Autonomous Vehicle MRM Control With External Call Escalation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous vehicle systems lack the capability to effectively handle critical situations during minimum risk maneuvers (MRM), failing to prepare for and respond to driver disengagement or system failures, which compromises safety and convenience.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for controlling autonomous vehicles that include a processor for performing MRM, determining completion of the maneuver, and requesting a call connection to an external institution if the driver does not intervene within a specific time, along with door control functionality for unlocking or locking the vehicle as needed, to enhance safety and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the autonomous vehicle performs automatic deceleration and stop during MRM, then the vehicle can handle driver disengagement, but the system lacks preparation for critical situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting critical situations (driver disengagement, system failures) before they escalate, and proactively initiates MRM while preparing for potential critical outcomes. The door control system is pre-configured to unlock automatically when critical situations are detected, ensuring readiness before actual rescue needs occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system that connects the autonomous vehicle with external institutions (emergency services, support centers). This intermediary enables the vehicle to request assistance and transmit critical situation data, bridging the gap between the vehicle's limited capabilities and comprehensive safety requirements.
2Reliability
If the system requests call connection to external institution, then external help can be obtained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The call controller is designed as a multi-functional component that handles multiple communication protocols and interacts with various external institutions (emergency services, support centers, family contacts). This universal communication module reduces overall system complexity by consolidating diverse communication functions into a single integrated unit rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
3Ease of operation
If the door is unlocked during critical situation, then rescue can proceed smoothly, but vehicle security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The door control system operates dynamically, automatically adjusting door lock status based on real-time detection of critical situations. The system transitions between locked and unlocked states according to the severity and type of critical situation detected, ensuring doors are unlocked only when necessary for rescue while maintaining security during normal operation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between rescue accessibility and vehicle security.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for controlling an autonomous vehicle for a minimum risk maneuver (MRM) of the autonomous vehicle are provided. A processor provided in the autonomous vehicle performs an MRM including deceleration control and stop control of the autonomous vehicle, determines whether the MRM is completed, determines whether manipulation of a user for vehicle control is not input during a specific time, based on determination that the MRM is completed, and requests a call connection from an external institution, by means of a call controller provided in the autonomous vehicle to control a call with the external institution, when the MRM is completed and when the manipulation of the user for the vehicle control is not input during the specific time. The apparatus improves safety and convenience of an autonomous driving system.