Travel Control Device Restricting Automation for Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated driving control systems require a mechanism to appropriately respond to changes in device operation states, particularly when a function deteriorates, necessitating an early transition to manual driving control based on the state of automated driving control.
Innovation Solution
A travel control device and method that acquires external information, starts a diagnosis process, and restricts vehicle travel control functions according to the state of automated driving control, allowing for early transition to manual control when device performance deteriorates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated driving control is implemented, then driving automation is improved, but safety response to device deterioration is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnosis of the sensor device before complete failure occurs. When the diagnosis unit detects device deterioration, the restriction unit proactively limits automated driving control functions in advance, ensuring safety before the device completely fails. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by maintaining safety responses even as automation is implemented.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring and diagnosis are performed, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnosis unit is integrated within the travel control device itself, merging the monitoring function with the existing control system. Rather than adding separate independent monitoring systems, the patent combines diagnostic capabilities into the current automated driving control architecture, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous reliability monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the diagnosis unit continuously monitors sensor device status and provides information back to the restriction unit. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of automated driving control based on device health, achieving reliable monitoring through a relatively simple feedback-based architecture rather than complex continuous analysis systems.
3Reliability
If early transition to manual control is implemented, then safety is improved, but productivity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction unit applies localized restrictions to specific automated driving control functions based on the type and severity of device deterioration detected. Rather than immediately transitioning to complete manual control, the system selectively limits only the affected functions while maintaining other travel control operations. This local quality approach preserves productivity by keeping non-affected functions operational while ensuring safety through targeted restrictions.
Data Source
AI summary
A travel control device for controlling travel of a vehicle, comprises a device that acquires external information of a vehicle; a travel control unit configured to control travel of the vehicle using an acquisition result by the device; a diagnosis start unit configured to start a diagnosis process of the device; and a restriction unit configured to restrict a function of travel control of the vehicle after the diagnosis process of the device is started by the diagnosis start unit according to a state of travel control of the vehicle before the diagnosis process of the device is started.