Adaptive Follow Gap Buffering for Smoother ADAS Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in vehicles often result in harsh or jerky acceleration profiles due to mimicking the lead vehicle's behavior, leading to an uncomfortable driving experience.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that dynamically adjust the follow gap between a host vehicle and a lead vehicle based on surrounding road conditions and behavior, using modules like road condition assessment, buffer evaluation, and predictive logic to smooth acceleration profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the host vehicle mimics the lead vehicle's behavior to maintain a set distance, then the follow gap is maintained, but the acceleration profile becomes harsh or jerky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary buffer (second buffer) between the host vehicle and lead vehicle that absorbs sudden changes in follow gap. This buffer acts as a mediator that smooths out harsh acceleration profiles while still maintaining the driver-selected follow gap, resolving the contradiction between reliable gap maintenance and comfortable driving experience
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively creates a buffer zone (second buffer with cut-in buffer time) to cushion against future harsh acceleration events. By preparing this cushioning mechanism in advance rather than reacting after harsh acceleration occurs, the system smooths acceleration profiles while maintaining the driver's preferred follow gap
2Reliability
If the follow gap is reduced when road actors cut in, then safety is improved, but the driver's preferred follow gap is violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the follow gap into two distinct buffers: the first buffer represents the driver's preferred follow gap, and the second buffer is a safety buffer that can be dynamically adjusted. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the driver's preferred gap while adding a separate safety layer that activates when road actors cut in, resolving the contradiction between safety and driver preference
3Reliability
If the system continuously adjusts the follow gap based on road conditions, then safety and comfort are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic buffer management system where the second buffer is continuously adjusted based on road conditions, lead vehicle behavior, and detected cut-ins. This dynamic adjustment mechanism improves safety and comfort by adapting to varying conditions while using a structured approach (buffer evaluation module with specific criteria) to manage the complexity of continuous adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method that, when executed by data processing hardware, causes the data processing hardware to perform operations comprising gathering sensor data from a sensor system of a host vehicle, evaluating sensor data, determining surrounding road conditions and behavior of a lead vehicle, receiving a first follow gap selected by the driver, calculating a second follow gap based on the surrounding road conditions and the behavior of the lead vehicle, adjusting host vehicle acceleration profile using the second follow gap while maintaining at least the first gap between the host vehicle and a lead vehicle, monitoring behavior of road actors in one or more adjacent lanes, and adjusting the second gap based on the behavior of the road actors in the one or more adjacent lanes.