Driver Attention Prediction for Faster Steer-By-Wire Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering systems in vehicles that are not physically connected to the wheels, such as steer-by-wire systems, struggle to provide agile and stable steering responses due to the inability to differentiate between similar initial steering commands, leading to delayed maneuver planning.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes a driver monitoring system to estimate upcoming maneuvers based on steering inputs and viewing direction, using a controller with a driver command interpreter and motion control module to predict vehicle trajectories and enhance steering response through steer-by-wire, torque vectoring, and other controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional steering mechanisms or steer-by-wire systems are used without physical connection to wheels, then steering system flexibility and adaptability are improved, but steering response time and maneuver differentiation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting the driver's intended maneuver before the steering input is fully executed. The driver monitoring system captures gaze direction and head pose in advance, and the controller uses this information to anticipate the upcoming maneuver, allowing the vehicle to begin preparation for the maneuver earlier than traditional systems that wait for complete steering input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds another dimension to steering control by incorporating driver monitoring data (gaze direction, head pose) beyond traditional steering wheel position and vehicle state sensors. This additional dimensional information allows the controller to differentiate between similar steering commands by considering the driver's line of sight and attention focus, enabling faster and more accurate maneuver identification.
2Loss of time
If driver monitoring systems are added to predict maneuvers, then steering response time and maneuver differentiation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver monitoring system acts as an intermediary that provides additional information about driver intent without requiring direct modification of the steering mechanism or wheel connection. The camera-based system captures gaze and head pose data, which the controller processes alongside existing steering inputs to predict maneuvers, thereby reducing maneuver planning time while avoiding complex mechanical changes to the steering system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the system waits for complete steering input before planning maneuvers, then control stability is maintained, but response agility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the driver monitoring system to continuously assess driver intent and adjust maneuver planning in real-time. By monitoring gaze direction, head pose, and steering input simultaneously, the controller receives continuous feedback about the driver's intended maneuver, allowing it to initiate maneuver planning earlier while maintaining stability through constant verification of driver intent throughout the steering process.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a steering input, a driver monitoring system, a controlled electro-mechanical actuator, a controller in communication with the steering input and the driver monitoring system, the controller including a memory and a processor, the memory storing a driver command interpreter module and a vehicle motion control module, and wherein the driver command interpreter module is configured to estimate an upcoming vehicle maneuver based at least in part on a commanded steering operation from the steering input and a driver viewing direction from the driver monitoring system.