A processor unit (3) is configured to execute an autonomous driving function of the motor vehicle (1) during a first instance such that the motor vehicle (1) travels autonomously based at least in part on the execution of the autonomous driving function. The processor unit (3) is further configured to store a driver intervention, the driver intervention being performed by a driver of the motor vehicle (1) during the first instance while the motor vehicle (1) travels autonomously based on the execution of the autonomous driving function. Additionally, the processor unit (3) is configured to execute the autonomous driving function during a second instance, subsequent to the first instance, based at least in part on the stored driver intervention such that the motor vehicle (1) travels autonomously based at least in part on the execution of the autonomous driving function according to the stored driver intervention.

System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving automated driving by testing for inputs during driving. In one embodiment, a method includes testing an input from a driver in a manual driving mode of a vehicle. The method also includes adapting a fixed time interval on a condition that a test result of the input satisfies criteria used to validate driver inputs. The method also includes monitoring, via an input system of the vehicle, for driver feedback according to the fixed time interval in an automated driving mode.

Aspects of the disclosure provide for determining when to provide and providing secondary disengage alerts for a vehicle having autonomous and manual driving modes. For instance, while the vehicle is being controlled in the autonomous driving mode, user input is received at one or more user input devices of the vehicle. In response to receiving the user input, the vehicle may be transitioned from the autonomous driving mode to a manual driving mode and provide a primary disengage alert to an occupant of the vehicle regarding the transition. Whether to provide a secondary disengage alert may be determined based on at least circumstances of the user input. After the transition, the secondary disengage alert may be provided based on the determination.

An autonomous driving control device is capable of starting an autonomous driving control without an operation of a driver and reducing a possibility that the driver can not start manual driving. An autonomous driving control is switched to manual driving when a determination section determines that the amount of operation by the driver is equal to or greater than a first threshold, before a predetermined time elapses since the autonomous driving control is automatically started. An autonomous driving control is switched to a manual driving when the determination section determines that the amount of operation by the driver is equal to or greater than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, after the predetermined time elapses.

A drive mode switch control device acquires operation information. The drive mode switch control device switches a drive state among at least an autonomous drive state, a manual drive state, and a coordination drive state. The operation detection unit detects a first operation and a second operation based on the operation information when the drive state is not in the manual drive state. The second operation is the drive operation different from the first operation and input after the input of the first operation. The drive mode switch control device switches the drive state from the autonomous drive state to the coordination drive state based on a detection determination of the first operation. The drive mode switch control device switches the drive state from the coordination drive state to the manual drive state based on a detection determination of the first operation.

A vehicle travel control device executes vehicle travel control such that a vehicle follows a target trajectory. An automated driving control device generates a first target trajectory that is the target trajectory for automated driving of the vehicle. The vehicle travel control device further determines whether or not an activation condition of travel assist control is satisfied. When the activation condition is satisfied, the vehicle travel control device generates a second target trajectory that is the target trajectory for the travel assist control. When the second target trajectory is generated during the automated driving, the vehicle travel control device determines whether or not a cancellation condition is satisfied. When the cancellation condition is satisfied, the vehicle travel control device cancels both the first target trajectory and the second target trajectory, and decelerates the vehicle.

An autonomous driving controller includes: a processor to collect driving data when a vehicle is traveling and calculate a steering override reference value, which is a criterion of determining an override mode, based on the collected driving data; and a storage to store the collected driving data and a set of instructions executed by the processor to calculate the steering override reference value. In particular, the processor controls autonomous driving by varying the steering override reference value based on the collected driving data or information regarding a driver of the vehicle.

A drive mode switch control device controls switching of driving between a driver and an autonomous driving function. The drive mode switch control device includes an operation information acquisition unit, a drive state switch unit, an attitude determination unit, and an approved target setting unit. The operation information acquisition unit acquires an operation information item associated with the driving operation input to at least one of a plurality of operation targets. The drive state switch unit executes an override that switches from an autonomous driving state to another driving state. The attitude determination unit acquires a plurality of detection information items related to driving attitudes of the driver, and determine whether each of the plurality of detection information items is appropriate for the driving operation. The approved target setting unit sets an approved operation target or a disapproved operation target to each of the plurality of operation targets.

According to certain aspects, a computer-implemented method for operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be provided. With the customer's permission, an identity of a vehicle operator may be identified and a vehicle operator profile may be retrieved. Operating data regarding autonomous operation features operating the vehicle may be received from vehicle-mounted sensors. When a request to disable an autonomous feature is received, a risk level for the autonomous feature is determined and compared with a driver behavior setting for the autonomous feature stored in the vehicle operator profile. Based upon the risk level comparison, the autonomous vehicle retains control of vehicle or the autonomous feature is disengaged depending upon which is the safer driver—the autonomous vehicle or the vehicle human occupant. As a result, unsafe disengagement of self-driving functionality for autonomous vehicles may be alleviated. Insurance discounts may be provided for autonomous vehicles having this safety functionality.

Aspects of the disclosure provide for determining when to provide and providing secondary disengage alerts for a vehicle having autonomous and manual driving modes. For instance, while the vehicle is being controlled in the autonomous driving mode, user input is received at one or more user input devices of the vehicle. In response to receiving the user input, the vehicle may be transitioned from the autonomous driving mode to a manual driving mode and provide a primary disengage alert to an occupant of the vehicle regarding the transition. Whether to provide a secondary disengage alert may be determined based on at least circumstances of the user input. After the transition, the secondary disengage alert may be provided based on the determination.