Driving Mode Transitions Using Steering Wheel Release Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving assist systems face challenges in smoothly transitioning from a first driving assist mode to a second driving assist mode, particularly when the driver fails to take their hands off the steering wheel or when the system's notifications are not promptly followed, leading to difficulties in determining the driver's intention and making appropriate transitions between modes.
Innovation Solution
A driving assist apparatus that includes a driving mode setting calculator and a steering wheel holding detector, which controls transitions between modes based on the driver's steering wheel holding status, allowing for a transition from the first driving assist mode to the second driving assist mode when the driver releases the steering wheel, and includes independent sensor systems like a locator unit and a camera unit to detect road curvature and lane position, ensuring accurate mode transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the system transitions from first driving assist mode to second driving assist mode when the driver fails to release the steering wheel, then the automation level is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to incorrect mode transition
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors steering wheel holding status through the steering wheel holding detector and uses this feedback to determine whether to transition between driving modes. The controller receives real-time information about driver intent and adjusts mode transitions accordingly, ensuring reliable automation level changes based on actual driver behavior rather than assumptions.
2Reliability
If the system uses multiple independent sensor systems to detect driver intent, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into separate specialized sensors: a steering wheel holding detector specifically for detecting steering wheel contact, and road curvature detectors (locator unit and camera unit) for detecting road conditions. Each sensor is optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through functional segmentation rather than using a single complex multi-functional sensor.
3Reliability
If the system requires driver notification before mode transition, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of time increases due to notification delay
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of driver intent by continuously monitoring steering wheel holding status before mode transition is needed. When the driver releases the steering wheel, the system has already detected this intent and can immediately execute the mode transition from first to second driving assist mode without requiring additional notification steps, thus reducing time loss while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A driving assist apparatus includes a driving mode setting calculator and a steering wheel holding detector. The driving mode setting calculator is configured to control a transition between driving modes including a manual driving mode, a first driving assist mode, and a second driving assist mode, in accordance with a driving condition. The steering wheel holding detector is configured to detect whether the driver holds the steering wheel or releases the steering wheel. The driving mode setting calculator causes the driving modes to make the transition from the first driving assist mode to the second driving assist mode, on a condition that the first driving assist mode is set as the driving modes and the steering wheel holding detector detects that the driver releases, from a state in which the driver holds the steering wheel, the steering wheel.