Automated Driving Mode Monitoring via Vehicle Vertical Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing highly automated driving systems lack the ability to safely monitor and maintain a predefined safe operating state, particularly on non-permitted road types or when deviations occur, leading to potential safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and computing device that continuously monitor the vehicle's vertical dynamic using sensor signals to define and maintain a safe operating state, deactivating the automated driving mode if conditions deviate from predefined parameters, and initiate interventions or takeover requests to ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated driving mode is activated without vertical dynamic monitoring, then automation level is improved, but safety reliability deteriorates due to inability to detect road surface deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors vertical dynamic parameters (acceleration, suspension travel, roll angle) and feeds this information back to the control unit. When deviations from the safe operating state are detected, the system automatically responds by deactivating the automated driving mode or prompting the driver for takeover, thus maintaining safety while preserving automation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines safe operating states and monitoring thresholds before automated driving begins. By establishing these safety boundaries in advance and continuously checking against them, the system can proactively prevent unsafe operations rather than reacting after problems occur
2Reliability
If vertical dynamic monitoring is added to monitor safe operating state, then safety reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system utilizes sensor data (acceleration sensors, suspension sensors) that are already present in modern vehicles for other functions such as ride comfort control and chassis management. By making these existing sensors serve the additional function of safe operating state monitoring, the system avoids adding dedicated hardware while achieving enhanced safety monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation of vertical dynamic parameters for safe operating state monitoring is integrated into the existing automated driving control unit. Rather than creating a separate monitoring system, the patent combines multiple functions (automated driving control, vertical dynamic monitoring, safe operating state evaluation) into a single integrated control architecture, reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If safe operating state is strictly enforced with deactivation, then safety reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to mode deactivation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the automated driving mode based on real-time vertical dynamic conditions. Rather than using fixed, overly restrictive rules, the monitoring system continuously evaluates current operating conditions and adapts the automation level accordingly, deactivating only when truly necessary while maintaining ease of operation during safe conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Before fully deactivating automated driving mode, the system uses intermediate warning signals to prompt the driver for takeover. This gradual escalation (monitoring → warning → deactivation) provides the driver with advance notice and opportunity to maintain control, reducing the abruptness and inconvenience of mode changes while preserving safety
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring an at least highly automated driving mode of a vehicle includes the steps of: activating the at least highly automated driving mode of the vehicle; checking whether a defined safe operating state of the vehicle is provided during the at least highly automated driving mode; initiating a deactivation of the at least highly automated driving mode if the defined safe operating state is not provided; maintaining the at least highly automated driving mode if the defined safe operating state is provided; receiving at least one sensor signal which describes a vertical dynamic of the vehicle; and defining the safe operating state as a function of the at least one received sensor signal.