Autonomous Vehicle Lane Bifurcation Control for Predictable Maneuvers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems in autonomous mode struggle with smooth navigation through lane bifurcations and traffic conditions, leading to unpredictable maneuvers that can confuse occupants and other road users, and fail to anticipate dynamic traffic conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control system for autonomous vehicles that determines lane bifurcations and traffic conditions in advance, using sensors and map data to plan smooth maneuvers, adjust speed and direction, and request user navigation inputs when necessary, while optimizing lane changes and overtake maneuvers to avoid obstacles and disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the host vehicle attempts to remain centered as the lane widens, then the vehicle may exit autonomous mode when lane width exceeds threshold, but this causes unpredictable behavior that confuses occupants and other road users
Solution Approach 1:
The control system proactively determines the bifurcation of the first lane into a plurality of lanes before the vehicle reaches it, and pre-plans the lane selection and transition path. This preliminary action allows the vehicle to smoothly navigate the bifurcation while maintaining autonomous mode, rather than reacting when the lane width exceeds the threshold.
2Productivity
If the host vehicle continues straight through the bifurcation, then the vehicle may snap into one of the plurality of lanes, but this causes confusion to occupants and other road users
Solution Approach 1:
The control system determines the bifurcation in advance and pre-calculates the appropriate lane selection and transition timing based on map data and current vehicle position. This allows the vehicle to execute smooth, predictable lane transitions rather than abrupt snapping into lanes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the vehicle's speed and direction as the vehicle approaches the bifurcation, enabling smooth and controlled lane transitions. This dynamic control ensures the vehicle maintains predictable behavior while navigating the lane split.
3Reliability
If the control system determines bifurcations and plans smooth maneuvers in advance, then the predictability and safety of autonomous navigation is enhanced, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses map data to proactively determine lane bifurcations and plan appropriate maneuvers before the vehicle reaches them. This preliminary planning enhances safety and predictability while managing complexity through structured, rule-based decision-making rather than requiring complex real-time reactions.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a control system and a method for a host vehicle operable in an autonomous mode. The control system comprises one or more controllers. The speed and/or path of the vehicle in the autonomous mode is appropriate to a driving context.