GB2594529A - An automobile control system - Google Patents

An automobile control system Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2594529A
GB2594529A GB2008723.5A GB202008723A GB2594529A GB 2594529 A GB2594529 A GB 2594529A GB 202008723 A GB202008723 A GB 202008723A GB 2594529 A GB2594529 A GB 2594529A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
automobile
homologation
control system
compliant mode
mode
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB2008723.5A
Other versions
GB202008723D0 (en
GB2594529B (en
Inventor
Lalwani Vishal
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ineos Automotive Ltd
Original Assignee
Ineos Automotive Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ineos Automotive Ltd filed Critical Ineos Automotive Ltd
Priority to GB2008723.5A priority Critical patent/GB2594529B/en
Publication of GB202008723D0 publication Critical patent/GB202008723D0/en
Priority to EP21734904.2A priority patent/EP4162155A2/en
Priority to CN202180046845.2A priority patent/CN115917138A/en
Priority to US18/009,190 priority patent/US20230256978A1/en
Priority to PCT/GB2021/051433 priority patent/WO2021250403A2/en
Publication of GB2594529A publication Critical patent/GB2594529A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2594529B publication Critical patent/GB2594529B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/02—Circuit arrangements for generating control signals
    • F02D41/021—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W30/00—Purposes of road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. of systems using conjoint control of vehicle sub-units, or advanced driver assistance systems for ensuring comfort, stability and safety or drive control systems for propelling or retarding the vehicle
    • B60W30/18—Propelling the vehicle
    • B60W30/182—Selecting between different operative modes, e.g. comfort and performance modes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W50/00—Details of control systems for road vehicle drive control not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. process diagnostic or vehicle driver interfaces
    • B60W50/08—Interaction between the driver and the control system
    • B60W50/082—Selecting or switching between different modes of propelling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W50/00—Details of control systems for road vehicle drive control not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. process diagnostic or vehicle driver interfaces
    • B60W50/08—Interaction between the driver and the control system
    • B60W50/085—Changing the parameters of the control units, e.g. changing limit values, working points by control input
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W60/00—Drive control systems specially adapted for autonomous road vehicles
    • B60W60/001—Planning or execution of driving tasks
    • B60W60/0015—Planning or execution of driving tasks specially adapted for safety
    • B60W60/0018—Planning or execution of driving tasks specially adapted for safety by employing degraded modes, e.g. reducing speed, in response to suboptimal conditions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/22—Safety or indicating devices for abnormal conditions
    • F02D2041/228—Warning displays
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D2200/00—Input parameters for engine control
    • F02D2200/50—Input parameters for engine control said parameters being related to the vehicle or its components
    • F02D2200/501—Vehicle speed
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D2200/00—Input parameters for engine control
    • F02D2200/70—Input parameters for engine control said parameters being related to the vehicle exterior
    • F02D2200/702—Road conditions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/02—Circuit arrangements for generating control signals
    • F02D41/021—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine
    • F02D41/0215—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine in relation with elements of the transmission
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/02—Circuit arrangements for generating control signals
    • F02D41/021—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine
    • F02D41/0235—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine in relation with the state of the exhaust gas treating apparatus
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/02—Circuit arrangements for generating control signals
    • F02D41/021—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine
    • F02D41/0235—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine in relation with the state of the exhaust gas treating apparatus
    • F02D41/027—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine in relation with the state of the exhaust gas treating apparatus to purge or regenerate the exhaust gas treating apparatus
    • F02D41/029—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine in relation with the state of the exhaust gas treating apparatus to purge or regenerate the exhaust gas treating apparatus the exhaust gas treating apparatus being a particulate filter
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/22—Safety or indicating devices for abnormal conditions

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an automobile control system (202) and associated automobile, method and computer program. The automobile control system (202) comprising: one or more homologation-relevant subsystems (206, 208, 210); and a processor configured to: configure the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of an automobile when the automobile is in a non-compliant mode of operation so as not to satisfy a homologation requirement; automatically switch control of the automobile from the non-compliant mode of operation to a compliant mode of operation based on an operating parameter of the automobile; and configure the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of the automobile when the automobile is in the compliant mode of operation so as to satisfy the homologation requirement. The homologation requirement can also be a legal requirement, based on an emissions standard, a safety standard or an ISO standard or combination. The homologation systems may include ADAS, air bag systems, camera system, diesel or fuel filter systems.

Description

AN AUTOMOBILE CONTROL SYSTEM
The present disclosure relates to at least one of an automobile control system, an automobile comprising the automobile control system, a method and a computer program. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an automobile control system comprising one or more homologation-relevant subsystems and a processor.
SUMMARY
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an automobile control system comprising: one or more homologation-relevant subsystems; and a processor configured to: configure the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of an automobile when the automobile is in a non-compliant mode of operation so as not to satisfy a homologation requirement; automatically switch control of the automobile from the non-compliant mode of operation to a compliant mode of operation based on an operating parameter of the automobile; and configure the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of the automobile when the automobile is in the compliant mode of operation so as to satisfy the homologation requirement.
Such an automobile control system may facilitate greater customisation of an automobile for the non-compliant mode of operation, in particular with respect to not satisfying a homologation requirement. This can result in improved performance of the automobile when it is in the non-compliant mode of operation, for example in terms of improved reliability overall (in every mode of operation), and in terms of safety and / or comfort (when in the non-compliant mode of operation).
Configuring the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of the automobile when the automobile is in the compliant mode of operation may comprise one of activating, enabling, or initiating for operation the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems. Configuring the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of the automobile when the automobile is in the non-compliant mode of operation may comprise one of deactivating, disabling, disengaging or inhibiting from operation the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems.
Satisfying or not satisfying the at least one homologation requirement may comprise complying or not complying with the homologation requirement.
The homologation requirement may be a legal requirement based on an emissions standard, a safety standard, or an ISO standard or a combination thereof.
The one or more homologation-relevant subsystems may be selected from the group consisting of advanced driver-assistance system, an air bag system, an automatic transmission lock, a camera system, a diesel particulate filter, a door status detection system, a dynamic stability control system, an electronic stability program, a gasoline particulate filter, a lighting system, a parking distance control system, a parking lock, a seatbelt indicator and a stop-start system.
The processor may be configured to: receive the operating parameter of the automobile; determine when the operating parameter exceeds a threshold parameter; and automatically switch control of the automobile from the non-compliant mode of operation to the compliant mode of operation when the operating parameter exceeds the threshold parameter.
The operating parameter may be a speed of the automobile. The threshold parameter may be a threshold speed parameter. The threshold speed parameter may be at least 5 km/hr.
The automobile control system may comprise at least one sensor configured to: sense the operating parameter of the automobile; and provide sensor data to the processor. The processor may be configured to: receive the sensor data from the sensor; and determine when the operating parameter exceeds a threshold parameter based on the sensor data.
The non-compliant mode of operation may comprise the automobile being on.
The processor may be configured to: receive an indication of an operating state of the automobile; and switch control of the automobile from the non-compliant mode of operation to the compliant mode of operation based on the operating state satisfying an operatingstate-condition.
Satisfying the operating-state-condition may require the operating state being in an off state for at least a minimum period of time.
The processor may be configured to provide an indication to a user of the automobile when automatically switching control of the vehicle from the non-compliant mode of operation to the compliant mode of operation.
There may be provided an automobile comprising any automobile control system disclosed herein.
There may be provided a computer-implemented method of controlling an automobile, the automobile comprising one or more homologation-relevant subsystems, the method comprising: configuring the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of the automobile when the automobile is in a non-compliant mode of operation so as not to satisfy a homologation requirement; automatically switching control of the automobile from the non-compliant mode of operation to a compliant mode of operation based on an operating parameter of the automobile; and configuring the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of the automobile when the automobile is in the compliant mode of operation so as to satisfy the homologation requirement.
There may be provided a computer program, which when run on a computer, causes the computer to configure any apparatus, including a circuit, controller, converter, or device disclosed herein or perform any method disclosed herein. The computer program may be a software implementation, and the computer may be considered as any appropriate hardware, including a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, and an implementation in read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or electronically erasable programmable read only memory ([[PROM), as non-limiting examples. The software may be an assembly program.
The computer program may be provided on a computer readable medium, which may be a physical computer readable medium such as a disc or a memory device, or may be embodied as a transient signal. Such a transient signal may be a network download, including an internet download. There may be provided one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computing system, causes the computing system to perform any method disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One or more embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an example automobile comprising an automobile control system; Figure 2 shows an example schematic of an automobile control system; Figure 3 shows a further example schematic of an automobile control system; Figure 4 shows a further example schematic of an automobile control system; and Figure 5 shows an example method of the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 shows an example automobile 100 comprising an automobile control system 102. The automobile control system 102 comprises one or more homologation-relevant subsystems and a processor (not shown).
A subsystem may be understood as being 'homologation-relevant' if it is applicable to a homologation requirement. The homologation requirement may be a legal requirement, for example based on an automotive standard, a safety standard or an emissions standard or a combination thereof that an automobile must satisfy when in a compliant mode of operation (e.g., a road legal mode). As such, the homologation requirement may vary on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis.
Further examples of a homologation requirement, in addition to examples of homologation-relevant subsystems, are described later in the present disclosure.
It has been unexpectedly found that if an automobile control system is configured to operate all homologation-relevant subsystems such that a homologation requirement is always satisfied for all modes of automobile operation, then this may increase the likelihood of an accident or automobile damage in at least some of these modes (for example off-road or wading modes). Furthermore, there has been no teaching or expectation that a homologation requirement could be discounted (not satisfied) when an automobile is in any mode of operation.
According to examples disclosed herein, an automobile may be configured for a noncompliant mode of operation. The automobile may be used in such a non-compliant mode of operation when it is off-road, for example, in which case it is not required to meet a homologation requirement.
An objective of one or more embodiments disclosed herein is to provide an automobile control system that can improve one or more of automobile safety, reliability and customisation for a variety of modes of operation.
Figure 2 shows an example schematic of an automobile control system 202. The automobile control system 202 comprises a processor 204 and one or more homologation-relevant subsystems 206, 208, 210.
The processor 204 is configured to automatically switch control of an automobile from a non-compliant mode of operation to a compliant mode of operation based on an operating parameter of the automobile. Alongside an off-road mode, an example of a non-compliant mode of operation is a wading mode, as will be discussed in more detail below. The non-compliant mode of operation may be one in which the automobile is on -that is, not when the automobile is stationary and / or switched off. In some examples, the automobile may be in motion when it is in the non-compliant mode, for example travelling above a minimum speed (e.g., 5 km/hr).
The one or more homologation-relevant subsystems may be selected from the group consisting of an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) (examples of which include an automatic emergency brake system (AEB) and a lane keeping assist system (LKS)), an air bag system, a camera system (e.g., a front-, side-or rear-view camera or combination thereof), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), a door status detection system, a dynamic stability control (DSC) system, an electronic stability program (ESP), a gasoline particulate filter (OPF), a lighting system (e.g., a daytime running lights system), a parking distance control (PDC) system, a parking lock, a seatbelt indicator (e.g., warning system) and a stop-start system.
When the automobile is in the compliant mode of operation, the processor 204 is configured to configure one or more homologation-relevant subsystems 206, 208, 210 so as to satisfy an appropriate homologation requirement. The homologation requirement may be based on an emissions standard, a safety standard, a legal requirement, an ISO standard or a combination thereof. The condition 'to satisfy a homologation requirement' may comprise being compatible with the homologation requirement, complying with the homologation requirement, and/or configuring the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems 206, 208, 210 so that the subsystem(s) satisfies the homologation requirement. The condition 'to not satisfy a homologation requirement' should be understood in a corresponding manner.
For example, when the automobile is in the compliant mode of operation, the processor 204 may activate (e.g., turn on or activate from a standby mode), enable, initiate for operation or increase the functionality of one or more homologation-relevant subsystems 206, 208, 210 so as to satisfy the homologation requirement. When the automobile is in the non-compliant mode of operation, the processor 204 may deactivate (e.g., turn off or deactivate to a standby mode), disable, inhibit from operation or decrease the functionality of the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems 206, 208, 210 so as not to satisfy the homologation requirement.
As will be described later in the present disclosure, the non-compliant mode of operation may be customised by a user of the automobile. That is, the user may select which homologation-relevant subsystem(s) are configured by the automobile control system 202 so as not to satisfy a homologation requirement when the automobile is in the non-compliant mode of operation. In some implementations all such homologation-relevant subsystems can be configurable by the user, for example using an instrument panel cluster configuration menu. In some examples, it may also be possible to configure a homologation-relevant subsystem with a user operable switch and / or a diagnosis tester.
Accordingly, the automobile control system 202 of Figure 2 may facilitate greater customisation of an automobile for the non-compliant mode of operation, in particular with respect to not satisfying a homologation requirement. This can result in improved performance of the automobile when it is in the non-compliant mode of operation, for example in terms of improved reliability overall (in every mode of operation), and in terms of safety and / or comfort (when in the non-compliant mode of operation).
For example, an off-road mode of operation may correspond to switching off one or more of the following homologation-relevant subsystems: stop-start, parking distance control, door status detection, DSC, ESP, ADAS (LKS, automatic emergency braking), running lights, and configuring a reversing camera for use up to a higher speed than normal (that is, so that a camera is automatically deactivated at a different speed / distance than would be the case when in the compliant mode of operation).
A wading mode of operation may correspond to one or more of switching off DPF/OPF regeneration, seatbelt warning, air conditioning, and seat heating systems, alongside activating an air circulation system. Switching off the seat heating system may reduce the likelihood of system malfunction if water enters the automobile compartment.
Activating the air circulation system may reduce the likelihood of suction of water from outside the automobile.
A detailed description of satisfying or not satisfying a homologation requirement will now be provided. As introduced above, when an automobile is in a compliant mode of operation the one of more subsystems may be configured so as to satisfy a homologation requirement. As one example, a homologation requirement may be that all homologation-relevant subsystems of the automobile are active when an automobile is in a compliant mode of operation (e.g., an automatic emergency brake system is on standby, a diesel particulate filter is operational, etc.).
When the automobile is in a wading mode, it may no longer be appropriate or necessary for the homologation-relevant subsystems to satisfy the homologation requirement. If such satisfaction continues (e.g., the homologation-relevant subsystems remain active), however, the users of the automobile may be disturbed or risk being harmed.
There may also be a greater likelihood of subsystem damage.
For example, a homologation-relevant electronic subsystem may catastrophically fail if it becomes waterlogged while the automobile is wading through a body of water. A DPF may experience accelerated wear if it undergoes a regeneration cycle during such driving because the likelihood of undesirable rapid quenching by the body of water is higher than for normal driving. In such circumstances, it is advantageous for the automobile control system to configure these homologation-relevant systems such they are in an operating state that is less susceptible to damage when the automobile is in the wading mode, even though doing so results in the automobile no longer satisfying one or more homologation requirements.
In other words, when an automobile is in a non-compliant mode of automobile operation, a homologation requirement need not be satisfied because it is no longer relevant to the use conditions associated with the non-compliant mode. Continued satisfaction of the homologation requirement may even be detrimental to the automobile and/or its users.
A homologation requirement should, nevertheless, be satisfied for the automobile to operate in the compliant mode of operation. Configurations for the non-compliant (wading) mode would be unfeasible for the compliant (road-legal) mode, for example, due to the deactivation of legally required functions in some countries.
As such, one or more embodiments of automobile control systems as set out in the present disclosure may comprise (and realise) one or more of the following: 1. Deactivating a stop-start system when in an off-road and/or wading mode, which can improve functional reliability, add user comfort and increase safety.
2. Deactivating a PDC system in an off-road and/or wading mode, which can add user comfort.
3. Deactivating a DSC system and/or an ESP in an off-road mode.
4. Deactivating one or more ADAS functions in an off-road mode.
5. Configuring a reversing camera for use up to a higher speed than normal in an off-road mode, which can improve functional reliability and add user comfort.
6. Turning off a DPF or OPF regeneration mode in a wading mode (and warning a user as such, as will be described later), which can improve functional reliability.
7. Turning off a seatbelt warning in a wading mode, which can improve functional reliability and safety.
8. Turning off an air conditioning system and an air circulation system in a wading mode, which can improve functional reliability -such systems being incompatible with water ingestion -and can add user comfort.
9. Deactivating a seat heating system in a wading mode, which can improve functional reliability.
10. Deactivating an automatic transmission lock (auto P-lock) in an off-road and/or wading mode, which can add user comfort and increase safety.
By way of comparison, an engine control unit (ECU) that has been re-mapped (for example, according to an economy or sports mode of operation) would continue to satisfy a homologation requirement because it remains configured for road legal use. That is, the automobile remains in a compliant mode of operation.
As introduced above, the processor 204 is configured to automatically switch control of the automobile from a non-compliant mode of operation to a compliant mode of operation based on an operating parameter of the automobile. In some examples, the processor 204 may be configured to receive the operating parameter of the automobile. The processor 204 may receive the operating parameter from a sensor, or from information that is available on the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, for example. The processor 204 can then determine when the operating parameter exceeds a threshold parameter and automatically switch control of the automobile from the noncompliant mode of operation to the compliant mode of operation when the operating parameter exceeds the threshold parameter.
In one example, the operating parameter is the speed of the automobile, in which case the threshold parameter is a threshold speed parameter. The threshold speed parameter may be a minimum speed; for example, at least 5 km/hr, 10 km/hr, 20 km/hr, 30 km/hr, 40 km/hr, 50 km/hr, 60 km/hr, 70 km/hr, 80km/hr, 90 km/hr or km/hr. In this way, the automobile control system 202 may automatically switch control of the automobile when the automobile's speed is characteristic of the automobile being operated in the compliant mode of operation.
Another example of an operating parameter of the automobile is a suspension-parameter. Such a suspension-parameter can be provided by a pressure sensor, a distance / travel sensor, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, or any other sensor that monitors the performance of the suspension system. In the example of a wading mode of operation, the automobile will experience buoyancy when it is in water. This buoyancy will affect the operation of the suspension, and therefore also the suspension-parameter. Therefore, when the automobile leaves the water the suspension-parameter will change back to a value that is more indicative of a compliant mode of operation (i.e. when the automobile is not in deep water). The processor can be configured to recognise this change in the suspension-parameter and, based on the change (optionally in combination with any of the other parameters disclosed herein), automatically switch control of the automobile to the compliant mode of operation.
In a further example still, the operating parameter may be a wading parameter, which can be provided by a wading sensor. For example, a wading sensor may be implemented as an ultrasonic sensor that is configured to determine when the automobile is in sufficiently deep water that it is considered to be wading. The processor can be configured to recognise a change in the wading-parameter from "wading" to "not wading", and, based on the change (optionally in combination with any of the other parameters disclosed herein), automatically switch control of the automobile to the compliant mode of operation.
In a yet further still example, the operating parameter of the automobile may be an engine-cooling-fan-parameter. Such an engine-cooling-fan-parameter can represent the speed of the engine cooling fan, optionally a current drawn by the engine cooling fan. In the example of a wading mode of operation, the engine cooling fan will experience additional resistance when the automobile is in deep water. This can be reflected by an increased current drawn by the engine cooling fan. Therefore, when the automobile leaves the water the engine-cooling-fan-parameter will change back to a value that is more indicative of a compliant mode of operation (i.e. when the automobile is not in deep water). The processor can be configured to recognise this change in the engine-cooling-fan-parameter and, based on the change (optionally in combination with any of the other parameters disclosed herein), automatically switch control of the automobile to the compliant mode of operation.
Figure 3 shows a further example of an automobile control system 302. The automobile control system 302 of Figure 3 is similar to the automobile control system shown in Figure 2 in that it comprises a processor 304 and a plurality of homologation-relevant subsystems 306, 308, 310. A difference is that the automobile control system 302 comprises at least one sensor 312 (e.g., a speed sensor) that is configured to sense the operating parameter of the automobile and provide sensor data to the processor. As such, the processor 304 is further configured to determine when the operating parameter exceeds the threshold parameter based on the sensor data, and therefore when it should automatically change operation from the non-compliant mode to the compliant mode.
Figure 4 shows a further example of an automobile control system 402. The automobile control system 402 of Figure 4 is similar to the automobile control system shown in Figure 3 in that it comprises a processor 404, a plurality of homologation-relevant subsystems 406, 408, 410 and at least one sensor 412. A difference is that the automobile control system 402 of Figure 4 comprises a user interface 414 and an indication module 416. In some examples, the user interface 414 and/or the indication module 416 are provided separately to the automobile control system 402.
The processor 404 may be configured to receive one or more user commands via the user interface 414, which may be a button, a switch, a multi-button panel (e.g., a keypad) or a touch-sensitive screen. In some examples, the user interface 414 may include a rocker switch can be used by a user to select an off-road mode or a wading mode of operation. Based on the one or more user commands, the processor 404 may switch control of the automobile from the compliant mode of operation to the noncompliant mode of operation. Based on the one or more user commands, the processor 404 may also select which homologation-relevant subsystems are to be configured so as not to satisfy a homologation requirement. As such, the processor 404 may facilitate user control and customisation of the automobile control system 402 and thus the automobile.
In some examples, the processor 404 may be configured to receive an indication of an operating state (e.g., an engine state or an ignition state) of the automobile. Based on the operating state, the processor 404 can switch the operating mode of the automobile from the compliant mode to the non-compliant mode. For instance, the processor may only switch the operating mode of the automobile from the compliant mode to the non-compliant mode in response to an appropriate user command when the operating state is in a running state. In addition, optionally the processor 404 may only switch the operating mode of the automobile from the compliant mode to the noncompliant mode when the driving speed is less than or equal to a maximum-speed-threshold (which may be 0 km/hr in some examples). In some examples, the processor 404 may receive the operating state from a register that is configured to record when the operating state of the automobile has changed.
In some examples, the processor 404 may be configured to receive a temperature-indicator that represents the engine temperature and/or exhaust system temperature of the automobile. Based on the temperature-indicator, the processor 404 can switch the operating mode of the automobile from the compliant mode to the non-compliant mode. For instance, the processor may only switch the operating mode of the automobile from the compliant mode to the non-compliant mode in response to the temperature-indicator satisfying one or more mode-change-criteria. For instance, the mode-change-criteria may be an upper-temperature-threshold, a lower-temperature-threshold or a range of temperatures. In this way, the processor 404 will only switch the operating mode of the automobile from the compliant mode to the non-compliant mode when the temperature-indicator is: below an upper-temperature-threshold, above a lower-temperature-threshold, or in the range of temperatures. This can be especially relevant when the user is attempting to enter a wading mode of operation, in which case it can undesirable for the automobile to enter deep water if its engine / exhaust system is too hot.
In one implementation, the processor 404 may switch to the non-compliant mode of operation when: the automobile speed is 0 km/hr, the engine is running, and the processor receives two user commands: a first command for 'setting' the mode (e.g., by a user pressing a button for at least 3s) and a second command 'confirming' the mode set (e.g., by the user confirming an alert message by touching an appropriate icon on a touchscreen). In this way, the processor 404 may provide an indication of the one or more user commands that it has received to the user. Such an indication (e.g., an alert or acknowledgment) may prompt the user to provide a subsequent user command to the processor 404 that confirms an earlier user command.
When the automobile is in a non-compliant mode of operation, the processor 404 may provide an indication of the operating mode of the automobile to a user. To this end, the indication module 416 may present the indication to the user (e.g., visually, aurally or via haptic feedback) to inform the user of the operation mode. Similarly, the processor 404 may provide an indication of the operating mode of the automobile to a user when the automobile is in a compliant mode of operation.
The processor 404 may automatically switch from the non-compliant mode to the compliant mode of operation in response to the operating state satisfying an associated operating-state-condition (such as the operating state being in an off state).
Optionally, the operating -state-condition may require the automobile being off for at least a minimum period of time (which is non-zero, such as 30s). In which case the processor 404 may determine satisfaction of the operating-state-condition based on the operating state and a clock signal. This functionality may be provided in addition to the processor 404 being able to switch from the non-compliant mode to the compliant mode of operation in response to the user providing a user command (e.g., pressing a button for less than 5s), and / or the automobile exceeding a threshold speed (e.g., 60 km/hr), as set out above. In some implementations, the processor may switch from the non-compliant mode to the compliant mode of operation in response to the user command irrespective of for how long the user command is provided -that is, there may not be a requirement for the user to press a button for a minimum period of time, in the same way that there may be when switching from the compliant mode to the non-compliant mode.
The automatic switching the operating mode of the automobile from the non-compliant mode to the compliant mode based on an operating state and a minimum period of time may advantageously reduce the likelihood of unexpected automobile behaviour that may follow after quickly re-starting the automobile. For instance if a user stalled the vehicle while in a non-compliant mode, the automobile would remain in the non-compliant mode if they restarted the engine quickly after the stall so that they could continue in the same mode. In contrast, if a user parked up the automobile in a noncompliant mode, and left it for an extended period of time (such as overnight), the automobile would start back up in the compliant mode which is probably what the user would expect (and would likely provide for continued safe operation of the automobile because it would satisfy the necessary homologation requirements). Moreover, the processor 404 may cause the indication module 414 to alert a user of the automobile that there has been a change of the mode of operation by. Such an alert may comprise an exclamation mark displayed on a tell-tale strip, a warning message on an instrument panel cluster, an operating mode light flashing, an acoustic signal, a displayed list of deactivated subsystems or a combination thereof.
Figure 5 shows an example method 520 of the present disclosure. The method is for an automobile control system that comprises one or more homologation-relevant subsystems and a processor.
The method comprises configuring 522 the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of the automobile when the automobile is in a non-compliant mode of operation so as not to satisfy a homologation requirement, automatically 524 switching control of the automobile from the non-compliant mode of operation to a compliant mode of operation based on an operating parameter of the automobile, and configuring 526 the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of the automobile when the automobile is in the compliant mode of operation so as to satisfy the homologation requirement. Advantages of such processing are discussed in detail above with reference to Figure 2 in particular.

Claims (16)

  1. CLAIMS1. An automobile control system comprising: one or more homologation-relevant subsystems; and a processor configured to: configure the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of an automobile when the automobile is in a non-compliant mode of operation so as not to satisfy a homologation requirement; automatically switch control of the automobile from the non-compliant mode of operation to a compliant mode of operation based on an operating parameter of the automobile; and configure the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of the automobile when the automobile is in the compliant mode of operation so as to satisfy the homologation requirement.
  2. 2. The automobile control system of claim 1, wherein: configuring the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of the automobile when the automobile is in the compliant mode of operation comprises one of activating, enabling, or initiating for operation the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems, and configuring the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of the automobile when the automobile is in the non-compliant mode of operation comprises one of deactivating, disabling, disengaging or inhibiting from operation the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems.
  3. 3. The automobile control system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein satisfying or not satisfying the at least one homologation requirement comprises complying or not complying with the homologation requirement.
  4. 4. The automobile control system of any preceding claim, wherein the homologation requirement is a legal requirement based on an emissions standard, a safety standard, or an ISO standard or a combination thereof.
  5. 5. The automobile control system of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems is selected from the group consisting of advanced driver-assistance system, an air bag system, an automatic transmission lock, a camera system, a diesel particulate filter, a door status detection system, a dynamic stability control system, an electronic stability program, a gasoline particulate filter, a lighting system, a parking distance control system, a parking lock, a seatbelt indicator and a stop-start system.
  6. 6. The automobile control system of any preceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to: receive the operating parameter of the automobile; determine when the operating parameter exceeds a threshold parameter; and automatically switch control of the automobile from the non-compliant mode of operation to the compliant mode of operation when the operating parameter exceeds the threshold parameter.
  7. 7. The automobile control system of claim 6, wherein the operating parameter is a speed of the automobile, and the threshold parameter is a threshold speed parameter.
  8. 8. The automobile control system of claim 7, wherein the threshold speed parameter is at least 5 km/hr.
  9. 9. The automobile control system of any claims 6 to 8, comprising at least one sensor configured to: sense the operating parameter of the automobile; and provide sensor data to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to: receive the sensor data from the sensor; and determine when the operating parameter exceeds a threshold parameter based on the sensor data.
  10. 10. The automobile control system of any preceding claim, wherein the non-compliant mode of operation comprises the automobile being on. 30
  11. 11. The automobile control system of any preceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to: receive an indication of an operating state of the automobile; and switch control of the automobile from the non-compliant mode of operation to the compliant mode of operation based on the operating state satisfying an operating-state-condition.
  12. 12. The automobile control system of claim 11, wherein satisfying the operating-state-condition requires the operating state being in an off state for at least a minimum period of time.
  13. 13. The automobile control system of any preceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to provide an indication to a user of the automobile when automatically switching control of the vehicle from the non-compliant mode of operation to the compliant mode of operation.
  14. 14. An automobile comprising the automobile control system of any preceding claim.
  15. 15. A computer-implemented method of controlling an automobile, the automobile comprising one or more homologation-relevant subsystems, the method comprising: configuring the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of the automobile when the automobile is in a non-compliant mode of operation so as not to satisfy a homologation requirement; automatically switching control of the automobile from the non-compliant mode of operation to a compliant mode of operation based on an operating parameter of the automobile; and configuring the one or more homologation-relevant subsystems of the automobile when the automobile is in the compliant mode of operation so as to satisfy the homologation requirement.
  16. 16. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of claim 15.
GB2008723.5A 2020-06-09 2020-06-09 An automobile control system Active GB2594529B (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2008723.5A GB2594529B (en) 2020-06-09 2020-06-09 An automobile control system
EP21734904.2A EP4162155A2 (en) 2020-06-09 2021-06-09 An automobile control system
CN202180046845.2A CN115917138A (en) 2020-06-09 2021-06-09 Automobile control system
US18/009,190 US20230256978A1 (en) 2020-06-09 2021-06-09 An automobile control system
PCT/GB2021/051433 WO2021250403A2 (en) 2020-06-09 2021-06-09 An automobile control system

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GB2008723.5A GB2594529B (en) 2020-06-09 2020-06-09 An automobile control system

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CN117636662A (en) * 2023-12-10 2024-03-01 广东东软学院 Anti-flooding traffic control method and system for wading road section

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US20110029170A1 (en) * 2009-07-29 2011-02-03 Searete LLC, a limited liability corporation on the State of Delaware System for selective vehicle operation modes
US20110077808A1 (en) * 2009-09-30 2011-03-31 Searete LLC; a limited liability corporation of the State of Delaware Vehicle system for varied compliance benefits
GB2508690A (en) * 2012-09-06 2014-06-11 Jaguar Land Rover Ltd Vehicle control unit which suspends changes in selected operating modes
EP3581407A1 (en) * 2018-06-11 2019-12-18 FERRARI S.p.A. High performance road vehicle with automatic configuration acquisition and corresponding control method

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110029170A1 (en) * 2009-07-29 2011-02-03 Searete LLC, a limited liability corporation on the State of Delaware System for selective vehicle operation modes
US20110077808A1 (en) * 2009-09-30 2011-03-31 Searete LLC; a limited liability corporation of the State of Delaware Vehicle system for varied compliance benefits
GB2508690A (en) * 2012-09-06 2014-06-11 Jaguar Land Rover Ltd Vehicle control unit which suspends changes in selected operating modes
EP3581407A1 (en) * 2018-06-11 2019-12-18 FERRARI S.p.A. High performance road vehicle with automatic configuration acquisition and corresponding control method

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