DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of vehicle speed governing systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
In mining areas, an auto speed cut refers to a safety feature implemented in vehicles and equipment used in mining operations. The purpose of an auto speed cut is to limit the maximum speed at which vehicles or machinery can operate. At the same time, this safety measure is intended to reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall safety. The gradient of the terrain is an important factor to consider when implementing auto speed cuts or speed limitations in mining areas. The gradient refers to the steepness or slope of the ground, and it can significantly affect the stability and manoeuvrability of vehicles and equipment.
Mining areas often have uneven and steep terrain, especially in open-pit mines or areas where excavation occurs. Operating vehicles or heavy machinery at high speeds on such slopes can increase the risk of accidents, such as rollovers or loss of control. In these situations, speed limitations can be critical to maintaining stability and preventing dangerous incidents.
Transporting heavy loads on steep slopes can lead to tipping accidents if the speed is not regulated. Speed limitations can help prevent excessive acceleration and reduce the risk of tipping, which can be particularly dangerous when carrying large amounts of material. Operating vehicles and equipment at high speeds on uneven terrain can lead to increased wear and tear on the machinery. Implementing speed limitations can help extend the life of the equipment and reduce maintenance costs. In some cases, it might be appropriate to have variable speed limits based on the gradient of the terrain and other factors.
The gradient of the terrain is a crucial consideration when implementing speed limitations in mining areas. Properly regulated speeds can improve safety, stability, and overall efficiency. It is essential to strike a balance between the safety and operational efficiency of the vehicles and machinery in mining areas.
To address the technical challenges associated with auto speed cuts in mining areas, an advanced and adaptive speed regulation system can be implemented. This system would consider real-time data about the terrain gradient and dynamically adjust the speed of vehicles and machinery accordingly. The solution involves integrating sophisticated sensors, GPS technology, and intelligent algorithms to create a comprehensive speed control system.
Therefore, there is felt a need for a system and a method for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system of sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that estimates road gradients for governing vehicle speed that is accurate.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that does not require any sensors for gradient estimation.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that offers better control of the vehicle even while driving on uneven terrain.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that automates speed on uphill terrain.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that offers intelligent auto-cutoff speed governing.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that automates breaking in a downhill road.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that identifies when to increase the speed of the vehicle even beyond a pre-set threshold speed.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a system and method for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed.
The system comprises a speed governing device of a vehicle.
The speed governing device includes a speed determination module, an accelerator pedal cutoff module, a road gradient determination module, a decision making module, and an activating module.
The speed determination module is configured to continuously determine the speed of a vehicle by means of a set of speed determination rules.
The accelerator pedal cutoff module is configured to cooperate with the speed determination module to cut-off an accelerator pedal connection with the acceleration mechanism of the vehicle when the determined speed is greater than a pre-set threshold value.
The road gradient determination module is configured to cooperate with the accelerator pedal cutoff module to estimate road gradients and is further configured to calculate a change in the speed of the vehicle post the cut-off of the accelerator pedal connection by means of a set of comparing rules.
The decision making module is configured to cooperate with the road gradient determination module to trigger an action based on the estimated road gradient for the vehicle.
The activating module is configured to cooperate with the decision making module to receive a trigger to initiate the action.
In an aspect, the system comprises a data repository and a microprocessor.
In an aspect, the data repository is configured to store predefined instructions, the set of speed determination rules, the set of comparing rules, action performing data, and the pre-set threshold value.
In an aspect, the microprocessor is configured to fetch the predefined instructions to execute and operate one or more modules of the system.
In an aspect, the activating module comprises a first action performing module, a second action performing module, and a third action performing module.
In an aspect, the first action performing module is configured to initiate a first action when the estimated road gradient is zero.
In an aspect, the second action performing module is configured to initiate a second action when the estimated road gradient is negative.
In an aspect, the third action performing module is configured to initiate a third action when the estimated road gradient is positive.
In an aspect, the set of comparing rules is a set of instructions used to compare a current speed to a predefined time-based threshold speed and estimate a road gradient for the vehicle.
In an aspect, the gradient of the road is determined by measuring the time required to reach a predefined speed below the set speed after the accelerator pedal is cut-off.
In an aspect, the road gradient is determined as uphill, downhill, or plane.
In an aspect, the uphill or plane road gradient, the acceleration mechanism for accelerator pedal reconnect is either set to higher or the same as an initial threshold.
In an aspect, the downhill road gradient, the accelerator pedal is cut-off along with applying brakes till the vehicle speed falls below the pre-set threshold value beyond which the accelerator is reconnected and the brake is released.
In an aspect, the speed determination rules is a set of instructions used to calculate the speed of the vehicle to measure a distance and the time required to travel the desired distance.
The present disclosure also envisages a method for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed. The method comprises the following steps:
• determining, by a speed determination module, the speed of a vehicle by means of a set of speed determination rules;
• cutting off, by an accelerator pedal cutoff module, an accelerator pedal connection with the acceleration mechanism of the vehicle when the determined speed is greater than a pre-set threshold value;
• estimating, by a road gradient determination module, road gradients and calculating a change in the speed of the vehicle post the cut-off of the accelerator pedal connection by means of a set of comparing rules;
• triggering, by a decision making module, an action based on the estimated road gradient for the vehicle; and
• receiving, by an activating module, the trigger to initiate the action.
In an aspect, the method further comprises the steps:
• storing, by a data repository, predefined instructions, the set of speed determination rules, the set of comparing rules, action performing data, the pre-set threshold value; and
• fetching, by a microprocessor, the predefined instructions to execute and operate one or more modules of the system.
In an aspect, the activating module comprises the steps:
• initiating, by a first action performing module, a first action when the estimated road gradient is zero;
• initiating, by a second action performing module, a second action when the estimated road gradient is negative; and
• initiating, by a third action performing module, a third action when the estimated road gradient is positive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A system and method for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a system for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart depicting steps involved in method 200 for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 - System
102 - Speed Governing Device
104 - Speed Determination Module
106 - Accelerator Pedal Cutoff Module
108 - Road Gradient Determination Module
110 - Decision Making Module
112 - Activating Module
114 - Data Repository
116 - Microprocessor
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being “engaged to,” "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
In mining areas, an auto speed cut refers to a safety feature implemented in vehicles and equipment used in mining operations. The purpose of an auto speed cut is to limit the maximum speed at which vehicles or machinery can operate. At the same time, this safety measure is intended to reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall safety.
The gradient of the terrain is an important factor to consider when implementing auto speed cuts or speed limitations in mining areas. The gradient refers to the steepness or slope of the ground, and it can significantly affect the stability and maneuverability of vehicles and equipment.
Mining areas often have uneven and steep terrain, especially in open-pit mines or areas where excavation occurs. Operating vehicles or heavy machinery at high speeds on such slopes can increase the risk of accidents, such as rollovers or loss of control. In these situations, speed limitations can be critical to maintaining stability and preventing dangerous incidents.
Transporting heavy loads on steep slopes can lead to tipping accidents if the speed is not regulated. Speed limitations can help prevent excessive acceleration and reduce the risk of tipping, which can be particularly dangerous when carrying large amounts of material.
Operating vehicles and equipment at high speeds on uneven terrain can lead to increased wear and tear on the machinery. Implementing speed limitations can help extend the life of the equipment and reduce maintenance costs. In some cases, it might be appropriate to have variable speed limits based on the gradient of the terrain and other factors.
The gradient of the terrain is a crucial consideration when implementing speed limitations in mining areas. Properly regulated speeds can improve safety, stability, and overall efficiency. It is essential to strike a balance between the safety and operational efficiency of the vehicles and machinery in mining areas.
To address the issues of the existing systems and methods, the present disclosure envisages a system for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed (hereinafter referred to as “system 100”) and a method for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed (hereinafter referred to as “method 200”). The system 100 will now be described with reference to Figure 1 and the method 200 will be described with reference to Figure 2.
Referring to Figure 1, the system 100 comprises a speed governing device 102 of a vehicle.
The speed governing device 102 includes a speed determination module 104, an accelerator pedal cutoff module 106, a road gradient determination module 108, a decision making module 110, and an activating module 112.
The speed determination module 104 is configured to continuously determine the speed of a vehicle by means of a set of speed determination rules.
In an aspect, the speed determination rules is a set of instructions used to calculate the speed of the vehicle to measure a distance and the time required to travel the desired distance.
The accelerator pedal cutoff module 106 is configured to cooperate with the speed determination module 104 to cut-off an accelerator pedal connection with the acceleration mechanism of the vehicle when the determined speed is greater than a pre-set threshold value.
The road gradient determination module 108 is configured to cooperate with the accelerator pedal cutoff module 106 to estimate road gradients and is further configured to calculate a change in the speed of the vehicle post the cut-off of the accelerator pedal connection by means of a set of comparing rules.
In an aspect, the gradient of the road is determined by measuring the time required to reach a predefined speed below the set speed after the accelerator pedal is cut-off.
In an aspect, the road gradient is determined as uphill, downhill, or plane.
In an aspect, the uphill or plane road gradient, the acceleration mechanism for accelerator pedal reconnect is either set to higher or the same as an initial threshold.
In an aspect, the downhill road gradient, the accelerator pedal is cut-off along with applying brakes till the vehicle speed falls below the pre-set threshold value beyond which the accelerator is reconnected and the brake is released.
In an aspect, the set of comparing rules is a set of instructions used to compare a current speed to a predefined time-based threshold speed and estimate a road gradient for the vehicle.
The decision making module 110 is configured to cooperate with the road gradient determination module 108 to trigger an action based on the estimated road gradient for the vehicle.
The activating module 112 is configured to cooperate with the decision making module 108 to receive a trigger to initiate the action.
In an aspect, the activating module 112 comprises a first action performing module 112a, a second action performing module 112b, and a third action performing module 112c.
In an aspect, the first action performing module 112a is configured to initiate a first action when the estimated road gradient is zero.
In an aspect, the second action performing module 112b is configured to initiate a second action when the estimated road gradient is negative.
In an aspect, the third action performing module 112c is configured to initiate a third action when the estimated road gradient is positive.
In an aspect, the system 100 further comprises a data repository 114 and a microprocessor 116.
In an aspect, the data repository 114 is configured to store predefined instructions, the set of speed determination rules, the set of comparing rules, action performing data, and the pre-set threshold value.
In an aspect, the data repository 114 may be a memory that can store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which may be fetched and executed for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed. The memory may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like.
In an alternative aspect, the data repository 114 may be an external data storage device coupled to the system 100 directly or through one or more data servers.
In an aspect, the microprocessor 116 is configured to fetch the predefined commands to operate and execute one or more modules of the system 100.
In an aspect, the microprocessor 116 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the microprocessor 116 may fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory. The functions of the microprocessor 116 may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing machine-readable instructions. In other examples, the microprocessor 116 may be implemented by electronic circuitry or printed circuit board. The microprocessor 116 may be configured to execute functions of various modules of the system 100 such as the speed determination module, the accelerator pedal cutoff module, the road gradient determination module, the decision making module, and the activating module.
In an aspect, the system 100 may also include a communication interface. The communication interface may include a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I/O devices, transceivers, storage devices, and the like. The communication interface may facilitate communication of the system 100 with various devices coupled to the system 100 or the microprocessor 116. The communication interface may also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the system 100 and the microprocessor 116.
Also, the system 100 or the microprocessor 116 may include, or be coupled with, one or more transceivers to communicate with various devices coupled to the system 100 or the microprocessor 116.
In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises an accelerator pedal cut-off mechanism and a brake control with an adaptive speed based hysteresis for accelerator pedal reconnect to achieve better speed control under all operating conditions. The speed based hysteresis for accelerator pedal reconnect is dynamically decided based on the sensor-less determination of road gradient. The gradient of the road is determined by measuring the time it takes to reach to a predefined speed below the set speed after the accelerator pedal is cut-off. If the vehicle speed is increasing after the accelerator pedal is cut-off, the road gradient is estimated to be negative (downhill). If the time taken to reach the predefined vehicle speed below the set speed is less than the predefined time-based threshold, then the road gradient is estimated to be positive (uphill) and if the time taken to reach the predefined vehicle speed below the set speed is greater than or equal to the predefined time-based threshold, then the road gradient is estimated to be zero (Plane Road).
The accelerator is cut-off as soon as the vehicle speed goes beyond the predefined set speed. If the determined road gradient is zero, then the speed control hysteresis value to reconnect the accelerator pedal is maintained at the original threshold. If the determined road gradient is positive (uphill) the speed control hysteresis value to reconnect the accelerator pedal is set to a value higher than the original value. If the determined road gradient is negative (downhill) the accelerator is cut-off and the brake is applied till the time vehicle speed falls below the pre-determined threshold beyond which the accelerator is reconnected and the brake is released.
In another aspect, the system comprises an accelerator pedal cut-off mechanism and a brake control with an adaptive speed-based hysteresis for accelerator pedal reconnect to achieve better speed control under all operating conditions. The speed-based hysteresis for accelerator pedal reconnect is dynamically decided based on the sensor-less determination of road gradient. The gradient of the road is determined by measuring the time it takes to reach a predefined speed below the set speed after the accelerator pedal is cut-off. If the vehicle speed is increasing after the accelerator pedal is cut-off, the road gradient is estimated to be negative (downhill). If the time taken to reach the predefined vehicle speed below the set speed is less than the predefined time-based threshold, then the road gradient is estimated to be positive (uphill) and if the time taken to reach the predefined vehicle speed below the set speed is greater than or equal to the predefined time-based threshold, then the road gradient is estimated to be zero (Plane Road).
The accelerator is cut-off as soon as the vehicle speed goes beyond the predefined set speed. If the determined road gradient is zero, then the speed control hysteresis value to reconnect the accelerator pedal is maintained at the original threshold. If the determined road gradient is positive (uphill) the speed control hysteresis value to reconnect the accelerator pedal is set to a value higher than the original value. If the determined road gradient is negative (downhill) the accelerator is cut-off and the brake is applied till the time vehicle speed falls below the pre-determined threshold beyond which the accelerator is reconnected and the brake is released.
The following are the set of instructions used for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed:
• Step-1 Initialize Modules
- Initialize the Speed Determination Module.
- Initialize the Accelerator Pedal Cutoff Module.
- Initialize the Road Gradient Determination Module.
- Initialize the Decision Making Module.
- Initialize the Activating Module.
- Load predefined instructions, rules, and threshold values into the Data Repository.
- Power up the Microprocessor.
• Step-2 Vehicle Operational Check
- While the vehicle is operational, perform the following steps:
• Step-3 Speed Determination
- Continuously monitor and determine the vehicle's current speed using the Speed Determination Module.
- Utilize a set of speed determination rules which may involve calculations based on distance and time traveled.
• Step-4 Check Speed Against Threshold
- Compare the determined speed with the pre-set threshold value.
- If the current speed exceeds the threshold, proceed to step 5. Otherwise, loop back to step 3.
• Step-5 Accelerator Pedal Cutoff
- Activate the Accelerator Pedal Cutoff Module to disconnect the accelerator pedal from the acceleration mechanism.
• Step-6 Road Gradient Estimation
- Begin road gradient estimation by the Road Gradient Determination Module.
- Calculate the change in speed post the cutoff.
- Compare the current speed to a predefined time-based threshold.
- Determine the gradient of the road by measuring the time required to reach a predefined speed below the set speed after the accelerator pedal cutoff.
- Classify the gradient as uphill, downhill, or flat.
• Step-7 Decision Making Based on Gradient
- Utilize the Decision Making Module to analyze the estimated road gradient.
- If the gradient is uphill or flat:
- Determine if the acceleration mechanism for the accelerator pedal reconnect should be set to higher or the same as the initial threshold.
- If the gradient is downhill:
- Cut off the accelerator pedal along with applying brakes until the vehicle speed falls below the pre-set threshold.
- Once below threshold, reconnect the accelerator and release the brake.
• Step-8 Action Initiation
- Depending on the decision from step 7, activate the corresponding action using the Activating Module.
- This may involve one of the action performing modules (e.g., 112a, 112b, 112c) to initiate the appropriate response (accelerator reconnect, braking, etc.).
• Step-9 Fetch and Execute Predefined Instruction
- Retrieve predefined instructions from the Data Repository using the Microprocessor.
- Execute these instructions to operate the system's modules effectively.
• Step-10 Loop Back or Terminate
- If the vehicle remains operational, loop back to step 3.
- If the vehicle operation ceases, terminate the process.
Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart depicting steps involved in method 200 for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The order in which method 200 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method steps may be combined in any order to implement method 200, or an alternative method. Furthermore, method 200 may be implemented by processing resource or computing device(s) through any suitable hardware, non-transitory machine-readable medium/instructions, or a combination thereof. The method 200 comprises the following steps:
At step 202, the method 200 includes determining, by a speed determination module, the speed of a vehicle by means of a set of speed determination rules.
At step 204, the method 200 includes cutting off, by an accelerator pedal cutoff module, an accelerator pedal connection with the acceleration mechanism of the vehicle when the determined speed is greater than a pre-set threshold value.
At step 206, the method 200 includes estimating, by a road gradient determination module, road gradients and calculating a change in the speed of the vehicle post the cut-off of the accelerator pedal connection by means of a set of comparing rules.
At step 208, the method 200 includes triggering, by a decision making module, an action based on the estimated road gradient for the vehicle.
At step 210, the method 200 includes receiving, by an activating module, the trigger to initiate the action.
An exemplary pseudo-code depicting the implementation of method 200 for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed.
// Sensor-Less Road Gradient Estimation System
// Modules
SpeedDeterminationModule speedDeterminer
AcceleratorPedalCutoffModule acceleratorCutoff
RoadGradientDeterminationModule gradientDeterminer
DecisionMakingModule decisionMaker
ActivatingModule actionInitiator
DataRepository dataRepo
Microprocessor processor
// Main operation loop
while (vehicle is operational) {
// Determine the speed of the vehicle
currentSpeed = SpeedDeterminationModule.determineSpeed()

// Check if current speed exceeds pre-set threshold
if (currentSpeed > preSetThreshold) {
// Cut-off accelerator pedal connection
AcceleratorPedalCutoffModule.cutOffConnection()

// Estimate road gradient
roadGradient= RoadGradientDeterminationModule.estimateGradient(currentSpeed)

// Trigger action based on estimated road gradient
decision = DecisionMakingModule.makeDecision(roadGradient)
ActivatingModule.initiateAction(decision)
}

// Fetch and execute predefined instructions
instructions = DataRepository.fetchPredefinedInstructions()
Microprocessor.executeInstructions(instructions)
}

// Additional Functions and Rules
function estimateGradientBasedOnSpeedChange(timeToReachThreshold) {
// Estimate gradient by measuring the time to reach a predefined speed below the set speed after cutoff
}

function determineActionBasedOnGradient(gradient) {
// Determine action (accelerator reconnect, braking, etc.) based on road gradient
}
In an operative configuration, the system 100 comprises a speed governing device 102 of a vehicle, the speed governing device 102 comprises a speed determination module 104, an accelerator pedal cutoff module 106, a road gradient determination module 108, a decision making module 110, and an activating module 112. The speed determination module 104 is configured to continuously determine the speed of a vehicle by means of a set of speed determination rules. The accelerator pedal cutoff module 106 is configured to cooperate with the speed determination module 104 to cut-off an accelerator pedal connection with the acceleration mechanism of the vehicle when the determined speed is greater than a pre-set threshold value. The road gradient determination module 108 is configured to cooperate with the accelerator pedal cutoff module 106 to estimate road gradients. The road gradient determination module 108 is further configured to calculate a change in the speed of the vehicle post the cut-off of the accelerator pedal connection by means of a set of comparing rules. The decision making module 110 is configured to cooperate with the road gradient determination module 108 to trigger an action based on the estimated road gradient for the vehicle. The activating module 112 is configured to cooperate with the decision making module 108 to receive a trigger to initiate the action.
Advantageously, the system 100 provides for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed. The system 100 provides a mechanism of adaptive speed based hysteresis for accelerator pedal reconnect based on sensor less road gradient estimation especially in mining terrain. The system 100 mechanism involves determining if the road gradient is uphill, downhill, or plane by measuring the time taken to reach a predefined speed below the set speed after the accelerator pedal is cut-off. Further based on the road gradient estimation being uphill or plane, the speed control hysteresis value for accelerator pedal reconnect is either set to higher or same as the original threshold respectively. In case of road gradient being downhill, the accelerator pedal is cut-off along with applying brakes till the vehicle speed falls below the predefined set speed.
The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a system and a method of sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed that:
• accurate;
• does not require any sensors for gradient estimation;
• offers better control of the vehicle even while driving on uneven terrain;
• automates speed on an uphill terrain;
• offers an intelligent auto cut-off speed governing;
• automates breaking in a downhill road; and
• identifies when to increase the speed of the vehicle even beyond a pre-set threshold speed.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A method (200) for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed, said method (200) comprises the steps of:
• determining, by a speed determination module (104), the speed of a vehicle by means of a set of speed determination rules;
• cutting off, by an accelerator pedal cutoff module (106), an accelerator pedal connection with the acceleration mechanism of the vehicle when the determined speed is greater than a pre-set threshold value;
• estimating, by a road gradient determination module (108), road gradients and calculating a change in the speed of the vehicle post the cut-off of the accelerator pedal connection by means of a set of comparing rules;
• triggering, by a decision making module (110), an action based on the estimated road gradient for the vehicle; and
• receiving, by an activating module (112), the trigger to initiate the action.
2. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said method (200) further comprises the steps:
• storing, by a data repository (112), predefined instructions, said set of speed determination rules, said set of comparing rules, action performing data, said pre-set threshold value; and
• fetching, by a microprocessor (114), said predefined instructions to execute and operate said one or more modules of said system (100).
3. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said activating module (112) comprises the steps:
• initiating, by a first action performing module (112a), a first action when the estimated road gradient is zero;
• initiating, by a second action performing module (112b), a second action when the estimated road gradient is negative; and
• initiating, by a third action performing module (112c), a third action when the estimated road gradient is positive.
4. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said set of comparing rules comparing a current speed to a predefined time-based threshold speed and estimating a road gradient for the vehicle.
5. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said gradient of the road is determined by measuring the time required to reach a predefined speed below the set speed after the accelerator pedal is cut-off.
6. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said road gradient is determined as uphill, downhill, or plane.
7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein for said uphill or plane road gradient, the acceleration mechanism for accelerator pedal reconnect is either set to higher or same as an initial threshold.
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein for said downhill road gradient, the accelerator pedal is cut-off along with applying brakes till the vehicle speed falls below the pre-set threshold value beyond which the accelerator is reconnected and the brake is released.
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said speed determination rules is a set of instructions used to calculate the speed of the vehicle to measure a distance and the time required to travel the desired distance.
10. A system (100) for sensor-less estimation of road gradient for governing vehicle speed, said system (100) comprising:
a. a speed governing device (102) of a vehicle, said speed governing device (102) comprises:
i. a speed determination module (104) configured to continuously determine the speed of a vehicle by means of a set of speed determination rules;
ii. an accelerator pedal cutoff module (106) configured to cooperate with said speed determination module (104) to cut-off an accelerator pedal connection with the acceleration mechanism of the vehicle when the determined speed is greater than a pre-set threshold value;
iii. a road gradient determination module (108) configured to cooperate with said accelerator pedal cutoff module (106) to estimate road gradients and further configured to calculate a change in the speed of the vehicle post the cut-off of the accelerator pedal connection by means of a set of comparing rules;
iv. a decision making module (110) configured to cooperate with said road gradient determination module (108) to trigger an action based on the estimated road gradient for the vehicle; and
v. an activating module (112) configured to cooperate with said decision making module (108) to receive a trigger to initiate the action.
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said system (100) further comprises:
• a data repository (114) configured to store predefined instructions, said set of speed determination rules, said set of comparing rules, action performing data, said pre-set threshold value; and
• a microprocessor (116) configured to fetch said predefined instructions to execute and operate said one or more modules of said system (100).
12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said activating module (112) comprises:
• a first action performing module (112a) configured to initiate a first action when the estimated road gradient is zero;
• a second action performing module (112b) configured to initiate a second action when the estimated road gradient is negative; and
• a third action performing module (112c) is configured to initiate a third action when the estimated road gradient is positive.
Dated this 07th day of February, 2024

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K. DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI