Autonomous Vehicle Device Control With User Override Priority

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users may experience discomfort during autonomous driving due to differences in device operation determinations between the autonomous driving system and the user, particularly with devices like headlights, hazard lights, and windshield wipers.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle platform prioritizes user-set operation modes over autonomous driving system requests for devices such as headlights, hazard lights, and windshield wipers, allowing users to set these devices to 'OFF' or 'AUTO' modes, ensuring their preferences are respected during autonomous driving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the autonomous driving system controls various devices (headlights, hazard lights, windshield wipers) according to its own determination, then the autonomous driving function is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to differences in operation determination between the system and user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous driving controlVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between autonomous driving system control and user control for various devices. The system can flexibly transition between control modes based on user input, allowing the headlight system, hazard light system, front windshield wiper system, and rear windshield wiper system to be controlled by either the autonomous driving system or the user, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation and user comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control interface as an intermediary between the autonomous driving system and the various devices. This interface receives operation mode requests from the autonomous driving system and user inputs, then determines which control source to follow based on predetermined priorities. The intermediary resolves conflicts by establishing a clear hierarchy where user inputs can override autonomous system requests when necessary

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the autonomous driving system determines device operations independently, then system autonomy is improved, but conflicts with user preferences increase causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem autonomyVSAvoiduser discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors both autonomous driving system requests and user inputs regarding device operations. By comparing these inputs in real-time and adjusting control priority accordingly, the system provides feedback to ensure user preferences are respected while maintaining autonomous driving functionality, thereby reducing user discomfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3858682B1Autonomous driving vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP3858682B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3858682B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3858682B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

When a first driver setting mode indicates an "OFF mode" or an "AUTO mode," a VP accepts a light operation mode request from an ADK. When an operation is performed by a user, the VP changes an operation mode of a headlight in accordance with the operation by the user. When the operation by the user has not been performed, the VP changes the operation mode of the headlight in accordance with the light operation mode request.