Vehicle Drive Mode Transition With Kinematic Driver Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transitioning a vehicle's drive mode from assisted to automated mode lack sufficient perceptibility for the driver, leading to potential mode confusion and increased risk of driver reliance on traditional feedback systems, which may not be effectively perceived in all situations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that provides kinematic feedback through changes in main driving controls, such as slackening and sharpening of accelerator, brake, and steering controls, to clearly indicate successful or unsuccessful mode transitions from assisted to automated drive modes, reducing reliance on visual, haptic, or audio warnings alone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional visual, haptic or audio feedback warnings are used to indicate mode transitions, then the feedback system is simple to implement, but the driver may not perceive the warnings in all driving situations leading to mode confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional visual, haptic, or audio feedback systems with a kinematic feedback mechanism that utilizes the vehicle's existing motion dynamics. By modulating the vehicle's acceleration, deceleration, or steering movements, the system creates perceptible physical cues that directly communicate mode transition status to the driver through the vehicle's natural movement, eliminating the need for separate warning devices
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's drive control system uses its own kinematic capabilities (acceleration, deceleration, steering) to provide feedback about its operational mode. The system serves dual purposes: controlling vehicle motion while simultaneously communicating its state to the driver through intentional kinematic patterns, making the feedback inherent to the vehicle's operation rather than an add-on system
2Reliability
If the driver is given full responsibility for driving control in assisted drive mode, then the driver maintains awareness of driving tasks, but the transition to automated mode may go unnoticed causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the vehicle provides intentional kinematic cues during mode transitions. When transitioning from assisted to automated mode, the system generates specific acceleration, deceleration, or steering movements that create perceptible sensations for the driver, ensuring the driver is aware of the mode change while the vehicle subsequently handles control responsibilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary kinematic actions before completing the mode transition. By introducing intentional vehicle movements that signal the upcoming mode change, the driver is prepared for the transition before full automated control is engaged, ensuring awareness while maintaining ease of operation
3Reliability
If kinematic feedback is used to indicate mode transitions, then driver awareness is significantly improved, but the vehicle control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vehicle's drive control system multi-functional by having it perform both vehicle control and communication functions simultaneously. The same actuators that control acceleration, deceleration, and steering are used to generate kinematic feedback patterns, eliminating the need for separate feedback hardware and reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transitioning a drive mode of a vehicle from an assisted drive mode (AS) to an automated drive mode (AD), the method including: providing an assisted drive mode (AS) configured to support a driver controlling the vehicle at a medium support level; receiving an activation request for activating an automated drive mode (AD) configured to control a driving of the vehicle autonomously; reducing a support level (SL) to a safe assisted drive mode (ADAS) configured to support the driver at a low support level, the reduction of the SL from the AS to the ADAS including a first kinematic feedback; and if the activation request is successful, increasing the SL from the ADAS to the AD, the increase of the SL from the ADAS to the AD including a second kinematic feedback to the driver; or if the activation request fails, maintaining the ADAS.