Vehicle Running Test System Real-Time Driving Index Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle running test systems lack real-time feedback on driving indices, leading to driver-dependent variations in test results, as the evaluation of these indices only occurs after the test, making it difficult for drivers to maintain the allowable range during the test.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle running test system that displays driving indices in real-time, including the deviation ratio between the prescribed and actual vehicle speed, along with an allowable range, and adjusts the target speed pattern based on calculated indices to help drivers maintain the desired range, thereby reducing variations in test results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the driving index is calculated and evaluated only after the test (as in SAE J2951), then the evaluation process is simple, but the driver cannot determine during driving whether the driving index is within the allowable range, leading to driver-dependent variation in test results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest result consistencyVSAvoidreal-time feedback system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback by calculating the driving index during the test and displaying it to the driver through a display device. This allows the driver to see the current driving index value and compare it with the allowable range, enabling continuous adjustment of driving behavior to maintain compliance. The feedback loop consists of: (1) acquiring actual vehicle speed data, (2) calculating the driving index in real-time by comparing actual speed with prescribed speed pattern, (3) displaying the driving index value to the driver, and (4) the driver adjusting driving based on this information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If real-time display of driving index is implemented, then driver-dependent variation is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving index reproducibilityVSAvoidcalculation and display system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the driver to self-monitor and self-correct driving behavior by displaying the driving index directly to them. The driver uses the displayed information to automatically adjust their own driving without external intervention, making the system self-regulating. This reduces the need for complex external monitoring and evaluation infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent calculates and displays the driving index before the test concludes, allowing the driver to take preliminary corrective actions during the remaining test duration. By providing early warning when the driving index approaches or exceeds the allowable range, the system enables the driver to adjust driving behavior in advance to ensure final compliance, rather than discovering violations only after the test ends.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the driver focuses on tracing the prescribed speed pattern, then speed compliance is improved, but fuel consumption may worsen, and vice versa

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed pattern complianceVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent monitors the driving index as a composite parameter that reflects both speed pattern compliance and fuel efficiency. By displaying this integrated metric, the system enables the driver to find an optimal balance between strict speed tracing and fuel consumption. The driving index serves as a guiding parameter that synthesizes multiple performance aspects, allowing the driver to adjust driving style to achieve acceptable compliance without excessive fuel penalty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3249378B1Vehicle running test system, program for vehicle running test system, and vehicle running test method
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 HORIBA LTD
  • EP3249378B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3249378B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3249378B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to reduce a driver-dependent variation in test result by enhancing the reproducibility of driving indices at the end of a test, a vehicle running test system 100 including a vehicle speed pattern display apparatus 2 adapted to display a prescribed speed pattern B and current vehicle speed on a graph G1 with one axis as vehicle speed and the other axis as time or running distance is adapted to, while a vehicle V is being driven, separately from the vehicle speed, display information based on driving indices indicating a driving state of the vehicle V, simultaneously with the graph G1.