Automatic Direction Indicator Control via Lane Keeping Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direction indication systems, such as comfort flashers, often switch off too early during lane changes, especially at high speeds or when lane changes are not immediate, leading to inappropriate deactivation of the direction indicator.
Innovation Solution
The method integrates Lane Keeping Systems (LK) and Lane Departure Warning Systems (LDW) to automatically control direction indicators based on detected driver activity and vehicle position, ensuring the direction indicator remains active until the lane change is complete, using sensors and algorithms to monitor steering torque, steering angle, and vehicle position relative to traffic lanes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a comfort flasher system is used to automatically switch off the direction indicator after a brief activation, then the direction indication duration is reduced and automated, but the direction indicator is switched off too early during lane changes, especially at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors driver activity (steering wheel torque, steering angle) and vehicle position relative to lane markings to dynamically adjust the direction indicator duration. This feedback mechanism allows the system to extend the indication period when lane changes are in progress, preventing premature switch-off while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The direction indicator duration is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adapts the indication period based on real-time detection of driver intent and vehicle state, extending the duration when lane changes are detected and maintaining it until the maneuver is complete, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation and sufficient indication duration.
2Reliability
If the direction indicator is kept active longer to ensure complete lane change indication, then safety is improved, but energy consumption increases and the system becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the direction indicator duration based on detected driver activity and vehicle position. The indication is extended only when and where needed (during actual lane changes), rather than being continuously active, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the direction indicator based on detected conditions. When lane change intent is detected, the indication duration parameter is extended; when no lane change is occurring, the indicator is switched off promptly, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If manual monitoring of driver activity is required to control direction indication, then accuracy of indication control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the existing multi-functional Lane Keeping System and Lane Departure Warning System to perform direction indication control. These systems already monitor driver activity and vehicle position for their primary functions, and the same sensors and processing are reused for automated direction indication, avoiding additional complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The direction indication control function is merged with the existing lane keeping and departure warning systems. By combining multiple functions into existing system modules, the patent avoids the complexity of a separate dedicated system while achieving accurate driver activity monitoring for precise indication control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatic direction indication for a vehicle includes the following steps:detecting a driver activity and/or a vehicle position by a Lane Keeping System and/or a Lane Departure Warning System; andautomatically activating or deactivating a direction indicator of the vehicle dependent on the detected driver activity or vehicle position.