Automated Multi-Lane Change System Using Navigation Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lane change assistance systems are complex for drivers to operate in situations requiring multiple consecutive lane changes, as they typically require continuous driver input and monitoring of the environment, which can be hazardous and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A lane change assistance system that automatically determines the need for multiple lane changes based on navigation guidance, informs the driver, and allows for a single operator action to initiate and complete the necessary lane changes with automated lateral and longitudinal guidance, using sensors and navigation data to ensure safe execution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the driver manually operates turn signal lever for each lane change in complex multi-lane situations, then the driver maintains control and awareness of the maneuver, but the operational complexity and driver burden increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the multi-lane change task into individual lane change maneuvers, automatically sequencing them based on navigation data. The driver provides a single high-level command to change to the target lane, and the system breaks down the complex multi-lane change into manageable single lane changes executed in sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lane change assistance system performs the complex sequencing and execution of multiple lane changes autonomously. Once the driver initiates the maneuver with a single turn signal activation, the system independently determines the sequence of lane changes needed, monitors safety conditions, and executes each lane change without requiring continuous driver input or monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the system automatically executes multiple lane changes with a single driver action, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability and safety monitoring may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsafety monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the driving environment using sensors during the automated multi-lane change sequence. Real-time feedback from the environment is processed to dynamically adjust the lane change execution, aborting the maneuver if safety conditions are not met. The system provides feedback to the driver about the progress and status of the lane changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Before executing the automated lane changes, the system performs preliminary safety checks by analyzing the current traffic environment and predicting potential hazards. The system prepares the lane change sequence in advance, evaluating safety conditions for each planned lane change before committing to the automated execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the driver continuously monitors traffic during automated lane changes, then the safety and reliability improve, but the ease of operation and driver convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety monitoringVSAvoiddriver convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring of the traffic environment during automated lane changes using onboard sensors. The driver is exempted from continuous monitoring duties while the system independently tracks surrounding vehicles, road conditions, and safety parameters, only requiring driver attention when the maneuver is complete or when safety issues arise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If the system requires continuous turn signal activation during lane changes, then the driver maintains intent and control, but the operational simplicity and automation level reduce

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver intent confirmationVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The driver provides a preliminary intent signal by activating the turn signal, which the system then interprets as a command to execute the multi-lane change maneuver. Once activated, the system maintains the lane change intent automatically through the entire sequence without requiring continuous driver input, executing multiple lane changes based on the initial command and navigation data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3504109B1Lane change assistant system and method of performing multiple lane changes
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP3504109B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3504109B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3504109B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lane-change assistance system for a motor vehicle for the automated performance of a lane change with at least automated lateral guidance. The assistance system is designed to determine, on the basis of information from a navigation system for navigation, that a plurality of lane changes from the current lane to a target lane are required in order to follow the navigation. The driver assistance system is also designed to inform the driver of a need to change lanes. By means of a triggering operation action by the driver, the driver can indicate the driver wants to perform the required number of lane changes in order to follow the active navigation. The driver assistance system checks if such a triggering operation action by the driver for triggering the required plurality of lane changes exists. If it is determined that the triggering operation action by the driver exists, the required plurality of lane changes from the current lane to a target lane are performed in an automated manner by means of the lane-change assistance system with at least automated lateral guidance.