Vehicle Control System for Automatic Emission Zone Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems cannot automatically adjust driving parameters to comply with environmental standards in emission control areas, relying on manual driver intervention which may lead to non-compliance due to overlooked signs or complex user interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that read traffic-sign signals and map data to automatically alter driving parameters, such as engine power and transmission control, to switch to an environmentally friendly mode when entering emission control areas, and revert upon leaving, using existing vehicle cameras and navigation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual driver intervention is used to adjust driving parameters, then driver control flexibility is maintained, but compliance with environmental standards cannot be ensured due to overlooked signs or complex interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic adjustment of driving parameters by the vehicle itself without requiring manual driver intervention. The control unit autonomously receives traffic sign signals, compares them with map data, and adjusts driving parameters to comply with environmental standards, making the system self-sufficient in ensuring compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment by the driver with an automated electronic control system. The control unit electronically adjusts driving parameters based on automatic recognition and comparison of traffic signs and map data, substituting human action with automated electronic control to ensure reliable compliance.
2Reliability
If automatic adjustment of driving parameters is implemented, then compliance with environmental standards is ensured, but system complexity increases due to multiple signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions using a single integrated system: it receives traffic sign signals, compares them with map data, determines compliance requirements, and adjusts driving parameters. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into one unified control unit, managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the traffic sign recognition system, map data, and the vehicle's driving parameter control systems. It processes information from multiple sources and translates it into appropriate adjustments of driving parameters, mediating between information input and actuation output to manage system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing vehicle cameras and navigation systems are utilized, then additional costs are avoided, but automatic identification of emission control areas requires complex signal comparison logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of traffic sign recognition, map data processing, and driving parameter control into a single integrated control unit. By combining these functions and utilizing existing vehicle cameras and navigation systems, the patent avoids additional hardware costs while managing the complexity of signal comparison through integrated software logic in one control unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for altering at least one driving parameter of a vehicle during travel. The method includes a step of reading in a traffic-sign signal, in which a traffic-sign signal is read in, the traffic-sign signal representing an altered traffic zone, indicated by a traffic sign, at one position. In a step of reading in a map signal, a map signal is read in which represents a traffic zone, indicated by a map, at the position. In a comparing step, the traffic-sign signal is compared to the map signal. In a last step of providing, an alteration signal is provided for altering at least the driving parameter, if a predetermined relationship exists between the traffic-sign signal and the map signal.