Vehicle Speed And Gap Control Using Driver Pedal Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems may cause passenger discomfort and increased driver burden when only one of target inter-vehicle distance or target vehicle speed is updated, leading to inconsistent driving experiences.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control device and method that independently adjusts vehicle speed and inter-vehicle interval based on obtained information about the inter-vehicle interval and driver acceleration/deceleration operations, using a controller to output commands for maintaining optimal traveling states without the need for dedicated switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only one of the target inter-vehicle distance or target vehicle speed is updated to control the own vehicle, then the operational burden on the driver is reduced, but passenger discomfort occurs due to inconsistent driving experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of target inter-vehicle distance and target vehicle speed into a unified control system. When the driver operates the accelerator or brake pedal, the system simultaneously updates both the target inter-vehicle distance and target vehicle speed based on the same pedal operation signal, ensuring consistent and coordinated adjustment of both parameters rather than updating only one at a time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by continuously monitoring the driver's accelerator and brake pedal operations, and using this information to dynamically adjust both target inter-vehicle distance and target vehicle speed. The control device receives feedback signals from the pedal operations and modifies the travel state control accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that responds to driver intent while maintaining passenger comfort.
2Speed
If the target inter-vehicle distance and target vehicle speed are updated based on pedal operations, then the driving control responsiveness is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs multiple functions using a single integrated system. It simultaneously controls target inter-vehicle distance, target vehicle speed, and the actual vehicle travel state based on the same pedal operation inputs. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle multiple control objectives without requiring separate dedicated control systems for each parameter, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts control parameters based on real-time driver inputs. The target inter-vehicle distance and target vehicle speed are not fixed but are dynamically modified according to the accelerator and brake pedal operations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond flexibly to changing driving conditions and driver intent without requiring complex pre-programmed scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle control device, independently of acceleration and deceleration operation by a vehicle driver, adjusts a vehicle speed to a predetermined target vehicle speed or adjusts an inter-vehicle interval between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle which travels ahead of the vehicle, to a predetermined target inter-vehicle interval. The vehicle control device obtains information concerning the inter-vehicle interval between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle and information concerning acceleration and deceleration operations by the driver, to update settings of the target vehicle speed and the target inter-vehicle interval according to the obtained information concerning the inter-vehicle interval and the acceleration and deceleration operation. Furthermore, the vehicle control device outputs, to a braking/driving device (a brake pedal and an engine) of the vehicle, a braking/driving command (a driving command and a braking command) for adjusting traveling state based on the updated target vehicle speed and target inter-vehicle interval.