Autonomous-to-Manual Braking Transition for Driver Takeover Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from autonomous driving mode to manual driving mode in vehicles can be uncomfortable for drivers due to a delay in deceleration signal cessation, leading to feelings of inappropriate acceleration or deceleration, and increased stopping distances in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where processors control the vehicle to continue deceleration signals after transitioning to manual mode, ensuring a smooth transition by matching the deceleration rate and potentially adjusting based on user input force and distance, and continuing signals until driver input is fully recognized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle control computing devices immediately cease sending deceleration signals upon mode transition, then the driver is guaranteed control of the vehicle, but the driver experiences discomfort due to sudden changes in deceleration and increased stopping distances
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuing to send deceleration signals from the control computing devices after mode transition is initiated. This preliminary continuation of signals bridges the gap between autonomous and manual control, preventing sudden deceleration changes that would cause driver discomfort. The signals are gradually reduced or maintained based on driver input detection, ensuring smooth transition while ultimately guaranteeing driver control.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle control computing devices continue sending deceleration signals after mode transition, then driver comfort is improved, but the transition delay causes inappropriate acceleration or deceleration feelings
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring driver input devices (steering wheel, pedals) during the transition period. The control computing devices adjust the continuation of deceleration signals based on detected driver inputs. When driver input is detected, the system responds by modifying or ceasing the automated signals, thereby reducing the perceived delay and inappropriate acceleration/deceleration feelings while maintaining driver comfort during the transition.
3Speed
If the deceleration signals are immediately stopped upon driver input, then the transition to manual control is quick, but the stopping distance increases in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies continuity of useful action by maintaining deceleration signals from the control computing devices during the transition period rather than immediately stopping them. This continuous action ensures that deceleration force is maintained throughout the transition, preventing any gap in braking force that would increase stopping distance. The useful action of deceleration continues smoothly from autonomous to manual control, especially critical in emergency situations.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to controlling a transition between a manual driving mode and an autonomous driving mode of a vehicle. For instance, one or more processors of one or more control computing devices may control the vehicle in the autonomous driving mode. While controlling the vehicle in the autonomous driving mode and decelerating at a given rate, the processors may receive at a user input of the vehicle input requesting a transition from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode. In response to the input, the processors may transition the vehicle to the manual driving mode. After transitioning the vehicle to the manual driving mode, the processors may send deceleration signals to a deceleration actuator thereby causing the vehicle to continue to decelerate at the given rate.