FIELD

The present specification relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a vehicle, and in particular to a method and apparatus for controlling a vehicle based on an operation of the vehicle by an operator.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles have a power source to provide the power used to operate the vehicle. Operator-powered vehicles can be fitted with a power source to provide additional power and to augment the operational capability of these vehicles. Vehicle operators can provide input to the vehicle in order to control the operation of the vehicle.

SUMMARY

In this specification, elements may be described as “configured to” perform one or more functions or “configured for” such functions. In general, an element that is configured to perform or configured for performing a function is enabled to perform the function, or is suitable for performing the function, or is adapted to perform the function, or is operable to perform the function, or is otherwise capable of performing the function.

It is understood that for the purpose of this specification, language of “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “one or more of X, Y and Z” can be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more items X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XY, YZ, ZZ, and the like). Similar logic can be applied for two or more items in any occurrence of “at least one . . . ” and “one or more . . . ” language.

An aspect of the present specification provides an apparatus for a method comprising: receiving at a controller an input comprising a channel output from an input channel of a vehicle, the input triggered by an operation of the vehicle by an operator, the input channel having a corresponding direct operational manifestation; comparing at the controller the input with a set of input patterns to select from the set of input patterns a target input pattern corresponding to the input; generating at the controller a control output corresponding to the target input pattern, the control output configured to cause in the vehicle a target operational manifestation different than the direct operational manifestation; and sending the control output from the controller to the vehicle.

The controller can be configured to be secured onboard the vehicle.

The vehicle can comprise a pedaled vehicle.

The input channel can comprise one or more of: an operating instrument of the vehicle; and a sensor configured to sense a state of the vehicle.

The vehicle can comprise a pedaled vehicle and the operating instrument can comprise one or more of: pedals, a steering handlebar, a brake lever, a gear shifter, and a power assist throttle.

The vehicle can comprise a pedaled vehicle and the sensor can comprise one or more of: a tilt sensor, an incline sensor, a torque sensor, a speed sensor, a force sensor, a steering angle sensor, a position sensor, a proximity sensor, and a weight sensor.

The target operational manifestation can comprise changing a mode of operation of the vehicle.

The method can further comprise generating at the controller an alert output indicating that the target input pattern has been selected from the set of input patterns.

The method can further comprise sending the alert output from the controller to an alert output terminal.

The input at a time t1can comprise the channel output received through the input channel during a time period Δt ending at the time t1.

Another aspect of the present specification provides for a controller comprising: a memory configured to store a set of input patterns; and a processor in communication with the memory, the processor configured to: receive an input comprising a channel output from an input channel of a vehicle, the input triggered by an operation of the vehicle by an operator, the input channel having a corresponding direct operational manifestation; compare the input with the set of input patterns to select from the set of input patterns a target input pattern corresponding to the input; generate a control output corresponding to the target input pattern, the control output configured to cause in the vehicle a target operational manifestation different than the direct operational manifestation; and send the control output to the vehicle.

The controller can be configured to be secured onboard the vehicle.

The vehicle can comprise a pedaled vehicle.

The input channel can comprise one or more of: an operating instrument of the vehicle; and a sensor configured to sense a state of the vehicle.

The vehicle can comprise a pedaled vehicle and the operating instrument can comprise one or more of: pedals, a steering handlebar, a brake lever, a gear shifter, and a power assist throttle.

The vehicle can comprise a pedaled vehicle and the sensor can comprise one or more of: a tilt sensor, an incline sensor, a torque sensor, a speed sensor, a force sensor, a steering angle sensor, a position sensor, a proximity sensor, and a weight sensor.

The target operational manifestation can comprise changing a mode of operation of the vehicle.

The processor can be further configured to generate an alert output indicating that the target input pattern has been selected from the set of input patterns.

The processor can be further configured to send the alert output to an alert output terminal.

The input at a time t1can comprise the channel output received through the input channel during a time period Δt ending at the time t1.

