SDV Mode Switching via Telecommunication Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-driving vehicles (SDVs) face challenges in seamlessly transitioning between autonomous and manual modes, particularly in detecting driver impairment, fatigue, or distraction, which can lead to unsafe driving conditions, and existing systems lack efficient and unobtrusive methods to switch modes without compromising safety or driver control.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system within the SDV detects driver states using sensors and telecommunication messages to surreptitiously transition from manual to autonomous mode, providing alerts and delaying transitions to maintain driver perception and safety, while also considering environmental and vehicle conditions to decide mode changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the SDV system automatically detects driver distraction through telecommunication messages and switches to autonomous mode, then driving safety is improved, but driver control and operational flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors driver state through telecommunication message detection and provides feedback by alerting the driver before mode transition. This feedback loop allows the system to improve safety through automatic detection while maintaining driver control through notification and optional override, resolving the contradiction between safety automation and driver autonomy
Solution Approach 2:
The driving mode is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows real-time switching between manual and autonomous modes based on detected driver distraction levels, while also permitting driver override to maintain control when needed. This dynamic approach balances safety improvements with preserved driver operational flexibility
2Measurement precision
If the SDV system uses sensors and telecommunication messages to detect driver impairment, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telecommunication device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the driver's personal communication device and the system's sensor for detecting driver distraction. By leveraging an existing universal device rather than adding dedicated sensors, the system achieves accurate driver state detection while minimizing additional system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The telecommunication device performs self-service by using its own operational data (message reception status) to indicate driver distraction. The device essentially monitors itself and provides this information to the SDV system, eliminating the need for separate monitoring hardware and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy
3Reliability
If the SDV system provides alerts and delays mode transitions, then driver perception and safety are maintained, but response time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by providing advance alerts to the driver before actually executing the mode transition. This allows the driver to prepare mentally and physically for the transition, maintaining safety and perception while the delay is minimized to only what is necessary for driver awareness. The transition itself occurs promptly once the driver is notified, balancing safety with response time
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product controls a driving mode of a self-driving vehicle (SDV) when a driver receives a telecommunication message on a telecommunication device. An SDV on-board computer within the SDV detects that the SDV is currently being operated in manual mode by a human driver. The SDV on-board computer detects that a telecommunication device located within the SDV is receiving a telecommunication message. In response to detecting that the telecommunication device within the SDV is receiving the telecommunication message, the SDV on-board computer transfers control of the SDV to the SDV on-board computer in order to place the SDV in autonomous mode, where the SDV is in the autonomous mode when steering, braking, throttle control, and obstacle avoidance by the SDV are all controlled by the SDV on-board computer.