Steering Torque Thresholding for Accurate Driver Steering Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering determination devices inaccurately determine a driver's steering state due to influences from vehicle travel, as they rely solely on steering torque thresholds without considering longitudinal, lateral, and vertical accelerations, leading to erroneous steering state assessments.
Innovation Solution
A steering determination device that includes a torque recognition unit, an acceleration recognition unit, and a threshold value setting unit, which adjusts the steering torque threshold based on measured longitudinal, lateral, and vertical accelerations to differentiate between intentional steering torque and torque generated by vehicle acceleration, ensuring accurate determination of the driver's steering state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the steering state is determined based solely on steering torque threshold, then the determination method is simple, but the determination accuracy deteriorates due to false positives from vehicle acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the steering torque threshold based on detected acceleration parameters (longitudinal, lateral, and vertical acceleration). When acceleration exceeds predetermined thresholds, the system raises the steering torque threshold to prevent false positive detections. This parameter change approach resolves the contradiction by adapting the determination criteria to current vehicle conditions, maintaining both simplicity and accuracy.
2Reliability
If the steering torque threshold is set high to avoid false positives, then false positive reduction is achieved, but the sensitivity to detect actual steering operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic threshold adjustment mechanism that modifies the steering torque threshold in real-time based on acceleration conditions. The threshold is raised only when acceleration exceeds predetermined values, and returns to normal when acceleration is within acceptable ranges. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining high reliability during acceleration while preserving detection sensitivity during normal operation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple acceleration parameters are considered for threshold adjustment, then the determination accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single threshold adjustment mechanism that integrates multiple acceleration parameters (longitudinal, lateral, and vertical acceleration) into a unified threshold modification strategy. The system evaluates all three acceleration components and adjusts the steering torque threshold based on the combined effect, rather than implementing separate mechanisms for each parameter. This multi-functional approach improves determination accuracy while avoiding excessive system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering determination device (50) determines a steering state in which a driver of a vehicle is steering a steering wheel (21) of the vehicle, based on a steering torque of a steering shaft (22), the device comprising a torque recognition unit (15), an acceleration recognition unit (12) configured to recognize longitudinal acceleration (GB) or lateral acceleration (GA) based on a result of measurement performed by an accelerator sensor, a threshold value setting unit (16) configured to set a threshold, based on the longitudinal acceleration (GB) or the lateral acceleration (GA), and a steering determination unit (17) configured to determine that the driver is in the steering state if the steering torque is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the threshold value setting unit (16) setting the threshold value such that it decreases as an absolute value of the longitudinal acceleration (GB) or the lateral acceleration (GA) decreases.