Self-Driving Mode Switching by Driver-Processor Competence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-driving vehicles (SDVs) face challenges in determining the optimal operating mode between autonomous and manual control, especially when encountering operational anomalies, as existing systems lack a robust method to compare the competence levels of the vehicle's control processor and the human driver, leading to potential safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines the control processor competence level and human driver competence level, comparing these to selectively assign control of the SDV to either the vehicle's control processor or the human driver based on which is relatively more competent, using a weighted voting system and considering factors like historical performance and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the SDV operates in autonomous mode with control processor, then automation level is improved, but reliability deteriorates when the control processor competence level is lower than human driver competence level
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between autonomous and manual modes based on real-time competence level comparisons. The driving mode is not fixed but adapts to current operational conditions, sensor status, and environmental factors, allowing the vehicle to transition from autonomous to manual control when the human driver demonstrates higher competence for specific situations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of control mode based on varying competence levels. By evaluating multiple parameters including sensor functionality, control processor performance, and driver capability, the system selects the optimal mode (autonomous or manual) to maximize safety and reliability
2Reliability
If the SDV operates in manual mode with human driver, then reliability is improved when human driver competence is higher, but extent of automation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic transitions between manual and autonomous modes based on real-time assessment. When environmental conditions deteriorate (e.g., sensor failures, adverse weather) or driver competence is evaluated as higher for specific tasks, the system smoothly transitions to manual control while maintaining the capability to revert to autonomous mode when conditions improve
3Reliability
If the system continuously monitors and compares competence levels, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control processor performs multiple functions: it manages autonomous driving operations, monitors sensor status, evaluates driver input quality, and determines mode transitions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data, driver actions, and vehicle state are constantly monitored and fed back to the control processor. This feedback mechanism enables real-time competence level comparison and dynamic mode adjustment without requiring overly complex external monitoring systems
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product controls a driving mode of a self-driving vehicle (SDV). One or more processors compare a control processor competence level of an on-board SDV control processor in controlling the SDV to a human driver competence level of a human driver in controlling the SDV while the SDV encounters a current roadway condition which is a result of current weather conditions of the roadway on which the SDV is currently traveling. One or more processors then selectively assign control of the SDV to the SDV control processor or to the human driver while the SDV encounters the current roadway condition based on which of the control processor competence level and the human driver competence level is relatively higher to one another.