Autonomous Vehicle Control Handover Based on Driver Risk Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insurance premium determination methods do not account for the use of autonomous vehicle operation features, leading to inadequate risk assessment and pricing for vehicles with autonomous capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system that evaluates the risk levels associated with autonomous vehicle operation features and operator behavior, determining when to engage or disengage these features based on risk levels, and adjusts insurance premiums accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional insurance premium determination methods are used, then the pricing process is simple, but the risk assessment accuracy is insufficient for autonomous vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the risk assessment into multiple independent components: autonomous feature risk levels, operator behavior risk levels, and environmental risk factors. Each component is evaluated separately using specific sensors and algorithms, then combined to form a comprehensive risk profile. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high assessment accuracy while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computer system that acts as a mediator between the autonomous vehicle features, operator behavior, and insurance pricing. This intermediary processes sensor data, evaluates risk levels, and generates pricing recommendations, thereby decoupling the complexity of risk assessment from the final pricing decision and enabling accurate risk measurement without directly complicating the pricing mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If autonomous vehicle operation features are monitored and evaluated, then insurance pricing accuracy improves, but the system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal computer system that performs multiple functions: it monitors autonomous vehicle operation, evaluates operator behavior, processes environmental data, assesses risk levels, and generates insurance pricing recommendations. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be multiple separate complex systems into a single integrated platform, improving pricing accuracy while managing overall system complexity through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the computer automatically collects data from various sensors, evaluates risk levels without human intervention, and generates pricing recommendations. This automation reduces the need for manual data processing and complex human-in-the-loop systems, thereby improving pricing accuracy through consistent automated assessment while keeping the monitoring system manageable through self-executing processes.
3Measurement precision
If risk levels are continuously monitored and premiums are dynamically adjusted, then insurance pricing becomes more accurate and fair, but the computational resources and processing time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial monitoring and evaluation by focusing computational resources on the most significant risk factors rather than continuously analyzing all possible data streams. The system selectively monitors autonomous feature usage and operator behavior based on predefined thresholds and risk criteria, performing detailed analysis only when relevant events occur. This approach maintains high premium determination accuracy by capturing critical risk information while reducing overall computational energy consumption through targeted rather than exhaustive monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain aspects, a computer-implemented method for operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be provided. With the customer's permission, an identity of a vehicle operator may be identified and a vehicle operator profile may be retrieved. Operating data regarding autonomous operation features operating the vehicle may be received from vehicle-mounted sensors. When a request to disable an autonomous feature is received, a risk level for the autonomous feature is determined and compared with a driver behavior setting for the autonomous feature stored in the vehicle operator profile. Based upon the risk level comparison, the autonomous vehicle retains control of vehicle or the autonomous feature is disengaged depending upon which is the safer driver- the autonomous vehicle or the vehicle human occupant. As a result, unsafe disengagement of self-driving functionality for autonomous vehicles may be alleviated. Insurance discounts may be provided for autonomous vehicles having this safety functionality.