Vehicular Control Mode Signaling System Using Standardized Automation Nomenclature
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The transition period between manual, semi-automated, and fully autonomous vehicles raises questions about vehicle control status, necessitating a system to provide standardized visual and electronic notifications regarding the control mode.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular control mode signaling system comprising a Driving Automation Level Electronic Control Unit communicatively linked to a vehicle computer, using a signaling unit with signal lights and a transmitter to indicate the control mode based on industry-standard nomenclature, such as the 5-level automation nomenclature by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vehicular control mode signaling system is implemented to provide clear visual and electronic notifications of control mode, then safety and clarity for road users is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control units and signaling components
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it determines the vehicular control mode, communicates with the vehicle computer, and controls both visual signal lights and electronic transmitters. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate systems into a single integrated unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety signaling capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the vehicle computer and the signaling components (signal lights and transmitter). It receives operating information from the vehicle computer, processes it to determine control mode, and then activates appropriate signaling outputs. This intermediary role simplifies the architecture by centralizing control logic rather than requiring direct connections between multiple components
2Adaptability or versatility
If industry standard automation nomenclature is used to determine vehicular control mode, then adaptability and standardization are improved, but measurement precision requirements increase for comparing operating information against standardized criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores industry standard automation nomenclature and comparison criteria in advance in the control unit's memory. This preliminary preparation of reference data allows the control unit to quickly compare real-time operating information against pre-defined standards without requiring complex real-time analysis, thereby reducing measurement precision requirements during actual operation
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular control mode signaling system includes a Driving Automation Level Electronic Control Unit that is communicatively linked to a vehicle computer and a signaling unit that is disposed along the vehicle. The control unit includes a processor, a vehicle controller, an interface controller, and a memory. The processor determines a vehicular control mode based on a comparison of a stored automation nomenclature and operating information received from the vehicle computer. The signaling unit includes at least one signal light that is disposed along the vehicle, and a transmitter that are selectively activated by the processor based on the determined vehicular control mode.