Dynamic vehicle automation level availability indication system and method

Abstract

A computing device configured for communication with at least one autonomously controllable vehicle system or component. The computing device includes one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing device, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to transmit a message configured to inform a vehicle user of all currently available levels of vehicle automation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure relates to autonomous control of vehicles, and, more particularly, to a system and method of tracking a current vehicle automation level and available alternative levels, and of enabling selection of one of the available alternative levels.BACKGROUND[0002]Vehicles may be configured for various levels of autonomous operation. In addition, due to vehicle operational and / or external environmental factors, a given, normally available level of vehicle automation may not be available over the entire length of a particular ride. From the driver's perspective, it is desirable to know both the level of automation at which the automated vehicle is currently operating and all available alternative levels of automation. To promote safe vehicle control and increased ride quality, it is also desirable to be able to quickly and easily select an alternative level of automation from a list of available levels.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0003]In one aspect of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]In one aspect of the embodiments described herein, a computing device is provided. The computing device is configured for communication with at least one autonomously controllable vehicle system or component, and includes one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing device, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to transmit a message configured to inform a vehicle user of all currently available levels of vehicle automation.

[0004]In another aspect of the embodiments described herein, a computing device is provided. The computing device is configured for communication with at least one autonomously controllable vehicle system or component, and includes one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing device, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to transmit a message configured to inform a vehicle user of a level of automation at which the vehicle is currently operating.

[0005]In another aspect of the embodiments described herein, a computing device is provided. The computing device is configured for communication with at least one autonomously controllable vehicle system or component, and includes one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing device, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to transmit a primary driver control message; and, simultaneous with or after transmission of the primary system driver control message, transmit a message configured to inform the driver of any change in a level of automation at which the vehicle is currently operating.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, due to vehicle operational and / or external environmental factors, a given, normally available level of vehicle automation may not be available over the entire length of a particular ride.

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