Vehicle Function Limiting via Centralized Behavior Arbitration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle control systems require extensive effort and resources to update or enhance features, as designers must interface with multiple actuator controls, leading to time-consuming and costly processes due to the need for compatibility and coordination between different features and actuator controls.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle function limiting service that receives requests from various features based on a single group of predefined vehicle behaviors, arbitrating and prioritizing these requests to adjust actuators, simplifying the process of limiting vehicle operation and reducing the complexity of interfacing with actuator controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicle features directly interface with actuator controls to control vehicle operation, then features can precisely control vehicle systems, but the complexity of updating and enhancing features increases significantly due to the need for coordination between multiple designers and features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized vehicle function limiting service as an intermediary layer between vehicle features and actuator controls. This service receives limiting requests from multiple features, arbitrates between conflicting requests, and generates unified actuator control commands. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of coordination, allowing individual features to be updated independently without requiring synchronization with other features or actuator designers.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple designers are involved in feature updates to ensure compatibility with actuator controls, then system compatibility is maintained, but the time and cost of updates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized vehicle function limiting service acts as a mediator that maintains system compatibility through a standardized interface. Multiple designers can work on different features independently, and the service ensures compatibility by arbitrating requests and generating unified commands. This eliminates the need for extensive coordination meetings and compatibility testing between multiple designers, significantly reducing update time while maintaining system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle function limiting service provides a universal interface that handles limiting requests from any vehicle feature through a common set of predefined vehicle behaviors. This multi-functional service can accommodate different feature types (security, fleet management, maintenance) without requiring feature-specific integration logic, reducing the time needed for new features to be integrated into the system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each feature generates unique vehicle limiting requests, then features can have customized control logic, but the complexity of managing and arbitrating requests increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms customized feature control logic into standardized parameter requests. Instead of each feature generating unique complex control commands, features express their limiting intentions as requests for predefined vehicle behaviors with associated priorities and time parameters. The centralized service then processes these parameterized requests through a unified arbitration algorithm, maintaining feature customization while reducing request management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an asymmetric relationship where features have flexibility in expressing their limiting needs through customized requests, but the complexity is shifted to the centralized service that handles arbitration. The service uses asymmetric processing: it accepts diverse feature requests but outputs standardized actuator commands, effectively isolating the complexity within the service layer while keeping the feature layer simple and adaptable.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for limiting functionality of a vehicle are described. In one example, vehicle feature modules may specify vehicle behaviors and vehicle operation is limited according to the specified behaviors. Vehicle actuators may be adjusted to limit vehicle operation according to the specified vehicle behaviors. The vehicle behaviors may apply to powertrain systems, navigation systems, climate control systems, lighting systems and other vehicle systems.