Autonomous Vehicle Mode Switching for Remote Support Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in seamlessly transitioning from autonomous driving to remote support when immediate remote support is required, leading to potential vehicle stops and associated insecurity or traffic disruptions.

Innovation Solution

A control system that selects from multiple vehicle control modes based on the need for remote support and the readiness of remote support conditions, ensuring smooth transitions and stable autonomous driving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the vehicle waits for remote support information in front of a factor requiring remote support, then the vehicle can receive appropriate remote support, but the waiting time causes a sense of insecurity to occupants and may affect traffic flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote support responsivenessVSAvoidwaiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring remote support requirements and pre-preparing for mode transitions. When a remote support factor is detected, the system proactively initiates the transition sequence rather than waiting passively, reducing the actual waiting time by preparing in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary between the autonomous driving system and remote support system. It manages the transition process by coordinating communication with remote operators and controlling vehicle operations during the switch, ensuring seamless handover without requiring the vehicle to stop and wait.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the vehicle switches to remote driving mode immediately when remote support is required, then remote support can be provided, but the transition may cause disruption in autonomous driving continuity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote support availabilityVSAvoidautonomous driving continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic control mode selection that adapts to real-time conditions. Instead of a fixed switching rule, the control device dynamically adjusts the transition timing and process based on the vehicle's current state, the nature of the remote support required, and communication status with remote operators, maintaining stability while enabling necessary transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters smoothly during mode transition. The control device adjusts control parameters such as acceleration, deceleration, and steering gradually when switching from autonomous to remote mode, preventing abrupt changes that would disrupt driving continuity or compromise safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control modes are implemented to handle different remote support scenarios, then appropriate responses can be provided for various situations, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote support scenario coverageVSAvoidcontrol mode system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distinct control modes (first control mode for no remote support needed, second control mode for remote support required) with clear transition conditions. This segmentation allows the system to handle different scenarios appropriately while maintaining manageable complexity through well-defined mode boundaries and switching logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4328694B1Method and system for controlling mobile vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4328694B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4328694B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4328694B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for controlling a mobile vehicle (2) comprises the step of selecting a control mode for autonomous driving of the mobile vehicle. The control mode includes a first mode (MDR), a second mode (CNS) of which a restriction on a driving safety is stricter than that of the first mode, and a third mode (SCN) of which the restriction is stricter than that of the first mode and is looser than that of the second mode. The selecting of the control mode includes determining whether a remote support for the mobile vehicle is required, identifying a condition of a remote support end that treats remote support for the mobile vehicle, and selecting, from among options including the first, second, and third modes, the control mode corresponding to a combination of a determination result indicating whether the remote support is required and an identification result of the condition of the remote support end.