Vehicle Operating Mode Switching via Event-Based State Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in smoothly transitioning between operating modes, such as from a restricted mode to a fully operational mode, often requiring vehicle parking and using timers, which can disrupt vehicle operation fluidity and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A method of controlling a vehicle that involves periodic monitoring for specific events to modify the operating state, allowing seamless activation of a second mode of operation, using a communication mechanism between computers to manage and authorize mode changes without the need for vehicle shutdown or restart.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a timer is used to authorize mode change after expiration, then the transition from restricted mode to fully operational mode is controlled, but the smoothness of the transition is compromised and vehicle operation fluidity is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode transition controlVSAvoidvehicle operation fluidity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic monitoring of authentication status instead of a timer-based approach. The control unit continuously checks for authentication events at regular intervals, allowing mode transitions to occur naturally when authentication is detected, rather than forcing transitions at fixed time intervals. This maintains operational fluidity while ensuring controlled mode changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring authentication status and using this information to dynamically control operating mode transitions. The control unit receives feedback about authentication events and adjusts the operating mode accordingly, creating a responsive system that adapts to user needs without disrupting vehicle operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the vehicle is required to be parked to allow mode change, then the operating state can be modified to authorize a second operating mode, but vehicle functionality is disrupted and user experience is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating state modificationVSAvoidvehicle functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication checks and prepares for mode transitions before they are needed. The control unit continuously monitors for authentication events and pre-conditions the system for potential mode changes, allowing transitions to occur seamlessly during vehicle operation without requiring parking or interrupting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system makes the operating mode dynamic rather than static. Instead of requiring the vehicle to be parked to change modes, the control unit allows real-time switching between operating modes based on authentication status. This dynamic approach maintains vehicle functionality while enabling flexible mode transitions during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If periodic monitoring is implemented to detect events, then smooth and transparent mode transitions are enabled, but the complexity of the control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode transition smoothnessVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it manages engine operation, monitors authentication status, detects events, and controls mode transitions. By making the control unit universal and multi-functional, the system achieves smooth mode transitions without adding separate dedicated monitoring systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit autonomously monitors for authentication events and automatically manages mode transitions without requiring external intervention or complex additional systems. The system serves itself by integrating the monitoring and control functions within the existing control unit, achieving smooth transitions while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3894283B1Method for controlling a vehicle with a plurality of operating modes
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP3894283B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3894283B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3894283B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The method for controlling a vehicle comprises a step (E100) of implementing a first operating mode of the vehicle, for which the vehicle operates at least partially, the first operating mode being associated with an operating state of the vehicle allowing said implementation of the first operating mode. This control method comprises: a step (E101) of periodically monitoring the completion of an event during the step (E100) of implementing the first operating mode for detecting the event; a step (E102) of modifying the operating state, triggered by the detection of the event, for authorising the activation of a second operating mode of the vehicle associated with the modified operating state; a step (E103) of activating the second operating mode of the vehicle authorised by the modified operating state.