Dynamic Automation Level Indication for Vehicle Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack a system to continuously monitor and inform drivers of their current automation level and available alternative levels, making it difficult for drivers to quickly and easily select a suitable automation level based on operational and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A computing device configured to communicate with autonomously controllable vehicle systems, continuously monitoring and informing drivers of the current automation level and available levels, and enabling selection of alternative automation levels through a user interface, such as a touch-screen display or voice commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle provides multiple automation levels, then the adaptability of the vehicle control system is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the available automation levels based on operational conditions, environmental factors, and system status. The computing device continuously monitors vehicle state and external conditions, enabling or disabling specific automation levels in real-time, transforming a static multi-level system into a dynamic adaptive system that manages complexity through conditional activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of automation levels based on detected conditions. When environmental or operational factors change, the computing device modifies which automation levels are available, effectively using parameter changes to manage system complexity while maintaining adaptability to different driving scenarios.
2Reliability
If the system continuously monitors automation levels, then the reliability of vehicle control information is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device performs periodic monitoring of automation levels and system conditions rather than continuous monitoring. It checks relevant parameters at scheduled intervals and updates automation level availability when changes are detected, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable information about the current automation state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing vehicle sensors and data streams that are already being collected for other purposes, rather than adding dedicated monitoring hardware. The computing device leverages available data from vehicle systems to determine automation level availability, reducing additional energy requirements while maintaining reliable monitoring.
3Ease of operation
If the driver is provided with detailed automation level information, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time for processing information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device prepares and pre-processes automation level information before the driver needs to make a selection. It continuously evaluates which automation levels are available and pre-organizes this information for quick presentation, so when the driver needs to select an automation level, the decision can be made rapidly based on pre-analyzed data.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device acts as an intermediary between the complex vehicle control systems and the driver. It processes raw system data and translates it into simplified, actionable automation level options, reducing the cognitive load on the driver and enabling quick decisions without requiring the driver to process detailed technical information about each automation level.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device configured for communication with at least one autonomously controllable vehicle system or component. The computing device includes one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing device, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to transmit a message configured to inform a vehicle user of all currently available levels of vehicle automation.