Autonomous Vehicle Handover Control by Driver Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transitions from autonomous driving mode to manual mode in vehicles can be unsafe if passengers inadvertently trigger the switch, leading to potential loss of vehicle control.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses detection and identification means, such as cameras and biometric sensors, to differentiate between the driver and passengers, ensuring that only the driver can initiate the transition from autonomous to manual mode, with visual and audible notifications for passengers attempting to take control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle allows any occupant to trigger the transition from autonomous mode to manual mode by detecting a hand on the steering wheel, then the transition response is simple and fast, but the safety is compromised because a passenger could inadvertently or maliciously take control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification system (cameras, biometric sensors) between the hand detection and mode transition. When a hand is detected on the steering wheel, the system first identifies the occupant through these intermediary means before allowing the transition, preventing direct transition from mere hand detection and ensuring only the driver can trigger it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of the occupant before allowing the mode transition. By using cameras or biometric sensors to verify the occupant's identity in advance, the system ensures that only the driver can initiate the transition, preventing unsafe transitions while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture.
2Reliability
If the vehicle uses identification means such as cameras or biometric sensors to verify the driver's identity before allowing mode transition, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial identification action by using cameras to detect facial features or biometric sensors for fingerprint recognition, which provides sufficient accuracy for driver identification without implementing overly complex multi-modal biometric systems. This partial approach achieves the necessary reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification system serves multiple functions: it identifies the driver for mode transition authorization, monitors driver presence, and can detect driver fatigue or distraction. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing multiple safety and control benefits from a single system.
3Reliability
If the vehicle prohibits transition when a passenger's hand is detected on the steering wheel, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the driver cannot quickly take control in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the occupant before the mode transition is finalized. By quickly verifying the driver's identity through cameras or biometric sensors in advance, the system enables fast authorization when the driver needs to take control, while simultaneously preventing unauthorized transitions by passengers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to the driver when their identity is recognized, allowing rapid mode transition. The feedback mechanism confirms driver authorization in real-time, enabling quick response in emergency situations while maintaining safety through verified identity confirmation.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method (1) for driving a vehicle comprising an autonomous mode (2), managed by an automated system of the vehicle, and a manual mode (3) in which a driver controls the movements of the vehicle. The method (1) comprises the following steps: - a steering wheel handling detection step (4), when the vehicle is in the autonomous mode (2), for detecting the presence of an occupant's hand about to grip the steering wheel, - an identification step (5) for identifying the occupant whose hand has been detected, - a discrimination step (6) consisting in preventing the vehicle from switching to the manual mode (3) when the occupant whose hand has been detected is identified as being a passenger and triggering the switch to the manual mode (3) when the occupant whose hand has been detected is identified as being the driver.