Autonomous Vehicle Control Handover for Operator Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles may become inattentive due to prolonged periods of vehicle operation without requiring manual intervention, leading to delayed responses when switching to manual control.

Innovation Solution

A system that monitors disengagement ratios and driving conditions to proactively switch from autonomous to manual mode, using simulated scenarios to maintain operator engagement and awareness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If autonomous vehicle control is maintained for extended periods, then vehicle automation efficiency is improved, but operator attentiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous vehicle controlVSAvoidoperator attentiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic disengagement of autonomous vehicle control at predetermined intervals to maintain operator attentiveness. The control module monitors operation duration and automatically transitions between autonomous and manual control modes in periodic cycles, preventing operator inattention while preserving overall automation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If autonomous vehicle control is disengaged frequently, then operator engagement is improved, but vehicle productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator engagementVSAvoidvehicle operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the disengagement schedule based on real-time monitoring of operator engagement metrics and vehicle operational context. The control module modifies interval timing and duration adaptively, increasing disengagement frequency when operator attention wanes and reducing it when operator engagement is sufficient, thereby optimizing both operator involvement and vehicle productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If manual control is required unexpectedly, then operator responsiveness is tested, but response time deteriorates due to inattentiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator readinessVSAvoidresponse delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary disengagement actions at scheduled intervals before operator inattention sets in. By proactively transitioning to manual control mode in advance, the system maintains operator readiness and prevents delayed responses, ensuring the operator remains engaged and responsive for any unexpected manual control requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12441372B2Autonomous vehicle operator engagement
Publication Date: 2025.10.14 WOVEN BY TOYOTA INC
  • US12441372B2 patent drawing
  • US12441372B2 patent drawing
  • US12441372B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to keeping an operator of a host vehicle that is semi-autonomous or autonomous engaged. In one embodiment, a method includes determining whether a disengagement ratio of the host vehicle is below a predetermined threshold value and determining whether driving conditions at an upcoming road segment are conducive for disengagement of autonomous vehicle control in the host vehicle. The method includes disengaging the autonomous vehicle control in the host vehicle in response to at least the disengagement ratio being below the predetermined threshold value and the driving conditions being conducive for the disengagement of the autonomous vehicle control.