Automated Driving Mode Switching at Branch Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated driving systems fail to provide appropriate notifications for manual driving, particularly when transitioning between automated driving modes that allow and do not allow lane changes, especially at branch points on a predetermined route.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that includes a nearby information acquirer, an automated driving controller, and a notification controller, which selects between automated driving modes based on nearby information and outputs prompts for manual driving at specific conditions, such as approaching a branch point with no other vehicles in the connected lane, traveling at or below a reference speed, or encountering congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated driving control executes lane change automatically in all situations, then automation level is improved, but safety is worsened when approaching branch points in second automated driving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the automated driving mode based on the vehicle's speed and location. When the vehicle travels at a reference speed or less and approaches a branch point, it switches from first automated driving mode (with automatic lane change) to second automated driving mode (without automatic lane change), requiring manual driving instead. This dynamic mode adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting automation level to specific driving conditions.
2Reliability
If automated driving mode prohibits lane change at branch points, then safety is improved, but automation level is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The automated driving control is segmented into two distinct modes: first automated driving mode that permits automatic lane change, and second automated driving mode that does not permit automatic lane change. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high automation levels in appropriate situations while ensuring safety in critical situations like approaching branch points at low speeds.
3Reliability
If notification for manual driving is provided at branch points, then safety is improved, but driver workload is worsened due to unnecessary notifications
Solution Approach 1:
The notification controller provides advance notification to the driver before the vehicle reaches a branch point when in second automated driving mode. This preliminary action allows the driver to prepare for manual driving in advance, ensuring safety while reducing sudden surprises that could increase workload or cause panic.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system includes a nearby information acquirer that acquires nearby information of an own vehicle, an automated driving controller that automatically selects and executes a first automated driving mode in which lane change is at least partially automatically performed and a second automated driving mode in which lane change is not automatically performed on the basis of the nearby information of the own vehicle acquired by the nearby information acquirer, and a notification controller that causes an output unit to output information prompting switching to manual driving at a position before a branch point when a condition is satisfied, the condition including that during execution of the second automated driving mode there is a branch point for entering a branch road from a main line when the own vehicle is traveling along a predetermined route.