Vehicle Separation Control for Adjustable Low-Speed Stop Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems lack an efficient user interface for dynamically adjusting vehicle-to-vehicle separation at low speeds, particularly in traffic jams, where drivers often desire a shorter distance to the preceding vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A control system for vehicles operating in automated driving mode, which includes a first human-machine interface (HMI) for selecting a default vehicle-to-vehicle separation and a second HMI, such as the accelerator pedal, for making real-time adjustments to this separation. The system stores these adjustments for implementation when the vehicle speed falls below a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a preset stop gap is used to work in most scenarios, then the system is simple and reliable, but the driver cannot achieve a shorter distance to the other road user when desired
Solution Approach 1:
The stop gap distance is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The system transitions from a static preset value to a dynamic value that can be modified by driver input through the second HMI, allowing real-time adaptation to driver preferences and traffic conditions while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is enhanced with multiple functions: it maintains the original preset stop gap functionality while adding the capability for driver-initiated adjustments. The second HMI component provides additional functionality without completely replacing the first HMI, creating a multi-functional system that serves both automated and manual adjustment needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If the driver can adjust stop gap in real-time, then the adaptability to traffic conditions improves, but the user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into two distinct HMIs with different functions. The first HMI provides preset stop gap selections for general use, while the second HMI enables real-time adjustments when the vehicle is stationary. This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized for its specific purpose without overwhelming the driver with excessive controls
Solution Approach 2:
Different levels of adjustability are provided for different operating conditions. The system maintains simple preset selection during normal driving but enables detailed real-time adjustment specifically when the vehicle is stationary and the driver desires a customized stop gap, applying complexity only where needed
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a host vehicle operable in an automated mode, wherein the control system is configured to: receive a driver selection from a first human-machine interface of a vehicle-to-vehicle separation when vehicle speed falls below a threshold; store the vehicle-to-vehicle separation when vehicle speed falls below the threshold; receive a driver intervention from a second human-machine interface to modify the vehicle-to-vehicle separation; and update the stored vehicle-to-vehicle separation based on the received driver intervention when the vehicle speed later falls below the threshold.