Steering Handover Control Using Driver Torque Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack a seamless transition mechanism from autonomous mode to driver-controlled mode, particularly in situations where a driver needs to intervene for safety or navigation changes.
Innovation Solution
A method that monitors torque values and their direction applied to the steering wheel, transitioning the steering system from autonomous mode to driver-controlled mode by disabling autonomous control commands if the torque values exceed a threshold and are sustained over a predetermined time, allowing the driver to take manual control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the autonomous vehicle navigation technology is engaged to allow the vehicle to be driven by itself, then the autonomous driving capability is improved, but the driver's ability to intervene and take manual control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system dynamically switches between autonomous mode and driver-controlled mode based on detected torque inputs. The system transitions from a fully autonomous state to a manual control state when the driver applies torque to the steering wheel, allowing flexible adaptation between automation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors torque applied to the steering wheel and uses this feedback to determine when the driver intends to take control. By detecting torque values exceeding a threshold, the system receives feedback about driver intent and automatically transitions control modes accordingly.
2Extent of automation
If the steering system is operated in autonomous mode without manual control, then the autonomous navigation is improved, but the response to driver intervention is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of torque inputs on the steering wheel while operating in autonomous mode. By continuously detecting driver inputs before full manual takeover is required, the system prepares for potential intervention and can transition more rapidly when the driver actually takes control.
3Ease of operation
If the steering system allows seamless transition from autonomous mode to driver-controlled mode, then the ease of operation is improved, but the system complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical transition mechanisms with electronic sensing and control. By using torque sensors and electronic control units to detect driver intent and manage mode transitions, the system achieves seamless switching without requiring complex mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for transitioning control of a steering system from an autonomous mode in a vehicle to a driver-controlled mode where the driver can control the steering wheel of the steering system. A method includes receiving values that describe an amount of torque and a direction of torque in response to a torque applied to a steering wheel of a steering system operated in an autonomous mode, determining that the values are either greater than or equal to a threshold value or are less than or equal to a negative of the threshold value, determining that the values are measured over a period of time greater than or equal to a pre-determined amount of time, and transitioning the steering system from being operated in the autonomous mode to being operated in a driver-controlled mode in which the steering system is under manual control.