Autonomous Driving Level Handover Based on Driver Readiness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in autonomous vehicles is the confusion faced by drivers when control is unexpectedly transferred from an automated driving system to manual control, particularly at levels 3 to 1 or 2, due to unclear level transitions and potential driver unpreparedness.
Innovation Solution
A control transition system that determines the automated driving level based on the driver's current state and past driving pattern, using sensors and cameras to monitor gaze and hand position, and adjusts the level based on driving history and tendencies, displaying the transition through AVN, cluster, or HUD.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated driving level is switched from level 3 to level 1 or 2, then system control is transferred to driver control, but driver confusion occurs due to unclear level transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to the driver about the current automated driving level through display units. When a level transition is determined, the system notifies the driver of the specific level being switched to, ensuring the driver is aware of the control status. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining driver awareness during automation level changes.
Solution Approach 2:
Before executing the automated driving level switch, the system determines the target level in advance and prepares the driver by providing notification. This preliminary action allows the driver to mentally prepare for the control transition, reducing confusion and improving safety during the handover from automated to manual control.
2Reliability
If automated driving level is forced to switch to level 1, then control transition is standardized, but driver response time is insufficient when driver is not fully prepared
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the appropriate target automated driving level (either level 1 or level 2) based on real-time driver monitoring results. Instead of forcing a fixed transition to level 1, the system adapts the transition target to match the driver's actual readiness state, thereby ensuring both safety and adequate preparation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of the target automated driving level based on driver monitoring data. By adjusting the target level parameter according to the driver's gaze position, hand position, and driving pattern, the system optimizes the transition to balance safety requirements with driver response capability.
3Ease of operation
If driver monitoring is performed to determine target level, then driver readiness is assessed, but system complexity increases due to multiple monitoring parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The driver monitoring function is segmented into distinct detection components: gaze position detection, hand position detection, and driving pattern recognition. Each component independently evaluates a specific aspect of driver readiness, and the results are combined to determine the target automated driving level. This segmentation makes the complex monitoring system more manageable and interpretable.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple automated driving levels are available for transition, then driver control flexibility is improved, but driver confusion increases due to multiple possible levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system acts as an intermediary that processes multiple possible target levels and selects the most appropriate one based on driver monitoring results. Instead of presenting multiple level options to the driver, the system mediates the decision-making process and communicates a single determined target level to the driver, thereby maintaining flexibility while avoiding confusion.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated driving system of a vehicle includes a driver monitoring unit configured to perform at least one of monitoring a gaze of a driver and determining a position of a hand of the driver, an automated-driving-level switching unit configured to determine whether a transition of a driving control over the vehicle is required based on whether driving environment of the vehicle has changed during the vehicle being driven under control of the automated driving system, and determine an automated driving level to be switched based on a driver monitoring result obtained by the drive monitoring unit, and an automated driving control unit configured to control the vehicle according to the automated driving level.