Vehicle Control Device for Merging Lane Transition Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In self-driving vehicles, when a lane change from a merging lane to a main lane is impossible via automatic control, there is a risk that the driver may not have sufficient time to perform the lane change manually, as existing systems fail to provide adequate notification and preparation for the transition from automatic to manual control.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control device that determines a target merge location before the minimum distance to the end of the merging lane, providing the driver with timely notifications and control adjustments, such as speed reduction, to facilitate a smooth manual lane change by switching control from automatic to manual.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the vehicle waits until the last moment to notify the driver for manual lane change, then the automatic control can maintain the lane longer, but the driver does not have sufficient time to perform the lane change manually
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by notifying the driver in advance before the automatic lane change fails. The notification is provided at a timing that ensures the driver has sufficient time to take over manual control, rather than waiting until the last moment. This resolves the contradiction by balancing early notification with maintaining automatic control effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle provides early notification to the driver for manual lane change, then the driver has sufficient time to respond, but the automatic control period is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The notification is provided in advance at an optimal timing that balances driver response time with automatic control duration. The system calculates the appropriate notification timing based on vehicle speed, lane change distance, and other factors to ensure the driver has sufficient time while maximizing automatic control effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor driver state and vehicle conditions, adjusting the notification timing dynamically. This allows the system to provide early notification when appropriate while maintaining automatic control for as long as possible, resolving the contradiction between driver response time and automation duration.
3Ease of operation
If the vehicle reduces speed to provide notification, then the driver has more time to react, but the travel time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial speed reduction only when necessary for safe lane change notification, rather than continuously reducing speed. The speed adjustment is temporary and proportional to the situation, providing the driver with adequate reaction time while minimizing the impact on overall travel time.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control device comprises a processor configured to determine a target merge location where the vehicle is to make a lane change from a merging lane to a main lane, in a merge zone on a scheduled route where the merging lane merges with the main lane, as a location that is before the location at the minimum distance to the end point of the merging lane allowing the driver to whom control of the vehicle has been handed over to operate the vehicle for the lane change, and when the vehicle has not completed the lane change upon reaching the target merge location, give the driver a first notification notifying that control of the vehicle will be switched from automatic control to manual control, by using a notifying unit that notifies the driver of information, or by using a vehicle controlling device that controls operation of the vehicle to perform a predetermined operation of the vehicle.