Vehicle Driver-Range Control Using Adaptive RF Polling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous vehicle systems lack an efficient method to determine the range of a driver or user to the vehicle during autonomous maneuvers, which is crucial for regulatory compliance and safety, particularly in ensuring the driver is within a specific range to take control.
Innovation Solution
A control system that emits and receives Radio Frequency signals to determine the range to a portable control device, such as a key fob, by adjusting the polling rate based on the vehicle's state (stationary or moving) to manage energy usage and ensure the driver is within a valid range for autonomous operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous scanning is performed to determine driver range during autonomous maneuvers, then measurement precision and safety are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs range determination at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The control unit is configured to determine the range between the vehicle and portable control device at specific intervals during autonomous maneuvers, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The polling rate is dynamically adjusted based on vehicle state. When the vehicle is in motion during an autonomous maneuver, the system increases the polling rate to determine range more frequently. When stationary, the polling rate is reduced, optimizing energy consumption based on the actual operational context.
2Speed
If higher polling rate is used to determine range during vehicle motion, then measurement precision and response time are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the polling rate based on whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary. During motion, a higher polling rate is applied to ensure rapid detection of driver position changes. When stationary, the polling rate is reduced to minimize energy consumption during periods when rapid response is less critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The polling rate parameter is changed based on vehicle operational state. The control unit modifies the frequency of range determination operations according to the vehicle's motion status, optimizing the balance between response speed and energy consumption for different operational contexts.
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 accurate and efficient determination of the driver's range to the vehicle, facilitating safe and compliant autonomous maneuvers while managing energy consumption, ensuring the driver is within a predetermined range to intervene if necessary.
Implementation Method 1
A control system that emits and receives Radio Frequency signals to determine the range to a portable control device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control system (100) for a vehicle, for determining a range from the vehicle to a portable control device associated with the vehicle. The control system comprises a signal input (106) for receiving a range request signal; a scan output (110) for triggering emission of a scan signal; a scan input (112) for receiving a scan response signal originating from the portable control device in response to the scan signal; a signal output (108) for transmitting data to the electronic control unit; where in dependence on receipt of the range request signal, the scan signal is sent; in dependence on the scan response signal, range data indicative of the range from the vehicle to the portable control device is determined; and the range data is output. The control system may operate with an existing access control system such that the key fob of the access control system may operate as the portable control device.