Autonomous Vehicle Control Module Driver Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual cockpit vehicles face challenges in ensuring safe operation when primary drivers become tired or distracted, leading to erratic driving behaviors that can compromise vehicle control and safety.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle system with an autonomous vehicle control module that monitors the driving behavior of both primary and secondary drivers, automatically transferring vehicle control from the primary driver to the secondary driver or to an autonomous mode when predetermined requirements are met, utilizing sensors and machine learning algorithms to assess driving behavior and switch control efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the primary driver operates the vehicle alone, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases when the driver becomes tired or distracted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle operation safetyVSAvoiddual cockpit system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle control system is segmented into two independent driver stations (primary and secondary), each with complete control capabilities. This allows the system to switch between drivers without requiring complex integration, as each segment (driver station) is functionally independent and can operate autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The autonomous vehicle control module acts as an intermediary that monitors driving behavior and automatically transfers control between the primary and secondary drivers. This mediator component enables safe operation by detecting fatigue or distraction and switching control to a more capable driver without requiring direct intervention from either driver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If automatic driver switching is implemented, then the reliability improves by preventing fatigue-related accidents, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to automated control transfers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle operation safetyVSAvoiddriver control simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring of driving behavior and automatically determines when a driver is fatigued or distracted. The autonomous vehicle control module self-manages the control transfer process without requiring external input or decision-making from the drivers, enabling the system to protect itself from human error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors driving behavior and provides feedback to the autonomous vehicle control module, which then determines whether control transfer is necessary. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that switching occurs only when objectively measured driving behavior indicates fatigue or distraction, rather than based on subjective driver self-assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual cockpit configuration is used, then the adaptability improves by having backup driver capability, but the device complexity increases with additional controls and monitoring systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver replacement capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both the primary and secondary driver stations are designed with universal, identical control interfaces and monitoring systems. Each driver station can function as the primary control station, eliminating the need for complex asymmetric designs. The system's multi-functionality allows either driver to assume full control responsibilities without requiring specialized or differentiated equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11414094B2Systems and methods for switching between a primary driver and a secondary driver for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.08.16 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US11414094B2 patent drawing
  • US11414094B2 patent drawing
  • US11414094B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle system is provided. The vehicle system includes a first driving input device, a second driving input device, and an autonomous vehicle control module. The autonomous vehicle control module is configured to monitor a driving behavior of a first driver operating the first driving input and to automatically transfer vehicle control of a vehicle from the first driver to the second driver when one or more requirements are met based on the driving behavior of the first driver. The autonomous vehicle control module is further configured to analyze switching of vehicle control between the first driver and the second driver.