Driving Assist Mode Transition for Lane Disappearance Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autonomous driving systems face challenges in reliably transferring control from the system to the driver during mode transitions, particularly when deactivating steering wheel assist, as existing methods rely solely on audio notifications, which may not ensure the driver's readiness or confirmation of gripping the steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
The proposed driving assist method employs a mode transition controller that detects lane disappearance regions and sets transition positions to gradually transition from hands-off mode to hands-on mode, steering wheel operation mode, and finally to steering wheel assist deactivation mode, ensuring the driver confirms gripping the wheel before deactivation, using a combination of visual and auditory cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If automatic steering is deactivated immediately with audio notification only, then the system response speed is improved, but the reliability of control transfer to driver deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control transfer process into multiple distinct phases: notification phase (audio alert), preparation phase (driver awareness), and execution phase (actual deactivation). This segmentation allows the system to maintain fast response while ensuring reliable transfer by confirming driver readiness at each stage before proceeding to the next.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by issuing audio notifications and visual alerts before actual deactivation occurs. The system prepares the driver in advance through multiple warning signals, allowing the driver to mentally and physically prepare for taking control, thereby ensuring reliable transfer while maintaining systematic control over the timing.
2Reliability
If multiple mode transition steps are implemented, then the reliability of control transfer is improved, but the time required for transition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through sequential, time-structured transition steps. Each mode transition occurs at predetermined intervals with specific conditions met, creating a rhythmic and predictable transition process that balances thoroughness with efficiency, preventing unnecessary delays while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying system state parameters (notification type, warning intensity, time intervals) dynamically based on the transition phase. This allows optimization of each transition step's duration and intensity, reducing overall transition time while maintaining the necessary reliability through appropriate parameter selection at each stage.
3Reliability
If driver grip confirmation is required before deactivation, then the safety is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect driver hand position and grip force on the steering wheel. This feedback is continuously monitored and used to confirm driver readiness before deactivation, ensuring safety through objective verification rather than subjective assessment, while the automated feedback processing keeps system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring and confirming driver grip status without requiring additional driver actions or inputs. The grip confirmation process is automated through sensors and control logic that independently verify driver readiness, reducing the burden on the driver and minimizing the complexity of user-interface elements required.
Data Source
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AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to perform transfer from the system to the driver more reliably by lowering a level of driving assistance in a stepwise manner when it is ascertained in advance that steering wheel assist will be deactivated in a travel scenario involving a mode with a raised level of driving assistance. A vehicle speed/headway control function and a lane-keeping function are provided as driving assist functions to assist driving operations by a driver, and a mode transition controller (47) for transitioning between driving assist modes is provided. A lane disappearance region (S), in which no lane that continues from a current lane can be recognized, is detected along an extension of a travel route of a host vehicle during lane-keeping travel in which a "hands-off mode M1" has been selected. When the lane disappearance region (S) is detected, information on a lane disappearance start point (Ps1) is acquired, and a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) are set between a host vehicle position and the lane disappearance start point (Ps1). The first position (P1), the second position (P2), and the lane disappearance start point (Ps1) are used as mode transition positions, and the transitions "hands-off mode M1" → "hands-on mode M2" → "steering wheel operation mode M3" → "steering wheel assist deactivation mode M4" are performed.