's location and automatically switches control to the appropriate display module in that zone, eliminating the need for manual user selection of channels or functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical selection process (using slider switches or on-screen options) with an automated electronic tracking system. The tracking system uses sensors and processors to automatically identify the user's location and control the corresponding display module, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control.
2Device complexity
If a single remote control is used to control multiple vehicle systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential erroneous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle interior is divided into distinct control zones, with each zone associated with specific display modules. The tracking system determines which zone the remote control is currently in and automatically activates only the control functions relevant to that zone. This ensures that the remote control can handle multiple vehicle systems while maintaining reliability by preventing erroneous control of display modules outside the current zone.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control system is designed for single-user operation, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability deteriorates for multi-user environments
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts its functionality based on the real-time position of the remote control. As the remote moves between different zones in the vehicle, the system automatically adjusts which display modules are controllable, enabling seamless transition between different user positions (e.g., driver, front passenger, rear passengers) without requiring manual reconfiguration or mode switching.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless, error-free control of multiple vehicle systems by a single remote control, suitable for multi-user environments, without manual user selection, and allows customizable control interfaces based on the remote control's location within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The tracking system can utilise radio frequency (RF), ultra-sonic, computer vision or infra-red to track the remote control.
Implementation Method 2
The tracking system can utilise an Ultra Wide Band Real Time Location System (UWB-RTLS).
Implementation Method 3
The time of flight of the locating signal can be measured to track the position of the remote control within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 4
a remote control for transmitting a control signal wirelessly to the central control unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an on-board control system for a vehicle. A central control unit is provided for controlling the operation of several vehicle systems in response to a control signal transmitted wirelessly by a remote control. An interior of the vehicle is divided into a plurality of operating zones and a tracking system tracks the remote control to determine which one of said operating zones the remote control is located within. The vehicle systems are each associated with at least one of said operating zones. The remote control is configured selectively to control each vehicle system associated with the operating zone in which the remote control is located. The invention also relates to a method of operating a vehicle control system.