Automated Vehicle Intent Communication via Segmented Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of highly and fully automated driving, there is a need for vehicles to effectively communicate their intentions to other road users, particularly non-automated ones, to resolve unclear right-of-way situations and ensure safe interactions.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device that allow vehicles to communicate their intentions regarding planned maneuvers to other road users through various channels, such as acoustic, visual, or digital means, taking into account the type, state, and spatial information of the other road users, and adapting the communication based on the detected danger potential and right-of-way rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated vehicles communicate their intentions to other road users using multiple channels (acoustic, visual, digital), then the clarity and safety of communication is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into multiple independent channels (acoustic speaker, visual display, digital V2X communication) that can operate separately or in combination. Each channel handles specific types of information, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through redundancy while managing complexity by dividing functions across separate modules rather than requiring one complex unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated vehicle is equipped with multi-functional communication capabilities that can serve multiple purposes: acoustic signals for immediate warnings, visual displays for detailed intention communication, and digital channels for data exchange with infrastructure and other vehicles. This multi-functionality allows a single communication system to address various communication needs simultaneously, improving overall reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle adapts communication based on detected danger potential and road user type, then the effectiveness of communication is improved, but the calculation and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and classification of road users (pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle) and assessment of danger potential before communication occurs. By pre-processing this information and preparing appropriate communication responses in advance, the system reduces real-time processing requirements while maintaining high effectiveness in adapting communication to specific situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system dynamically changes parameters such as message content, transmission channel, volume, and visual intensity based on detected road user type and danger potential. For example, higher volume acoustic signals are used for pedestrians in dangerous positions, while digital channels may be prioritized for vehicle-to-vehicle communication. This parameter adaptation improves effectiveness without requiring complete system redesign for each situation.
3Reliability
If the vehicle communicates intention before executing maneuvers, then the safety and predictability of traffic interactions is improved, but the time required for maneuver execution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system communicates vehicle intentions (braking, turning, merging) to other road users before the maneuvers are executed. This preliminary communication allows other users to anticipate and react appropriately, improving overall traffic safety and predictability. The communication occurs in advance but does not delay the actual maneuver execution, as the vehicle proceeds with the planned maneuver after notification.
Data Source
AI summary
A method communicates an intention of an automated vehicle to at least one road user. For a planned maneuver that may adversely impact the other road user, an intention in relation to the carrying out of the maneuver is associated with the planned maneuver and the intention is communicated to the other road user.