Steering Reaction Force Control for Target Path Deviation Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle traveling controllers fail to effectively alert drivers of deviations from a target path during automatic steering without causing annoyance, particularly when deviations are due to driver intervention.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle traveling controller that adjusts the steering reaction force based on the deviation from a threshold line, increasing the force when the vehicle deviates outside this line to alert the driver while minimizing annoyance by suppressing the force when within the threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the steering reaction force is increased to alert the driver of deviation from the target path, then the driver's attention is effectively called, but the driver feels annoyed
Solution Approach 1:
The steering reaction force is dynamically adjusted based on the deviation amount from the target path. When deviation is small, the reaction force remains low to maintain comfort. When deviation exceeds a threshold or increases significantly, the reaction force is increased to alert the driver, thus resolving the contradiction between alert effectiveness and driving comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the vehicle's traveling position relative to the target path and provides feedback through adjusted steering reaction force. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to respond appropriately to deviation conditions while maintaining normal steering characteristics within acceptable ranges
2Ease of operation
If the steering reaction force is suppressed to maintain smooth steering operations, then driver comfort is improved, but the driver may not be effectively alerted of deviations from the target path
Solution Approach 1:
The steering reaction force parameter is dynamically changed based on the deviation condition. Within the threshold range, the reaction force is suppressed to maintain smooth steering. Beyond the threshold, the parameter is adjusted to increase the reaction force for effective alerting
3Extent of automation
If the vehicle returns to the target path by making the vehicle track the traveling track, then the vehicle can automatically correct deviation, but the driver's intervention is not acknowledged and may cause safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides tactile feedback through the steering wheel by adjusting the reaction force, informing the driver of the deviation condition while maintaining automatic tracking control. This allows the system to operate automatically while keeping the driver aware and engaged
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary steering reaction force to guide the driver's steering input back toward the target path, preventing excessive deviation while respecting driver intent and maintaining safety
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle traveling controller according to the present disclosure performs automatic steering so that a vehicle travels along a target path. The vehicle traveling controller allows a driver to intervene in steering. When the driver intervenes in steering and thereby a traveling position of the vehicle deviates outside from a threshold line set apart from the target path in a lane width direction, the vehicle traveling controller increases a steering reaction force acting on steering operation by the driver.