Steering Control System for Autonomous Vehicle Mode Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems for autonomous vehicles lack a safe and intuitive method to transition from autonomous driving mode to manual driving mode, considering dynamic factors like vehicle speed, road conditions, and driver readiness.
Innovation Solution
A steering control system that includes a steering input device for manual control and an autonomous steering assembly, utilizing a transfer function to assess driver readiness and blend inputs for a gradual transition, ensuring safe transfer of control from autonomous to manual mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous steering control is implemented, then driving automation is improved, but driver control and safety during mode transition deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a dynamic transition steering mode that adjusts control blending between autonomous and manual modes based on real-time conditions. The controller continuously monitors driver input, vehicle state, and environmental factors to dynamically adjust the degree of autonomous intervention during mode transition, ensuring safe and smooth handover while maintaining high automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transition steering mode that acts as a bridge between autonomous and manual steering modes. This intermediate state allows gradual transfer of control authority from the autonomous system to the driver, rather than abrupt switching. The transition mode blends autonomous steering commands with driver input, providing a safety buffer and improving reliability during mode changes.
2Speed
If abrupt mode switching is used, then response time is improved, but driver comfort and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system initiates preliminary actions by detecting when a driver intends to take control (through steering input detection) and proactively entering the transition steering mode before full manual control is requested. This preliminary transition preparation allows the system to smoothly adjust control blending in advance, maintaining both rapid response capability and driver comfort during the mode change.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition steering mode dynamically adjusts the blending ratio between autonomous and manual steering inputs over time. The controller modulates the degree of autonomous intervention based on transition progress, vehicle dynamics, and driver input magnitude, enabling rapid yet comfortable mode switching that adapts to real-time conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If full manual control is transferred immediately, then driver autonomy is improved, but system safety and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains adaptive stability by dynamically adjusting control blending during the transition. Rather than fixed control allocation, the controller continuously modifies the proportion of autonomous versus manual steering input based on vehicle state, road conditions, and driver behavior, preserving system stability while enabling progressive driver autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition steering mode incorporates continuous feedback loops that monitor driver input, vehicle response, and environmental conditions. The controller uses this feedback to adjust the blending of autonomous and manual control in real-time, ensuring stable and safe transition while progressively transferring control autonomy to the driver based on actual system performance and external conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering control system for an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle includes a steering input device accessible to a driver for providing steering control of the vehicle in a manual steering mode. Also included is at least one autonomous steering assembly for providing steering control of the vehicle in an autonomous steering mode. Further included is a plurality of road wheels controlled by a blended output of the steering input device and the at least one autonomous steering assembly during a transition steering mode.