Vehicle Torque Control via Driver Face Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems restrict engine torque even when a driver intends to accelerate, leading to deteriorated driveability, especially during scenarios like merging onto a main track from a merging lane.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses a controller to restrict torque only when the accelerator pedal operation is large and the driver's face direction changes between forward and backward, with a higher restriction degree applied during such changes to prevent unintended torque reduction, utilizing an imaging device to determine the driver's face direction and an accelerator pedal position sensor to detect operation amount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If engine torque is restricted when accelerator pedal operation is large, then vehicle safety is improved, but driveability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies different torque restriction strategies based on local conditions - specifically whether the driver is facing forward or backward. When the driver faces forward, torque restriction is applied for safety; when facing backward, torque restriction is suppressed to maintain driveability. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by adapting the same control mechanism to different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts torque restriction based on real-time detection of driver orientation. The controller continuously monitors driver face direction and modifies torque restriction levels accordingly, transitioning between safety-oriented restriction and driveability-oriented non-restriction based on the driver's current state, thus resolving the static contradiction dynamically.
2Reliability
If torque restriction degree is increased when driver face direction changes, then prevention of unintended acceleration is improved, but response to driver acceleration intention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the imaging device that detects driver face direction to adjust torque restriction. When the driver turns their face backward, the system receives feedback indicating no acceleration intention and applies stronger torque restriction. When facing forward, feedback indicates potential acceleration intention and restriction is reduced, thus resolving the contradiction through continuous feedback-based adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a vehicle restricts engine torque when an accelerator operation amount is large and it is determined that the direction of the driver's face changed between forward and backward of the vehicle.