Vehicle Rule Controllers for Low-Latency Action Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in efficiently managing secondary tasks and automating actions based on user-defined rules, particularly due to reliance on communication networks and potential delays or losses in communication.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising one or more controllers configured to receive and store rule configuration signals specifying actions and trigger conditions, determining evaluation locations, and generating control signals to automate actions in vehicle systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If automated in-car functionality relies on communication networks to operate, then telematics services enabling remote monitoring and control can be provided, but communication losses or delays adversely affect the system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The control system stores rule configurations and trigger condition definitions in advance within the vehicle's onboard memory. When trigger conditions are met, the system can execute automated actions immediately using locally stored rules without requiring real-time communication with remote servers. This preliminary storage of control logic enables the system to maintain reliability during communication outages while still providing telematics services when connectivity is available.
2Ease of operation
If multiple actions are automated based on user-defined rules, then ease of operation increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rule configuration is segmented into distinct components: trigger condition definitions, action specifications, and evaluation logic. Each component is independently stored and processed. The system evaluates trigger conditions separately from executing actions, allowing complex automated behaviors to be built from simple, modular rule elements. This segmentation reduces perceived complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically evaluates stored trigger conditions and executes corresponding actions without requiring continuous user intervention. Once rules are initially configured, the system self-manages the entire automation process including condition monitoring, rule evaluation, and action execution. This self-service capability provides ease of operation while the automated nature simplifies the user interface despite underlying system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rule evaluation is performed remotely, then centralized control is achieved, but latency and response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a hybrid evaluation architecture that adds a spatial dimension to rule evaluation. Rules can be evaluated in two dimensions: centrally on remote servers for updates and management, and locally within the vehicle for immediate execution. This multi-dimensional approach allows centralized control for rule configuration while enabling fast local response times for actual trigger evaluation and action execution, effectively resolving the time-latency conflict.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a control system for controlling a system, the control system comprising one or more controllers, configured to: receive a rule configuration signal, the rule configuration signal specifying properties of a rule, the properties comprising an indicator of an action to be carried out and at least one associated trigger condition; store the indicator of the action and the at least one associated trigger condition at a storage location; determine whether the rule is to be evaluated by the control system; and if the determination indicates that the rule is to be evaluated by the control system, and upon the at least one associated trigger condition being met: generate at least one control signal in accordance with the indicated action; and output the at least one control signal to at least one vehicle system to be controlled.