Autonomous Driving Handover Feedback with Fallback Driver Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous driving control systems face challenges in providing effective notifications to users regarding control authority transitions due to increased manufacturing costs and potential failures of notification devices, such as actuators in seats, which can lead to inadequate user notification during critical driving situations.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous driving control apparatus comprising a feedback device with a first and second feedback mechanism, a memory, and a control device that detects control authority transitions and adapts notification methods based on the operational state of the first feedback device, using the second feedback device if the first is not functioning, and includes features like safety belt adjustments, seat vibrations, and braking force applications to inform the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a first feedback device (e.g., seat actuator) is used to notify the user of control authority transition, then the user notification effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system is segmented into multiple independent feedback devices (first feedback device for primary notification, second feedback device for alternative notification). This allows the system to use only the necessary components, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining notification effectiveness through selective deployment of feedback devices based on operational status
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by detecting the status of the first feedback device and dynamically switching between different notification pathways. When the first feedback device is non-operational, the system transitions to using the second feedback device, thereby maintaining notification effectiveness without incurring the cost of always using the premium first feedback device
2Reliability
If a notification device is installed in the host vehicle, then the user can be notified of control authority transition, but the device may fail to operate normally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for potential failure by having a second feedback device ready as a backup before the first feedback device actually fails. The control device detects non-operational status and switches to the alternative notification method, cushioning against the impact of device failure without requiring complex real-time diagnostics or manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The second feedback device serves as a functional copy or alternative implementation of the notification function provided by the first feedback device. Rather than creating a completely different system architecture, the patent uses a redundant notification pathway that mirrors the original function, simplifying the overall system design while maintaining reliability
3Reliability
If multiple feedback devices are used to ensure notification reliability, then the notification reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system is designed to be dynamic, automatically adjusting which feedback device is active based on operational status detection. The system transitions from a static single-device approach to a dynamic multi-device approach only when necessary, maintaining notification reliability while minimizing manufacturing costs by not always deploying all available feedback devices
Solution Approach 2:
Both the first and second feedback devices serve the universal function of notifying the user about control authority transition. The system is designed so that either device can fulfill the notification requirement, creating a multi-functional notification subsystem that maintains reliability through functional equivalence rather than requiring specialized components for each pathway
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for autonomous driving control. The apparatus may include a feedback device including a first feedback device and a second feedback device, a memory, and a control device. For example, the apparatus may detect an event related to a transition of control authority of a host vehicle in an autonomous driving mode, may determine whether the first feedback device is operating in a normal state based on failing to receive a response regarding the transition of the control authority from a user during a first time period, may output a first feedback via the first feedback device, based on a determination that the first feedback device is operating in the normal state, and may output a second feedback via the second notification device based on a determination that the first first feedback device is not operating in the normal state.