Stepwise Automated Driving Course Change Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control techniques for course changes lack reliability and adaptability, particularly in situations where lane changes are difficult due to neighboring vehicles, leading to potential unease for drivers and inadequate consideration for traffic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control apparatus that uses a notification unit to stepwise adjust course change notifications during automated driving, initially requiring confirmation of a safe space before switching to unconditional notifications as the vehicle approaches a predetermined point, ensuring safer and more adaptive lane changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If course change notification is made unconditionally, then the reliability of course change is improved, but neighboring vehicles may feel harassed and traffic adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The notification unit changes its operational parameters based on the vehicle's approach to the branch point. At first stage (earlier distance), notification is conditional upon safe space confirmation. At second stage (closer distance), notification becomes unconditional. This parameter change in notification behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the notification strategy to the urgency of the situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification control transitions from a static unconditional mode to a dynamic multi-stage mode that adapts to the vehicle's proximity to the branch point. The control unit determines which stage applies based on real-time position information, making the notification behavior flexible and context-dependent rather than fixed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If course change notification is made conditionally based on safe space confirmation, then traffic adaptability is improved, but course change reliability deteriorates when safe space cannot be confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
The notification process is segmented into two distinct stages based on distance to the branch point. The first stage uses conditional notification (requiring safe space confirmation) for early approach, while the second stage uses unconditional notification for late approach. This segmentation allows the system to apply different strategies appropriate to each situation, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary conditional notification at the first stage when there is still time to confirm safe space. This preliminary action prepares neighboring vehicles for the upcoming course change while ensuring safety. If safe space cannot be confirmed, the system transitions to the second stage for unconditional notification, ensuring the course change can still proceed when necessary.
3Reliability
If course change is delayed until safe space is confirmed, then safety is improved, but time to complete course change before predetermined point may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The notification strategy dynamically adjusts based on the vehicle's proximity to the branch point. At the first stage, the system waits for safe space confirmation before notifying. At the second stage, when time is critical, the system notifies unconditionally without waiting for safe space confirmation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between safety and timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification condition parameter changes from 'conditional on safe space confirmation' at the first stage to 'unconditional' at the second stage. This parameter change allows the system to prioritize safety when time permits, and prioritize timely completion when approaching the branch point, resolving the contradiction between safety and timing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control apparatus capable of making a vehicle run by automated driving. The vehicle control apparatus can include a notification unit configured to notify a course change inside and/or outside the vehicle, and a control unit. The control unit can switch the control of the notification unit stepwise in a case in which the course change is necessary before a predetermined point during the automated driving. At a first stage, the notification unit can notify the course change on condition that the state in which the course change is enabled is set. At a second stage at which the vehicle is closer to the predetermined point than at the first stage, the notification unit can notify the course change without condition that the state in which the course change is enabled is set.