Automated Vehicle Control via Operator Emergency Notification
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated vehicles may not detect emergency vehicles in time due to sensor limitations, such as obstructions or range limitations, leading to insufficient response time for safety.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-control system that allows an operator to input information via a human-machine-interface, enabling the vehicle to take predefined actions when an emergency vehicle is suspected but not detected by sensors, and resuming autonomous driving once within sensor range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the automated vehicle relies solely on sensor detection to identify emergency vehicles, then the system maintains high automation level, but the response time becomes insufficient when emergency vehicles are beyond sensor range or obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by accepting operator notifications about suspected emergency vehicles before sensor detection is possible. When an operator reports a suspected emergency vehicle, the controller proactively executes predefined safety actions (slowing down, changing lanes) immediately without waiting for sensor confirmation, thereby eliminating the time delay caused by sensor range limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The human operator serves as an intermediary between the environment and the automated vehicle system. The operator's visual detection capabilities supplement the vehicle's sensor system, allowing the operator to detect emergency vehicles beyond sensor range or through obstructions and transmit this information to the controller via the HMI interface.
2Loss of time
If the system accepts operator input to compensate for sensor limitations, then the response time improves, but the system complexity increases due to additional HMI interface and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The HMI interface serves multiple functions: it accepts operator notifications about emergency vehicles, provides feedback to the operator about vehicle actions, and integrates with the existing controller system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters based on input source. When sensor data is available, the system operates in autonomous mode with sensor-based detection parameters. When operator notification is received, the system switches to operator-assisted mode with adjusted detection and response parameters, allowing flexible adaptation without requiring completely separate systems for each mode.
3Measurement precision
If the automated vehicle waits for sensor confirmation before taking action, then false actions are reduced, but safety responses are delayed when emergency vehicles are not immediately detectable
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by preparing and executing predefined safety actions in advance when an operator notification is received, before sensor confirmation is possible. The controller has pre-programmed safety responses (slowing down, lane changes) that are immediately activated upon operator input, preventing potential harm rather than waiting for sensor verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on the availability of information. When operator notifications are received, the system transitions to a more cautious operational state with activated safety protocols. When sensor data is confirmed, the system dynamically updates its understanding and adjusts actions accordingly, allowing flexible response to changing information states.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle-control system suitable for use on an automated vehicle includes a human-machine-interface and a controller. The human-machine-interface accepts an input from an operator of a host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the human-machine-interface. The operator inputs a notification to the human-machine-interface. The notification indicates that the operator detects a circumstance that suggests a presence of the emergency-vehicle on the roadway that has not been detected by the system. The controller drives the host-vehicle in accordance with rules governing an operation of vehicles proximate to an emergency-vehicle stopped alongside a roadway.