Autonomous Vehicle Sport Mode Selection via Occupant State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous vehicles often operate in a conservative manner, lacking the aggressive driving experience preferred by enthusiasts, particularly in contexts where a sportier mode would be appropriate.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for an autonomous vehicle to select a sport mode based on occupant preference and vehicle state parameters, using sensors to observe occupants and engage appropriate vehicle tuning parameters, such as transmission shift points and acceleration rates, to provide a more aggressive driving experience when conditions are conducive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autonomous vehicles operate in a conservative manner, then safety and reliability are improved, but driving experience and engagement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vehicle operating parameters by transitioning between conservative and sport driving modes based on real-time analysis of occupant preferences, vehicle state, and environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the vehicle to be conservative when safety is paramount while enabling sport modes when driving experience is prioritized and conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key driving parameters such as acceleration rates, steering inputs, and transmission shift points to transition between driving modes. By modifying these parameters based on occupant preference and contextual factors, the system achieves both safety (through conservative parameters when needed) and engaging driving experience (through aggressive parameters when appropriate).
2Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous vehicles operate in a sport mode, then driving experience and engagement are improved, but safety and reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors occupant preferences, vehicle state parameters, and environmental conditions to determine when sport mode is appropriate. This feedback mechanism ensures that sport mode is only engaged when conditions are conducive, thereby maintaining safety while providing an engaging driving experience. The system can revert to conservative mode if conditions change or safety concerns arise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driving modes are implemented, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the driving experience into distinct modes (conservative and sport) with specific parameter sets for each. This segmentation allows the complex task of adapting to various driving conditions to be managed through discrete, well-defined modes rather than continuous parameter adjustment, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility.
4Speed
If sport mode is engaged, then acceleration and steering responsiveness are improved, but comfort and stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts acceleration and steering parameters when sport mode is engaged, allowing for more aggressive and responsive driving characteristics. This dynamic parameter adjustment enables the vehicle to provide both improved acceleration performance and maintained comfort by adapting to real-time conditions and occupant preferences rather than using fixed aggressive parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method for selecting a driving mode for a vehicle includes receiving occupant preference information indicative of whether an occupant prefers that the vehicle operating in a driving mode (e.g., a sport mode), receiving a set of vehicle state parameters indicative of whether the operational state of the vehicle is conducive to the driving mode, and receiving a set of occupant state parameters indicative of the state of one or more occupants of the vehicle. The method further includes selecting a driving mode based on the occupant preference information, the set of vehicle state parameters, and the occupant state parameters, and then engaging vehicle tuning parameters for the vehicle based on the selected driving mode.