Steering Override Detection via Speed-Adaptive Torque Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle steering systems face challenges in accurately detecting driver override events, particularly at low and high speeds, leading to potential driver oversteering and sudden vehicle movements due to sensitivity issues and torque misinterpretation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that measure and calculate vehicle steering measurements, including steering angle and torque, to determine when to deactivate the automatic steering control system by comparing measured values to predetermined thresholds, adapting to different driving scenarios and conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the autonomous steering system uses a fixed high steering override threshold to prevent false detection at high speeds, then the system reliability improves, but the driver control responsiveness deteriorates causing lag and sudden movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering override detection reliabilityVSAvoiddriver control responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the steering override threshold variable rather than fixed. The threshold adapts based on vehicle speed, transitioning from higher thresholds at high speeds to lower thresholds at low speeds. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliability across different operating conditions while ensuring responsive driver control when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of steering override threshold based on vehicle speed. By monitoring speed and adjusting the threshold parameter accordingly, the system resolves the contradiction between maintaining high detection reliability and ensuring responsive driver control. The threshold is modified as a function of speed, allowing optimal performance across the full speed range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the autonomous steering system uses a low steering override threshold to detect driver input quickly, then the driver control responsiveness improves, but false override detection increases especially at low speeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver control responsivenessVSAvoidsteering override detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the steering override threshold based on vehicle speed. At low speeds where torque requirements are naturally higher, the system increases the threshold to prevent false detection. At high speeds where responsiveness is more critical, the threshold decreases. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between responsiveness and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the steering override threshold parameter as a function of vehicle speed. This parameter change ensures that the system maintains appropriate sensitivity across different operating conditions, preventing false detections at low speeds while maintaining quick responsiveness at high speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the autonomous steering system interprets slight steering wheel movements as override events at low speed, then the driver control responsiveness improves, but the system reliability deteriorates due to torque requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver control detection sensitivityVSAvoidsteering override detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the steering override threshold parameter based on vehicle speed. At low speeds where higher torque is required for normal steering maneuvers, the system increases the threshold parameter to distinguish between normal driver input and genuine override attempts. This prevents false detections while maintaining the ability to detect actual override events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If the autonomous steering system has high sensitivity to steering input, then the driver control responsiveness improves, but sudden movements and jerks occur due to lag in override detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver control responsivenessVSAvoidsudden vehicle movements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts sensitivity through speed-dependent threshold modification. This dynamic approach allows the system to be more responsive when needed while preventing harmful sudden movements by adapting the detection criteria to current operating conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and smooth operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8954235B2System and method for enhanced steering override detection during automated lane centering

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A method and system may measure one or more vehicle steering measurements or quantities and calculate one or more expected vehicle steering measurements. The method and system may deactivate an automatic vehicle control system based on the one or more measured vehicle steering measurements and the one or more expected vehicle steering measurements. The vehicle steering measurements may include a vehicle steering angle measurement, vehicle steering torque measurement, or other vehicle dynamics measurements. The automatic vehicle control system may include an automated lane centering system, lane keeping assist, or other autonomous vehicle steering control system.