Lane Centering Control for Driver-Initiated Lateral Shifts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lane centering assistance systems are uncomfortable and unsafe when drivers need to temporarily shift their vehicles within a lane, especially in scenarios like passing trucks or emergency vehicles, due to resistance from the system and inappropriate alert messages.
Innovation Solution
A method that automatically regulates the vehicle's lateral position using a first reference trajectory, with alerts and adjustments based on driver input, allowing for comfortable and safe shifting within the lane by calculating thresholds and steering torques, and transitioning between reference trajectories to accommodate driver commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the lane centering assistance system maintains the vehicle in the center of the lane, then the vehicle positioning precision is improved, but the driver cannot temporarily move the vehicle to avoid obstacles or create passage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the reference trajectory based on driver input. When the driver applies torque to the steering wheel, the system transitions from maintaining center-lane positioning to following a new reference trajectory that accommodates the driver's intended maneuver, allowing temporary movement while avoiding unnecessary alerts
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors driver torque input on the steering wheel and uses this feedback to determine when to switch between different control modes. The detection of driver torque serves as the trigger for transitioning from automated centering to driver-accommodating trajectory following
2Measurement precision
If the assistance system opposes the driver's instruction to bring the vehicle back to the center, then the vehicle remains centered, but the driver experience deteriorates with uncomfortable resistance and anxiety
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively switches to the second reference trajectory when it detects driver torque input, preventing the conflict between system resistance and driver intent. By anticipating the driver's need to maneuver before the vehicle deviates significantly from center, the system eliminates the uncomfortable resistance effect
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adapts its behavior based on real-time detection of driver torque. Instead of maintaining rigid centering, the system transitions to a flexible mode that follows the driver's intended path, eliminating the anxiety-provoking resistance while still providing guidance when appropriate
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle is positioned off-center in the lane, then the driver can avoid obstacles, but alert messages are triggered causing driver anxiety
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the alert threshold based on the active reference trajectory. When following the second trajectory in response to driver input, the system raises the alert threshold to accommodate the intentional off-center positioning, preventing false alerts while maintaining safety monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the active reference trajectory state to modulate alert behavior. When the second trajectory is active (indicating driver-initiated maneuver), the alert system adapts its thresholds to avoid triggering unnecessary warnings, reducing driver anxiety while maintaining safety
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system follows heavy traffic trajectory variations, then the vehicle adapts to surrounding vehicles, but passenger comfort deteriorates due to numerous trajectory changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial adaptation by selectively following trajectory variations only when necessary for safety, rather than continuously adapting to all traffic movements. This selective approach maintains necessary adaptability while reducing excessive trajectory changes that would discomfort passengers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for controlling the lateral position of a vehicle (1) on a traffic lane, comprising: - a first control step following a first reference trajectory (TR1), and - a step of alerting the driver if the lateral distance separating the vehicle from the edge of the traffic lane is less than a first threshold, then - a step of detecting a command applied to a steering wheel of the vehicle, then - a second control step following a second reference trajectory (TR2), the second trajectory being determined depending on the command applied to the steering wheel, and - a step of alerting the driver if the lateral distance separating the vehicle from the edge of the traffic lane is less than a second threshold, the second threshold being less than the first threshold.