Vehicle Driver Control via Steering and Speed Micro-Deviations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current driver monitoring systems fail to effectively detect active engagement of drivers during autonomous driving, leading to degraded human performance and reaction capabilities in critical situations.

Innovation Solution

A driver controlling system that modifies longitudinal and lateral adjustment parameters of the vehicle to subtly influence driver engagement, using an electronic control unit to apply small deviations in speed and steering, monitored by a sensor unit to ensure active driver supervision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If autonomous driving technology is improved to take over operational decisions, then vehicle automation capability is improved, but driver reaction capability in critical situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle automation capabilityVSAvoiddriver reaction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies periodic micro-adjustments to steering wheel position and vehicle trajectory to periodically re-engage the driver's attention and physical involvement, preventing complete disengagement while maintaining automated operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring device provides continuous feedback on driver engagement level, and the control unit uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the degree of automated intervention, creating a closed-loop system that balances automation with driver involvement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If passive monitoring devices are used to detect driver engagement, then device complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy of active engagement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring device complexityVSAvoiddriver engagement detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary active engagement prompt mechanism that mediates between the simple passive monitoring device and the need for accurate engagement detection, converting passive detection into active verification through controlled vehicle responses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated driving mode provides continuous assistance, then productivity is improved, but driver engagement level deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving efficiencyVSAvoiddriver engagement level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial automated intervention through small micro-adjustments rather than full automation, providing enough assistance to maintain productivity while retaining sufficient manual involvement to preserve driver engagement and situational awareness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4177126B1Driver controlling system for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 VOLVO CAR CORP
  • EP4177126B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4177126B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~3c

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a driver controlling system for a vehicle, a vehicle comprising such a driver controlling system, a driver controlling method for a vehicle and a computer program element for such a driver controlling system. The driver controlling system comprises a longitudinal control means, a lateral control means and a control unit. The longitudinal control means and the lateral control means are arrangeable in the vehicle. The control unit is configured to determine at least one of a longitudinal adjustment parameter and a later adjustment parameter to propel the vehicle in an automated mode. The control unit is configured to prompt the longitudinal control means to apply the longitudinal adjustment parameter of the vehicle and/or the lateral control means to apply the lateral adjustment parameter in the automated mode. The control unit is further configured to modify at least one of the longitudinal adjustment parameter and the lateral adjustment parameter to be applied in the vehicle by a predefined rate of deviation for causing a reaction of the driver.