Vehicle Driving Support Apparatus Steering Override Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving support systems for vehicles, such as those using electrically-assisted power steering and steering angle varying mechanisms, face challenges in accurately detecting and responding to driver overrides during lane keeping operations, leading to uncomfortable feelings for the driver and unstable vehicle behavior.
Innovation Solution
A driving support apparatus that includes a steering wheel angle varying device, a following control device, a steering angle specifying device, and a judging device to detect and respond to driver overrides by comparing the specified steering angle with a reference steering angle, allowing for quick and accurate judgment and control adjustments to maintain the vehicle on a target driving route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the electrically-assisted power steering apparatus controls the steering wheel angle to follow the target route, then the vehicle can maintain lane keeping, but the driver feels uncomfortable due to counter-steering against the driver's will
Solution Approach 1:
The steering control is divided into two independent mechanisms: the electrically-assisted power steering apparatus (EPS) that provides torque assist, and the steering angle varying apparatus (VGRS) that adjusts the steering wheel angle. This segmentation allows each mechanism to handle different aspects of lane keeping control, preventing the driver from feeling counter-steering forces while maintaining vehicle stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the steering transmission ratio through the VGRS based on vehicle speed and steering conditions. By varying the ratio between steering wheel angle and steering angle, the system optimizes both lane keeping performance and driver comfort across different operating conditions, preventing uncomfortable counter-steering sensations.
2Extent of automation
If the steering wheel angle is changed by applying assist torque from the electrically-assisted power steering apparatus, then lane keeping control is achieved, but the steering wheel operates independently of the driver's will causing uncomfortable feelings
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into EPS for torque assist and VGRS for steering wheel angle adjustment. The VGRS independently adjusts the steering wheel angle to follow the target route without requiring the driver to counter-steer, while the EPS provides only auxiliary torque. This segmentation enables automatic lane keeping while maintaining driver comfort by preventing independent steering wheel operation against the driver's will.
Solution Approach 2:
The VGRS acts as an intermediary mechanism between the driver's steering input and the actual steering angle. It mediates the relationship by adjusting the steering wheel angle independently to follow the target route, while the EPS provides torque assistance. This intermediary approach allows automatic lane keeping control without creating uncomfortable feelings of independent steering wheel operation.
3Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is not firmly held by the driver, then the steering wheel turns due to road surface reaction force, but it is hardly possible to make the vehicle follow the target route
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the functions of steering wheel angle adjustment (VGRS) from steering torque provision (EPS). The VGRS actively controls the steering wheel angle to follow the target route regardless of driver input, while the EPS provides torque assistance. This segmentation allows the driver to hold the steering wheel freely without firmly gripping it, while the system maintains lane following stability through active VGRS control.
4Reliability
If the deviation between target steering angle and actual steering angle is used for overriding judgment, then lane keeping control can be monitored, but the judgment accuracy is insufficient to detect driver overrides quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The steering angle sensor serves multiple functions: it provides feedback for lane keeping control and simultaneously enables rapid override detection by comparing the actual steering angle with the target steering angle. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain reliable lane keeping control while quickly detecting driver overrides, reducing the time loss associated with override detection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A driving support apparatus of a vehicle (10) supports driving of the vehicle, the vehicle provided with a rudder angle varying device (200) capable of changing a relative relation between a steering angle and a rudder angle. The driving support apparatus is provided with: a following control device for controlling the rudder angle varying device such that the vehicle follows a target driving route; a steering angle specifying device for specifying the steering angle; and a judging device for judging whether or not overriding performed by a driver takes place on the basis of the specified steering angle and a reference steering angle which is the steering angle in making the vehicle follow the target driving route. The following control device stops the vehicle following for the target driving route if it is judged that the overriding takes place.