Vehicle Controller for Limited Rear Detection in Autonomous Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous driving, vehicles may fail to detect objects approaching from behind due to obstructed views, increasing the risk of collisions, especially in congested traffic or when emergency vehicles are approaching.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle controller that determines a rear detection range using sensor signals and adjusts the level of autonomous driving control to increase driver involvement if the range falls below certain thresholds, reducing the risk of collisions by altering the driving control levels and lane adjustments accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autonomous driving control is applied at high level with minimal driver involvement, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates when rear detection range is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the autonomous driving control level based on real-time rear detection range conditions. When the rear detection range falls below the threshold for a predetermined period, the system transitions from high-level autonomous control (minimal driver involvement) to lower-level control (increased driver involvement), thereby adapting the reliability and automation level to current safety conditions
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle maintains steady lane position, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates when rear detection is limited and lane changing could improve safety
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors rear detection range and uses this feedback to determine when to adjust lane position. When rear detection range is insufficient, the vehicle controller initiates lane position adjustments to improve rear visibility and detection capability, creating a feedback loop that prioritizes safety over steady-state operation
3Reliability
If the vehicle frequently adjusts lane position, then reliability is improved for safety monitoring, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary lane position adjustments proactively when rear detection range becomes insufficient, before a collision risk materializes. By anticipating the detection problem and preemptively adjusting lane position, the system improves monitoring capability while minimizing reactive maneuvers that would disrupt driving smoothness
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle controller includes a processor configured to determine a rear detection range within which an object is detectable behind a vehicle, based on a sensor signal from a sensor mounted on the vehicle, the sensor being capable of detecting objects around the vehicle, and change the level of autonomous driving control applied to the vehicle to increase the degree of a driver's involvement in driving, when the rear detection range has been less than a first distance threshold for more than a first predetermined time.