Autonomous Vehicle External Control via Biased Switch and Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fully autonomous vehicles lack manual control options for operators outside the vehicle, such as service technicians, who may need to manually control the vehicle for tasks like moving it around a repair shop, and there is a risk of the vehicle moving unintentionally if the operator becomes incapacitated.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a separate input device with a biased switch and a vehicle camera, where the computer activates the brake if the switch is in a neutral position or if the operator is determined to be inattentive based on camera data, ensuring the vehicle remains stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If fully autonomous vehicles are manufactured without manual controls, then the vehicle achieves full automation capability, but the vehicle cannot be manually controlled by operators outside the vehicle when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent input channels: external input device (remote control), camera-based operator monitoring, and capacitive touch sensor. Each segment can independently detect operator presence and intent, allowing the vehicle to accept manual control commands from operators outside the vehicle while maintaining full automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to accept multiple types of input signals for the same function of controlling vehicle movement. The computer can receive stop commands from either the external input device or detect operator inattention through the camera, making the system universal in accepting different control modalities without requiring traditional manual controls inside the vehicle.
2Device complexity
If the vehicle lacks traditional manual controls, then the vehicle design is simplified for fully autonomous operation, but the operator cannot exercise control when standing outside the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
An external input device serves as an intermediary between the operator outside the vehicle and the vehicle's control system. This mediator allows the operator to issue stop commands without needing to be inside the vehicle or use traditional controls, simplifying the overall control structure while maintaining ease of external operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical control systems (steering wheel, pedals) with electronic and optical detection systems. The camera captures operator state, capacitive sensors detect touch input, and these electronic signals replace the need for mechanical interaction, simplifying the control system structure while enabling external operation.
3Productivity
If the vehicle relies solely on automated operation, then the vehicle operates efficiently without human intervention, but the vehicle cannot respond to operator incapacitation or inattention
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors operator state through the camera and provides feedback to the control computer. The camera detects whether the operator is present, attentive, or incapacitated, and this feedback loop allows the vehicle to respond appropriately by maintaining automated operation when the operator is attentive or by stopping when the operator is incapacitated, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera and sensor system continuously monitors operator state in advance before incapacitation or inattention becomes critical. By detecting operator presence and attentiveness beforehand, the system can prepare to take over control or alert the operator, ensuring safe operation while maintaining automated efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a switch biased to a neutral position, a camera, and a computer communicatively coupled to the switch and the camera. The computer is programmed to activate a vehicle brake upon receiving data from the switch that the switch is in the neutral position and to activate the vehicle brake upon determining that an operator of the switch is in an inattentive state based on data received from the camera.