Vehicle Acceleration Arbitration for Smooth Automated Driving Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face challenges in providing comfortable transitions between multiple automated driving functions due to conflicting acceleration specifications from different controllers, leading to perceived discomfort for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that ascertain a unified vehicle acceleration specification by selecting the smallest function-specific acceleration from multiple controllers and providing feedback to adapt controller operations, ensuring smooth transitions and increased comfort during parallel operation of automated driving functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple automated driving functions are operated simultaneously with different control algorithms, then the functionality and versatility of the vehicle is improved, but conflicts in acceleration specifications arise leading to reduced comfort and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a selection unit as an intermediary component that receives acceleration specifications from multiple independent controllers (distance controller, speed controller, lane change assistant) and selects the most appropriate one. This mediator resolves conflicts between controllers by applying selection criteria without requiring changes to the individual controller algorithms, thus maintaining functionality while ensuring reliable and comfortable vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The selection unit implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring acceleration specifications from all active controllers and dynamically selecting the most appropriate one based on current driving conditions. The selection criteria evaluate the plausibility and appropriateness of each controller's acceleration specification in real-time, providing adaptive conflict resolution that maintains both versatility and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controllers with different control algorithms operate independently, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but conflicting acceleration specifications cause discomfort for occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The selection unit serves as a mediator that harmonizes the independent operations of multiple controllers. It receives acceleration specifications from each independent controller without interfering with their individual algorithms, then selects the most appropriate specification based on predefined criteria that prioritize passenger comfort and smooth vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the selection parameter dynamically based on driving conditions. The selection unit evaluates acceleration specifications from different controllers and selects based on criteria such as the smallest absolute acceleration value, which changes the operational parameter from independent parallel execution to conditional selection, thereby improving comfort while maintaining controller independence.
3Ease of operation
If the smallest function-specific acceleration specification is selected, then comfort is improved, but additional selection logic increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The selection unit is designed as a relatively simple intermediary component with a clear, single primary function: selecting the acceleration specification with the smallest absolute value. This minimizes the complexity added to the system while effectively improving comfort, as the selection criterion is straightforward and does not require complex decision-making logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a simple parameter-based selection criterion (smallest absolute acceleration value) rather than complex multi-factor optimization. This approach improves comfort by reducing acceleration conflicts while adding minimal complexity, as the selection rule is computationally simple and easy to implement in the selection unit.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for determining a vehicle acceleration specification for a vehicle while operating a plurality of different automated driving functions in a vehicle. The apparatus is designed to determine, for a determined point in time, a plurality of function-specific acceleration specifications for the corresponding plurality of driving functions using a plurality of controllers. The apparatus is additionally designed to determine the vehicle acceleration specification for automated guidance of the vehicle at the determined point in time on the basis of the plurality of function-specific acceleration specifications. The apparatus is additionally designed to provide feedback pertaining to the determined vehicle acceleration specification to at least some of the plurality of controllers.