Automated Vehicle Manual Driving Mode via External Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous driving vehicles at SAE Level 4 or 5 lack manual control options, posing safety risks in case of automatic control failures or in unknown environments, and are not suitable for maintenance and production scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating an at least partially automated vehicle in a manual driving mode, which involves an initialization process to activate manual control via an external operating device, obtaining and processing external operating information from separate modules of the control unit, and transmitting internal control information to the vehicle's functional units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles are equipped without manual control options to achieve full automation, then the extent of automation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates in case of automatic control failures
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent modules (first module and second module) that process operating information separately. This modular architecture allows the system to maintain automated driving functions while incorporating manual control capabilities through distinct communication channels, ensuring that failure in one module does not compromise the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary manual control interface is introduced that can override or assist the automated control system. This intermediary control allows external operators to intervene when automatic control fails, bridging the gap between full automation and manual safety backup without requiring complete removal of automated functions.
2Reliability
If manual control options are added to autonomous vehicles, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both automated driving control and manual control processing. The same control unit handles both automated operational information and manual operating information through different communication channels, eliminating the need for entirely separate control systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with electronic communication channels. Operating information is transmitted digitally between modules and the control unit, substituting complex mechanical linkages and control mechanisms with software-based information processing, thereby reducing physical device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If separate modules are used to obtain operating information, then the reliability is improved through redundancy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While separate modules are used to obtain operating information through different communication channels, the patent merges the processing function in a single control unit. This consolidation approach maintains the reliability benefits of redundant information sources while avoiding the complexity of multiple distributed control units, as all processing occurs in one centralized location.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a vehicle having at least one functional unit for performing a driving function, wherein the functional unit is controllable by a control unit of the vehicle to execute the driving function in an automated driving mode. The method includes carrying out an initialization process to activate a manual driving mode for externally controlling the driving function via an operating device. Additionally, the disclosure pertains to a computer program product and a system associated with the vehicle.