Electronic Mobility Controls

imageAEVIT 2.0®

The new AEVIT 2.0® platform developed by EMC, is the next generation of electronic primary driving controls. It incorporates the key features of previous EMC primary systems with advancements in safety, installation, user interface, drive-ability, and reliability.

The system is engineered as a modular design that can be assembled as needed to accommodate either steering or gas/brake control. With the addition of a second Drive Module, the system becomes a fully integrated steering/gas/brake control system. Input Devices currently include a miniature low-effort wheel, stick or yoke for steering, a single axis joystick for gas-brake, and a dual axis joystick for steering and gas-brake. The Display consists of a 1/4 VGA touchscreen monitor that communicates system status, warning conditions, and error conditions to the driver, as well as allow access to all secondary electrical functions of the vehicle. The Vehicle Interface Module provides I/O communication between the AEVIT 2.0® control module and the host vehicle. The Data Logger stores life cycle information about the system and vehicle, and is used as an active downlink for technicians troubleshooting the system. Inter-module communication is accomplished through a local CANbus architecture, specifically designed for harsh automotive applications.

Servomotor Drive Modules are designed with 4 microprocessors that share data through the CANbus. Several levels of redundancy are used to determine errors and make intelligent actions based on the type of error detected. The microprocessors are grouped in 2 pairs that work together to monitor user input and motor movement. If either of the pair detects an error it can independently request to remove the pair from control and transfer control to the other pair. The pair that is in control with no error conditions present is referred to as the primary side; the side that takes control in the event of an error is referred to as the backup side. Each time the power to the system is cycled the primary and backup sides change rolls to ensure that each side is constantly tested and ready to provide control in case of an error. The servomotor position is monitored by a dual element analog encoder (potentiometer) on the motor output shaft, and verified by a single digital resolver that is mounted before the gear reducer.

Positional information, as well as error conditions, are communicated via CANbus to the other Drive Module, Data Logger, and to the touchscreen Display. In the event that the CAN communication is lost, each module will operate in a failsafe mode based on its own inputs. The operator will be notified of the problem. In this mode of operation there is still a level of redundancy because each processor pair can cross check between its absolute encoder input and the digital resolver and request to resolve control in the case of a discrepancy. Switch-over is accomplished through logic control that takes a weighted error level from each microprocessor and transfers motor control signals through a four pole transfer relay system. Depending on the severity level of an error, varying levels of continued vehicle operation may be allowed by the system.

Redundancy at the servomotor is accomplished through the use of dual windings and commutation. In the event of relay, connector, or cabling failure, one winding will still offer control of the servomotor. Redundant battery inputs and power supplies are designed to insure that a catastrophic failure on the primary side does not remove power from the backup side.

In whole, the system has been designed with fault monitoring and redundancy designed into each of its critical areas. Primary, secondary, and tertiary sensors and system components have been included to ensure that correct information is processed, incorrect information or performance is flagged as an error, and that the vehicle will operate safely and reliably.

VIC

VIC® stands for Voice Interactive Controls and is used for voice activation of secondary controls, and is also used to communicate verbal instructions to the driver on the status of AEVIT® primary driving controls.

image VIC® will set new performance standards for truly user friendly access to important secondary controls while driving. For years, operation of necessary controls such as Shifter Functions, Turn Signals, Horn, Headlight Dimmer, Wipers, etc. by physically challenged drivers, has been an exercise in cockpit aerobics. Previous controls are limited to placement within the cockpit due to the fact that they require absolute positioning for each switch to be accessed. Therefore, some of these functions are easier to access than others........Not with VIC®!

All of the 16-vehicle controls can be accessed as easily as touching a single switch and speaking.

The circuitry inside VIC® allows you to train the system to recognize your voice within minutes. Digital Speech Processing (DSP) technology allows us to incorporate software to reliably operate within the loud environment of a motor vehicle while minimizing annoying false activation.

image The EMC powered headrest is available for those who need to gain access to secondary vehicle functions through head movement. By simply activating a switch, the headrest conveniently folds against the wall of the vehicle to allow the wheelchair occupant sufficient room to enter and exit the driver's area of the vehicle.

The large blue button pictured above allows access to EMC equipment such as the DigiVoice system. Both of these systems will operate various vehicle functions, depending on the needs and wishes of individual clients. Please contact Sparrow Hawk for details on how an EMC system can make your driving safer and easier!