Multi-Level Vehicle Control System for Dynamic Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle control systems face ambiguity in determining which control system is responsible for vehicle behavior, especially in complex scenarios like hybrid vehicles, where fixed design rules are inadequate to handle dynamic changes in optimal control allocation based on driving conditions and driver trustworthiness.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented multi-level control system dynamically allocates control functions among localized control systems, considering vehicle operating conditions and driver trustworthiness, using a hierarchical architecture that includes an external monitoring layer, monitoring layer, and application layer to ensure system integrity and adapt to various driving scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed design rules are used to assign control hierarchy, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to dynamic driving conditions and driver trustworthiness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements dynamic master controller allocation where the master controller role is not fixed but changes based on real-time evaluation of driving conditions and driver trustworthiness. The system continuously monitors parameters such as driver alertness, vehicle operating state, and environmental conditions to dynamically reassign control authority between driver and automated systems, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by making the control hierarchy flexible rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor driver trustworthiness indicators (such as alertness levels, reaction times, and operational correctness) and vehicle operating conditions. This feedback loop enables the system to assess when the driver should regain control or when automated intervention is appropriate, allowing the control hierarchy to adapt dynamically without requiring overly complex manual override systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple localized control systems operate independently, then control flexibility is improved, but control ambiguity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a master controller as an intermediary layer that sits between multiple localized control systems and the driver. This master controller receives inputs from various control systems (propulsion, braking, steering) and coordinates their operations, ensuring that control actions are coherent and responsibilities are clear. The master controller resolves conflicts between competing control systems and maintains a unified control strategy, thereby preserving control flexibility while eliminating ambiguity about which system has overriding responsibility
3Reliability
If traditional safety monitoring is implemented, then basic system reliability is maintained, but multi-level integrity control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The safety monitoring system is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels, with each level responsible for specific integrity checks and control functions. Level 0 handles basic actuator monitoring, Level 1 manages coordination between control systems, Level 2 oversees driver trustworthiness assessment, and Level 3 provides overall system supervision. This segmentation allows comprehensive multi-level integrity control to be implemented without overwhelming complexity, as each level operates semi-independently with well-defined responsibilities
Data Source
AI summary
The processor-implemented control system for automotive vehicles assigns master control functionality separately to each controlled direction of motion. Within each master control, a multi-layered control architecture is implemented. At control level 0 multiple localized actuators associated with the controlled motion direction are monitored to ensure integrity but are otherwise allowed to operate on their own. At control level 1 the master control plays a supervisory role, coordinating behavior of the multiple actuators. At levels 2 and 3 the master control assesses trustworthiness of the driver and factors that trustworthiness into the control equation.