Driving Route Planning Using Driver Availability and Road Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to determine the most comfortable driving route for vehicles operating in automated mode, as they do not adequately consider the availability and preferences of the driver, leading to suboptimal use of automated driving sections and manual control requirements.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that determine clearance information for automated driving sections and predict driver availability, using sensor data, digital calendar, and infotainment system data to plan a route that maximizes the use of automated driving mode during times the driver is unavailable for manual control, thereby enhancing comfort and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the system plans a driving route without considering driver availability, then the route planning is simple and fast, but the automated driving mode cannot be effectively utilized when the driver is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary prediction of driver availability using sensor data, calendar information, and infotainment system data before finalizing the route plan. This advance preparation enables the system to proactively schedule automated driving segments during periods when the driver is predicted to be unavailable, thereby maximizing automation utilization without last-minute complications
Solution Approach 2:
The route planning system dynamically adjusts the driving route based on real-time driver availability predictions. The system continuously monitors driver state through sensors and updates the route plan to optimize the balance between manual and automated driving segments, allowing the automation extent to adapt flexibly to changing driver availability conditions
2Ease of operation
If the system frequently switches between manual and automated driving modes, then the driver remains engaged and safe, but the driver comfort and journey experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system predicts driver availability in advance and pre-plans extended automated driving segments during periods of predicted unavailability. By preparing these segments beforehand, the system minimizes the frequency of mode switches, allowing the driver to remain in a relaxed state during automated segments while ensuring safety through advance planning
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors driver availability through sensors and calendar data, providing real-time feedback to adjust the driving mode. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system can respond to changes in driver state while maintaining comfortable, extended automated segments, balancing driver engagement with comfort
3Extent of automation
If the system requires manual control during all uncertain situations, then safety is maximized, but the comfort and efficiency of automated driving is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary risk assessment and driver availability prediction to identify suitable segments for extended automated driving. By evaluating potential risks and driver states in advance, the system can confidently plan longer automated segments without requiring frequent manual takeovers, thereby maintaining both safety and automation continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors driver availability and road conditions through sensor feedback to dynamically adjust the boundaries of automated driving segments. This real-time feedback allows the system to extend automated driving continuity when conditions are favorable while maintaining safety assurance through continuous monitoring and readiness to switch modes
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for determining a driving route for a vehicle which has an automated driving mode and a manual driving mode. The device is configured to determine release information relating to the release of the automated driving mode on different road portions of a road network on which the vehicle is travelling. The device is also configured to determine and/or predict availability information relating to the availability of the driver of the vehicle for manually guiding the vehicle longitudinally and/or transversely during a journey from a starting point to a destination point. Furthermore, the device is configured to determine a driving route through the road network from the starting point to the destination point based on the release information and the availability information.