Progressive Steering Control for Vehicle Docking Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle driving assistance systems are not optimal for precise docking at platforms and navigating reserved lanes, as they lack efficient transition between manual and automatic driving modes, especially considering speed and deviation from the predefined trajectory.

Innovation Solution

A driving assistance system that uses a camera to determine the vehicle's trajectory from ground infrastructure and an autonomous driving device to gradually take control of the steering, switching between manual and automatic driving modes based on speed and deviation from the trajectory, applying varying torque to the steering shaft to assist the driver.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the autonomous driving device fully takes control for precise docking, then docking precision is improved, but driver workload and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocking precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the level of autonomous control based on real-time conditions. The progressive takeover mechanism allows the autonomous driving device to gradually increase its control authority during docking maneuvers, transitioning from manual to automatic control in stages rather than abruptly, thereby managing complexity while achieving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes control parameters progressively during the docking process. By adjusting the degree of autonomous intervention based on proximity to the dock and maneuver phase, the system achieves precise docking without requiring full autonomous control throughout the entire operation, thus reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the autonomous driving device takes full control for precise docking, then docking precision is improved, but the driver's ability to intervene when needed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocking precisionVSAvoiddriver intervention capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic control transition where the driver can regain control at any stage. The progressive takeover is not irreversible - the driver maintains the ability to intervene and retake full control if needed, balancing automated precision with human oversight capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback to the driver about the level of autonomous control active and the vehicle's docking progress. This feedback mechanism ensures the driver remains engaged and informed, maintaining ease of operation even when autonomous control is partially active.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the system transitions abruptly from manual to automatic driving mode, then control precision is improved, but driving stability and driver comfort are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddriving stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a progressive and dynamic transition mechanism that gradually shifts control from manual to automatic modes. This gradual transition maintains driving stability by avoiding sudden control changes, while still achieving the ultimate precision of full autonomous control through staged progression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The progressive takeover mechanism acts as a cushion during the transition from manual to automatic control. By introducing intermediate stages of control transfer, the system softens the transition impact, maintaining stability while achieving precision docking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Measurement precision

If the autonomous driving device provides continuous assistance, then docking precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocking precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies autonomous control assistance partially rather than continuously. The progressive takeover activates autonomous control only when and where needed during the docking maneuver, rather than maintaining full autonomous control throughout the entire driving cycle, thus reducing energy consumption while achieving precision docking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3147180B1Driving assistance system and method for vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 SIEMENS MOBILITY SAS
  • EP3147180B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3147180B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3147180B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention describes a system and a method for assisting the driving of a vehicle (1), said system comprising: - a trajectory determination device (2) capable of determining a trajectory for said vehicle; - an autonomous driving device (3) to assist said driver in driving the vehicle; said system being characterized in that the autonomous driving device (3) is configured to perform a progressive takeover of steering control in order to progressively transition from a manual driving mode of said vehicle in which a driver drives said vehicle, to an automatic driving mode of said vehicle in which said autonomous driving device (3) drives said vehicle in a manner free from intervention by said driver.