Vehicle Computer Steering Mode Switching via Pedestrian Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient and cost-effective mechanisms to determine driver readiness to assume steering control in semi-autonomous vehicles, particularly when pedestrians are proximate, to ensure safety by ensuring the driver's hands are on the steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle computer system that integrates pedestrian detection sensors and steering wheel sensors to switch between 'hands-on' and 'hands-off' modes, using alerts via a human-machine interface to ensure driver engagement when pedestrians are detected, allowing hands-off operation when safe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle computer requires hands-on steering control when pedestrians are proximate, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of pedestrian detection sensors and steering wheel sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pedestrian detection sensors and steering wheel sensors into a single integrated system controlled by a vehicle computer. The computer receives input from both sensor types and processes this information together to determine when hands-on control is required, merging multiple safety functions into one coordinated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle computer performs multiple functions: it controls vehicle operations autonomously, monitors pedestrian proximity through detection sensors, tracks steering wheel hand presence through steering sensors, and manages the hands-on/hands-off mode transitions. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate systems into a single control unit.
2Reliability
If the vehicle computer monitors driver hand presence continuously, then driver engagement is ensured, but use of energy increases due to continuous sensor operation and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in distinct modes (hands-on mode and hands-off mode) rather than continuous monitoring. The vehicle computer periodically assesses pedestrian proximity and hand presence, transitioning between operational states based on detected conditions. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption compared to constant high-level monitoring while still ensuring driver engagement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel sensors automatically detect when the driver's hands are on or off the wheel without requiring additional active probing or energy-intensive verification processes. The system uses passive detection of hand presence, allowing the physical state of the steering wheel itself to provide the monitoring information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system transitions between hands-on and hands-off modes based on pedestrian detection, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to mode switching mechanisms and human-machine interface alerts
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between hands-on mode and hands-off mode based on real-time pedestrian detection and hand presence monitoring. The operational state is not fixed but adapts continuously to changing environmental conditions and driver behavior, allowing the vehicle control system to flex its autonomy level as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The human-machine interface provides feedback to the driver through alerts when the system detects hands-off conditions during hands-on mode. This feedback loop allows the driver to understand system expectations and correct their behavior, while the system uses this feedback to maintain appropriate operational modes. The feedback mechanism integrates seamlessly with the mode transition logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle may be steered without a driver's hands being on a vehicle steering control mechanism. A presence of an object within a predetermined distance of the vehicle may be detected using data from at least one object detection sensor that provides data to at least one of a passive safety system, a lane control system, a speed control system, and a brake control system. A steering control mechanism hands-on mode can then be enabled based at least in part on the presence of the object.