Lane-Change Turn Indicator Cancellation by Cross-Over Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems struggle to automatically cancel turn indicators during lane changes, especially when the steering wheel angle is insufficient, leading to potential safety issues and driver distraction.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that determines when a turn indicator is activated and uses the cross-over distance between the vehicle and a lane line to automatically cancel the turn indicator, ensuring accurate lane change detection even in situations where steering wheel angle is not sufficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic turn indicator cancellation is implemented using steering wheel angle, then turn indicator cancellation works for turns, but it fails during lane changes where steering wheel angle is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from steering wheel angle to cross-over distance (lateral distance between vehicle and lane line). This parameter change enables reliable turn indicator cancellation during lane changes where steering wheel angle is insufficient, while still working for turns where the original parameter was effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal turn indicator cancellation system that works for both turns and lane changes by using cross-over distance as the detection parameter. This single parameter can detect both turning maneuvers and lane changes, making the system adaptable to multiple driving scenarios without requiring separate detection mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If turn indicator remains activated during completed lane changes, then the system is simple, but traffic safety is compromised due to unnecessary indicator activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors cross-over distance and automatically cancels the turn indicator when the vehicle has successfully completed the lane change (when cross-over distance exceeds threshold). This feedback-based approach ensures safety by preventing unnecessary indicator activation while maintaining system simplicity through automated detection and cancellation.
3Measurement precision
If manual turn indicator cancellation is required, then cancellation accuracy is high, but driver distraction increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the turn indicator system to automatically detect lane change completion and cancel itself without driver intervention. The system uses cross-over distance measurement to determine when the lane change is complete and autonomously cancels the indicator, improving driving efficiency by eliminating manual cancellation requirements while maintaining accurate timing through automated detection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer system is provided, comprising processing circuitry configured to: determine that a turn indicator (10) of a host vehicle (1) is activated; obtain a cross-over distance (COD) between the host vehicle (1) and a cross-over lane line (20a) during a lane change from an original lane (5, 7) over the cross-over lane line to a target lane (5, 7); determine that the cross-over distance (COD) is at least as great as a predetermined distance (PD); and cancel the turn indicator (10).