Vehicle Speed Control System Managing Autonomous Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle control systems experience frequent and undesirable transitions between autonomous and human-operated modes, particularly when adjusting speed based on surrounding vehicles, leading to discomfort and inefficiency for drivers and passengers.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a computer with a processor and memory to control a vehicle's steering and propulsion systems, determining the speed of surrounding vehicles and transitioning control accordingly to maintain speeds below or above a threshold, thereby reducing the number of transitions between autonomous and human operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle control system frequently transitions between autonomous and human-operated modes to adjust speed based on surrounding vehicles, then the vehicle can adapt to traffic conditions, but the transitions cause discomfort and inefficiency for drivers and passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively maintaining a speed buffer below the speed threshold in anticipation of potential slowing traffic ahead. By detecting vehicles at a first distance that are already traveling below the threshold and predicting their future positions, the system adjusts speed in advance, preventing the need for frequent reactive transitions between autonomous and human-operated modes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the vehicle maintains speed below the threshold to match surrounding traffic, then traffic flow is smoothed, but the vehicle may travel slower than necessary when traffic conditions allow
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the speed buffer relative to the threshold based on real-time traffic conditions. When vehicles at the first distance are traveling below the threshold, the system maintains a smaller buffer; when they are traveling above the threshold, the system can operate closer to or above the threshold. This dynamic adjustment allows the vehicle to optimize its speed continuously, maintaining traffic flow stability while minimizing unnecessary speed reductions.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses multiple vehicle distance thresholds and speed monitoring, then speed adjustments are more precise, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the traffic environment into distinct zones based on distance thresholds. Vehicles are categorized into those at a first distance (triggering speed buffer adjustments) and those at a second distance (triggering mode transition considerations). This segmentation allows the complex control logic to be organized into manageable, discrete decision layers, improving measurement precision while structuring the complexity in a systematic way.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to control at least one of a steering system or a propulsion system to operate a vehicle at a speed below a speed threshold. The instructions include instructions to determine whether one or more second vehicles a first distance from the vehicle are traveling below the speed threshold. The instructions include instructions to, upon determining the second vehicles are traveling below the speed threshold, continue to control the steering system or the propulsion system. The instructions include instructions to, upon determining the second vehicles are not traveling below the speed threshold, transition control of the steering system or the propulsion system to a human operator of the vehicle.