Vehicle Automation Control via Occupant Credential Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to restrict autonomous driving mode in vehicles to ensure that drivers, especially students learning to drive or taking driving exams, focus on manual operation and prevent cheating by using autonomous features.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a processor to receive and analyze vehicle-occupant credentials, determining if an operation constraint is triggered, and if so, restricts the vehicle from operating in autonomous driving mode, while allowing manual driving mode, and provides notifications to the occupant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If autonomous driving mode is allowed without restriction, then vehicle automation capability is improved, but driver skill development and safety during learning/exam periods deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous driving capabilityVSAvoiddriver skill development assurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of the autonomous driving mode by introducing context-based restrictions. It monitors vehicle operating context (learning/exam periods) and adjusts the automation level accordingly, disabling autonomous mode during critical learning periods while allowing it during normal operation. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by making automation extent dependent on contextual reliability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (the processor and control system) that mediates between the autonomous driving functionality and the driver's learning needs. This intermediary monitors credentials, determines operating context, and controls whether autonomous mode can be activated, thereby protecting driver skill development while preserving automation capability when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If autonomous driving mode is restricted during learning/exam periods, then driver skill development is ensured, but vehicle automation utility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver skill development assuranceVSAvoidvehicle usage flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic adaptability by adjusting vehicle operation restrictions based on real-time context. The autonomous driving mode is not permanently disabled but dynamically restricted only during learning/exam periods as determined by credential verification. This dynamic approach maintains vehicle versatility for normal use while ensuring reliability during critical skill development periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters based on contextual conditions. By modifying the enabled/disabled state of autonomous mode according to the determined operating context (learning vs. normal operation), the system adapts its functionality to match the required level of driver engagement, resolving the contradiction between restriction and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If vehicle operation restrictions are implemented based on credentials, then misuse prevention is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous mode misuseVSAvoidcredential verification system

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-service mechanisms where the credential verification and context determination are automatically performed by the processor without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates autonomous mode availability based on the verified credentials and determined operating context, reducing the need for complex manual control systems while effectively preventing misuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback loop where the system continuously monitors vehicle operating context, verifies credentials, and adjusts autonomous mode availability accordingly. This automated feedback mechanism prevents misuse by systematically evaluating whether current operating conditions permit autonomous operation, managing system complexity through algorithmic decision-making rather than manual processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11254286B2System and method to disable automated driving mode based on vehicle operation context

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

One general aspect includes a system to restrict vehicle operations, the system including: a memory configured to include one or more executable instructions and a processor configured to execute the executable instructions, where the executable instructions enable the processor to carry out the following steps: receiving a vehicle-occupant credential; determining whether the vehicle-occupant credential triggers an operation constraint; and when the operation constraint is triggered, restricting a vehicle from operating in an autonomous driving mode.