Vehicle Control Notification for Machine Learning Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of vehicles may erroneously recognize whether or not a control function using a machine learning model is being used, leading to potential unexpected situations.

Innovation Solution

A control system in vehicles determines whether a machine learning model is used in control functions and notifies the operator when it is employed, using various notification methods such as display, sound, and haptic feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If machine learning models are used in control functions without notification, then the control system operates autonomously and efficiently, but the operator may erroneously recognize whether or not the control function using machine learning is being used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous control functionVSAvoidoperator awareness of ML usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The notification device provides feedback to the operator about the execution status of control functions using machine learning models. This feedback mechanism ensures the operator is informed about when ML-based control is active, resolving the information asymmetry while maintaining autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The notification device acts as an intermediary between the automated control system and the operator. It translates the internal state of the control system (whether ML is being used) into information that the operator can understand, bridging the gap between autonomous operation and operator awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If notification is provided to the operator about machine learning model usage, then operator awareness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator awareness of ML usageVSAvoidnotification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The notification device provides targeted information specifically about machine learning model usage in control functions, rather than general system status. This localized notification approach improves operator awareness of critical information without overwhelming the operator with unnecessary details, maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The notification system changes its output based on the execution status of control functions. When a control function using machine learning is executed, the notification device activates to inform the operator; otherwise, it remains inactive. This parameter-based activation simplifies the system by only notifying when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4484243B1Vehicle in which a control system is installed
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4484243B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4484243B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4484243B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A control system installed in a vehicle (1) comprises one or more processors (110). The one or more processors (110) are configured to execute one or more control functions in response to a driving environment of the vehicle (1) or a request. The one or more processors (110) determines whether or not a machine learning model is used in a control function being executed. And when it is determined that the machine learning model is used, the one or more processors (110) notify an operator of the vehicle (1) that the control function using the machine learning model is being executed.