Vision-Based Active Steering Feedback Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric power steering (EPS) systems, particularly steer-by-wire systems, face challenges in accurately detecting road surfaces and providing timely feedback to drivers, limiting their ability to simulate the feel of the road surface effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vision-based active steering system that uses a handwheel actuator and a controller to generate feedback torque based on road surface forces detected by an image-based system, adjusting parameters such as assist torque, frequency, and tire behavior models to enhance steering feel and response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor-based surface detection is used to detect road surface, then steering feel can be adjusted, but steering motion is required which delays detection response
Solution Approach 1:
The vision system captures images of the road surface in advance before the vehicle actually encounters it, allowing the system to predict upcoming road conditions and prepare appropriate steering feedback adjustments ahead of time, thereby eliminating detection delay
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based detection system with a vision-based optical system. Instead of using physical sensors that require contact and motion to detect road surface properties, the system uses cameras to optically capture and analyze road surface images, eliminating the need for mechanical interaction and enabling advance detection
2Adaptability or versatility
If signal processing on embedded sensors is used to create road surface perception, then steering feedback can be adjusted, but accurate discrimination of road surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces embedded mechanical/electrical sensors with a vision-based optical system. The camera captures visual information about road surface texture, patterns, and characteristics, which are then processed to accurately discriminate between different road surface types (wet, dry, icy, gravel, etc.) with higher precision than sensor-based systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a visual dimension to road surface detection by capturing images that provide rich spatial and textural information. This dimensional addition allows the system to discriminate road surfaces based on visual characteristics rather than relying solely on mechanical or electrical sensor signals, significantly improving discrimination accuracy
3Device complexity
If steer-by-wire system is used to replace mechanical linkages, then system complexity is reduced, but natural road feel feedback to driver is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the vision system detects road surface conditions and the controller adjusts the actuator to generate appropriate feedback torque on the steering wheel. This closed-loop feedback system recreates the natural road feel by applying tactile feedback that corresponds to the detected road conditions, compensating for the loss of mechanical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary between the vision-based road surface detection system and the driver's steering wheel. It translates detected road surface conditions into appropriate tactile feedback forces, mediating the connection between the electronic steering system and the driver to recreate natural road feel
Data Source
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AI summary
One or more embodiments are described for facilitating a vision based active steering system. An example steering system includes a handwheel actuator that generates a first feedback torque based on road surface forces at a roadwheel. The steering system further includes a controller that receives, from an image-based system, a control signal indicative of a type of road surface based on an image of the road surface. Further, in response, the controller adjusts one or more parameters of the handwheel actuator to generate a second feedback torque based on the road surface forces at the roadwheel.