Adaptive Vehicle Distance Control Using Driver-Intent Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems fail to adapt the acceleration profile during an approach to a preceding vehicle in a manner that aligns with the driver's intent, leading to a less natural and less accepted automated driving experience.
Innovation Solution
An automated distance setting method that adjusts the acceleration profile based on the driver's operating position, using an accelerator pedal angle, to influence the distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle, incorporating hazardous situation assessment and sensor data for adaptive braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the automated distance setting uses a fixed acceleration profile, then the control system is simple to implement, but the driving experience is less natural and driver acceptance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the acceleration profile adaptive rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts the acceleration profile based on the driver's operating position (accelerator pedal angle), transforming a static control parameter into a dynamic one that responds to driver intent, thereby improving driving experience while managing complexity through purposeful adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of acceleration profile from a fixed value to a variable that depends on the operating position. By linking the acceleration profile to the accelerator pedal angle, the system modifies control parameters in real-time to match driver expectations, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and natural driving experience
2Speed
If the highest acceleration value is increased for faster approach, then the approach speed is improved, but the driver acceptance and naturalness of the automated setting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the acceleration parameter from a fixed high value to a variable that scales with the operating position. The highest acceleration value is no longer constant but adapts to the driver's accelerator pedal angle, allowing faster approach when the driver indicates higher intent while maintaining natural behavior across different driving scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the acceleration magnitude based on real-time driver input. Rather than applying a uniformly high acceleration, the system modulates the acceleration profile to match the driver's operating position, creating a dynamic response that feels natural while achieving efficient approach speeds
3Extent of automation
If the automated distance setting completely takes over braking function, then automation level is maximized, but the driver's ability to influence acceleration profile is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the accelerator pedal serve multiple functions: it still controls acceleration as traditional, but also influences the braking deceleration profile in automated distance setting. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain high automation while preserving driver influence, as the driver's familiar control element now has extended capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the accelerator pedal position to continuously adjust the braking profile. The driver's operating position provides real-time feedback about their intent, which the automated system uses to adapt the braking behavior, creating a closed-loop control that maintains both automation and driver influence
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an approach of a traveling vehicle to at least one preceding reference vehicle. The method includes using an automated distance setting between the vehicle and the reference vehicle, at an acceleration that may be applied for the vehicle and that is a function of an operating position of a control element of the vehicle that is actuatable by the driver of the vehicle, and that is associated with a temporal acceleration profile for the automated distance setting. A maximum highest acceleration value of the acceleration profile implementing the automated distance setting is specified as a function of the operating position. A distance controller, a computer program, and a memory unit are also described.