METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AUTONOMOUS DRIVING CONFIGURATION OR DRIVING ASSISTANCE CONFIGURATION

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling an autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration comprising at least two adjustable parameters. The method includes, at an electronic device with a display, displaying on the display a user interface. The user interface includes a graphical representation of a current setting of the at least two adjustable parameters associated with the autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration. The method further includes detecting via one or more input devices, a user input directed towards a first adjustable parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters, and updating the graphical representation on the display based on the detected user input. More specifically, the updating of the graphical representation is done by modifying the current setting of the first parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters and modifying at least one characteristic of a second adjustable parameter.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration comprising at least two adjustable parameters, the method comprising: at an electronic device with a display: displaying on the display a user interface comprising: a graphical representation of a current setting of the at least two adjustable parameters associated with the autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration; detecting via one or more input devices, a user input directed towards a first adjustable parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters; updating the graphical representation on the display based on the detected user input by: modifying the current setting of the first parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters and modifying at least one characteristic of a second adjustable parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters based on the detected user input.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the graphical representation of the current setting of the at least two adjustable parameters comprises a slider bar for each adjustable parameter, each slider bar comprising a graphical element movable along the slider bar.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the display is a touch sensitive display, and wherein the step of detecting the user input comprises detecting a user touch on the touch sensitive display directed towards the graphical element of the slider bar associated with the first adjustable parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device further comprises a mechanical input mechanism, and wherein the step of detecting the user input comprises detecting a first manipulation of the mechanical input mechanism.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein modifying at least one characteristic of the second adjustable parameter comprises modifying at least one boundary value of the second adjustable parameter based on a first predefined function.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein modifying at least one characteristic of the second adjustable parameter comprises modifying a current setting of the second adjustable parameter based on a second predefined function.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least two adjustable parameters are selected from the group comprising a brake timing, a curve speed, a curve exit acceleration, a following distance, a stiffness of a steering, a gap size for lane change, an execution time for lane change, an intersection approach speed, and a lead vehicle speed change rate.

8. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed by one or more processors of a control device connected to a display and to an input device, the one or more programs comprising instructions for performing the method for controlling an autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration comprising at least two adjustable parameters, the method comprising: at an electronic device with a display: displaying on the display a user interface comprising: a graphical representation of a current setting of the at least two adjustable parameters associated with the autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration; detecting via one or more input devices, a user input directed towards a first adjustable parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters; updating the graphical representation on the display based on the detected user input by: modifying the current setting of the first parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters and modifying at least one characteristic of a second adjustable parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters based on the detected user input.

9. A control device for controlling an autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration comprising at least two adjustable parameters, the control device comprising a control circuit connectable to a display and one or more input devices, the control circuit being configured to: display on the display a user interface comprising: a graphical representation of a current setting of the at least two adjustable parameters associated with the autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration; detect via the one or more input devices, a user input directed towards a first adjustable parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters; update the graphical representation on the display based on the detected user input by: modifying the current setting of the first parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters and modifying at least one characteristic of a second adjustable parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters based on the detected user input.

10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein the graphical representation of the current setting of the at least two parameters comprises a slider bar for each adjustable parameter, each slider bar comprising a graphical element movable along the slider bar.

11. The control device according to claim 10, wherein the display is a touch sensitive display, and wherein the control circuit is configured to detect a user input directed towards a first adjustable parameter by detecting a user touch on the touch sensitive display directed towards the graphical element of the slider bar associated with the first adjustable driving feature of the at least two adjustable driving assistance features.

12. The control device according to claim 9, wherein the one or more input devices comprises a mechanical input mechanism, and wherein the control circuit is configured to detect the user input by detecting a first manipulation of the mechanical input mechanism.

13. The control device according to claim 9, wherein modifying at least one characteristic of the second adjustable parameter comprises modifying at least one boundary value of the second adjustable parameter based on a first predefined function.

14. The control device according to claim 9, wherein modifying at least one characteristic of the second adjustable parameter comprises modifying a current setting of the second adjustable parameter based on a second predefined function.

15. A vehicle comprising: an electronic device comprising a display and at least one input device; and a control device for controlling an autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration comprising at least two adjustable parameters, the control device comprising a control circuit connectable to a display and one or more input devices, the control circuit being configured to: display on the display a user interface comprising: a graphical representation of a current setting of the at least two adjustable parameters associated with the autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration; detect via the one or more input devices, a user input directed towards a first adjustable parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters; update the graphical representation on the display based on the detected user input by: modifying the current setting of the first parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters and modifying at least one characteristic of a second adjustable parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters based on the detected user input.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0023] Further objects, features and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will appear from the following detailed description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic flow chart representation of a method for controlling an autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustration of a vehicle comprising a control device for controlling an autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration comprising in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the steps, services and functions explained herein may be implemented using individual hardware circuitry, using software functioning in conjunction with a programmed microprocessor or general purpose computer, using one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and/or using one or more Digital Signal Processors (DSPs). It will also be appreciated that when the present disclosure is described in terms of a method, it may also be embodied in one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, wherein the one or more memories store one or more programs that perform the steps, services and functions disclosed herein when executed by the one or more processors.

[0027] In the following description of exemplary embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a schematic flow chart representation of a method 100 for controlling an autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration comprising at least two user-adjustable parameters. For example, the method 100 can be used to control one or more (user-) adjustable parameters for an autonomous driving feature such as e.g. ego-vehicle speed, steering stiffness (comfortable or aggressive), lead car following distance, brake timing, and so forth. In other words, the flow chart illustrates a method 100 for controlling one or more Autonomous Drive (AD) features and/or one or more Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) features.

[0029] The method 100 comprises at an electronic device with a display (e.g. infotainment system in a centre console), displaying 101 a user interface (UI). The user interface comprises a graphical representation of a current setting of the at least two adjustable parameters associated with the autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration. The graphical representation of the current setting of the at least two parameters may for example comprise a slider bar for each adjustable parameter as illustrated in FIG. 1. Each slider bar comprises a graphical element movable along the slider bar (e.g. a circle or a square). Even though four slider bars, representing four different parameters are illustrated, the skilled reader readily realizes that a different number of slider bars may be provided on the display. Naturally, the graphical representation of the current setting of two or more parameters may be in other forms such as virtual knobs, block charts, virtual gauges, or any other suitable visualization providing a good overview of the parameter settings.

[0030] Further, the method comprises (while displaying) detecting 102 via one or more input devices, a user input directed towards a first adjustable parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters. For example, the display may be in the form of a touch sensitive display, thus the step of detecting 102 a user input may comprise detecting a touch gesture on the touch sensitive display. More specifically, one can detect 102 a user touch directed towards the graphical element (the illustrated ball or circle) of the slider bar associated with the first adjustable parameter (as illustrated to the right of the box 102 in FIG. 1).

[0031] A touch sensitive display (may also be referred to as a touch screen) is to be understood as an input device by which a user can give input or control the information processing system through simple or multi-touch gestures. In other words, the input can be given by touching the screen or display with a special stylus or one or more fingers. Naturally, the (in-vehicle) electronic device may comprise alternative or additional input devices such as e.g. mechanical input mechanism (rotatable knobs, push buttons, wheels, levers, etc.). Accordingly, the step of detecting 102 the first user input may comprise detecting 102 a manipulation of a mechanical input mechanism (such as the rotation of a knob).

[0032] Further, the method 100 comprises updating 103 the graphical representation on the display based on the detected 102 input. More specifically, the graphical representation is updated by modifying or changing the current setting (or currently displayed setting) of the first parameter, and furthermore by modifying or changing one or more characteristics (or currently displayed characteristic) of a second adjustable parameter. In more detail, the modification 104, 105 of the second adjustable parameter occurs automatically as a user-modification to the first parameter is detected 102. Naturally, the update 103 may comprise modifying or changing 104, 105 one or more characteristics of further adjustable parameters (other than the first and second adjustable parameters).

[0033] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the modification of a characteristic of a second (or third, or fourth, etc.) adjustable parameter comprises modifying 104 at least one boundary value of the second adjustable parameter based on a first predefined function. In more detail, the first parameter may be a brake timing (e.g. if an autonomous drive feature should brake late or early when heading into a curve). Here it is assumed that the detected 102 user input resulted in that the current setting of the brake timing was modified so that the vehicle brakes relatively late into a curve. Then, if the second parameter is considered an acceleration timing for exiting the curve, the available maximum range of the acceleration timing may be modified 104. More specifically, the lower values (allowing for an earlier or quicker acceleration out of the curve) may be rendered unavailable. Thus, the modified range of the second parameter (acceleration timing) may be set to be between five seconds and ten seconds instead of two seconds and ten seconds.

[0034] Another illustrative example is when the first parameter is brake timing (e.g. for when an obstacle is detected in the ego-vehicle path, or a lead vehicle is braking) and the second parameter is distance to lead vehicle. Similar to the above example, the allowable range for the distance to the lead vehicle is preferably modified based on the change in brake timing. More specifically, the possibility to keep a short distance to a lead vehicle can be limited if the user set the brake timing to a relatively late value. Accordingly, the first predefined function may be based on one or more security criteria, i.e. criteria specified in order to reduce the risk of collisions or road departures. Moreover, the first predefined function may be based on one or more comfort criteria, i.e. criteria specified in order to reduce strong accelerations, decelerations, jerk, etc. In respect to the latter, the comfort criteria may not allow reduced lead car distances at the same time as late braking due to the increased risk of unnecessarily hard braking during travel.

[0035] Additionally, or alternatively, the step of modifying at least one characteristic of the second adjustable parameter may comprise modifying 105 a current setting of the second adjustable parameter based on a second predefined function. This may either be if the set value of the second parameter falls out of range when the first parameter is modified, or that the vehicle control system suggests a new setting for the second parameter in order to maintain a comfort or safety level.

[0036] The modification of other the current setting of the other parameters and/or the ranges based on the modified setting of the first parameter is illustrated in the drawing to the right of box 103 in FIG. 1. Here, the first parameter is assumed to be a parameter represented by the left-most slider bar in the box, and the dashed circles indicate a previous setting of the associated parameter. As illustrated, the current setting of the two middle slider bars (representing two parameters other than the first parameter) is modified 105, and the allowable ranges of the two right-most slider bars (representing two parameters other than the first parameter) is modified 104.

[0037] Furthermore, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the first parameter may be a key parameter, such as for example driver aggression. In contrast to other parameters, a key parameter can be associated with a driver profile configuration based on a predefined model. Thus, if it is detected 102, via one or more input devices, user input directed towards a key parameter out of the at least two adjustable parameters. The method comprises updating the graphical representation on the display by modifying the current setting of the key parameter, and modifying a current setting of at least one other parameter of the at least two parameters based on a predefined driver profile configuration.

[0038] In more detail, if we assume that the key parameter is driver aggression, then by modifying this parameter, at least one other parameter may be modified based on the predefined profile configuration. In more detail, if the detected user input indicates that the driver/user desires a more aggressive driving style, other parameters such as brake timing, distance to lead vehicle, curve exit acceleration, and so forth may be accordingly adjusted to represent the desired aggression level based on a predefined profile configuration. Moreover, by visually presenting all of the parameters and the associated values, the user is provided with an option to change one or more of the other parameters based on a personal preference. Thus, the method may further comprise saving a current configuration of the at least two adjustable parameters, and updating the predefined driver profile configuration based on the saved current configuration.

[0039] Executable instructions for performing these processes or functions are, optionally, included in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or other computer program product configured for execution by one or more processors.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a vehicle 1 comprising an electronic device having a display 2 for displaying a user interface, and an input device 3 connected to the display. The vehicle 1 further comprises a control device 10 connected to the display and to the input device(s) 3. The control device 10 may be a part of the electronic device having the display 2 and the input device 3, or a unit external to the electronic device. The various in-vehicle devices and systems are represented in a block diagram format in FIG. 2. The control device 10 is arranged for (directly/indirectly) controlling an autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration comprising at least two (user-) adjustable parameters. The control device 10 is connected to the display 2 and to the input device(s) 3. Furthermore, the control device 10 comprises one or more processors 11, a memory 12, a sensor interface 13 and a communication interface 14. The processor(s) 11 may also be referred to as a control circuit 11 or control circuitry 11.

[0041] The control circuit 11 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 12 to perform a method for controlling an autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration comprising at least two adjustable parameters according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein. Stated differently, the memory 12 of the control device 10 can include one or more (non-transitory) computer-readable storage mediums, for storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by one or more computer processors 11, for example, can cause the computer processors 11 to perform the techniques described herein. The memory 12 optionally includes high-speed random access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solid-state memory devices; and optionally includes non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices.

[0042] In more detail, the control circuit 11 is configured to display on the display 2 a user interface (UI). The displayed user interface comprises a graphical representation of a current setting of the at least two adjustable parameters associated with the autonomous driving configuration or driving assistance configuration. In other words, the graphical representation provides information to a user of the vehicle of the two or more parameters of one or more AD or ADAS features. In more detail, the graphical representation preferably provides information about a current setting and an applicable range for each parameter. For example, if an autonomous driving feature is selected, one of the parameters may be an ego-vehicle speed and the graphical representation may comprise a currently user-selected speed as well as a selectable range (e.g. 0 km/h-120 km/h).

[0043] Thus, the at least two adjustable parameters can be selected from the group comprising a brake timing, a curve speed, a curve exit acceleration, a following distance, a stiffness of a steering (i.e. comfort level of steering), a gap size for lane change, an execution time for lane change, an intersection approach speed, and a lead vehicle speed change rate, and so forth.

[0044] The control circuit 11 is further configured to, while displaying, detect via one or more input devices, a user input directed towards a first adjustable parameter of the two or more adjustable parameters. As previously described, the graphical representation of the current setting of the at least two parameters can comprises a slider bar for each adjustable parameter, each slider bar comprising a graphical element movable along the slider bar. Thus, the control circuit 11 can be configured to detect a user touch on the touch sensitive display directed towards the graphical element of the slider bar associated with the first adjustable driving feature of the at least two adjustable driving assistance features.

[0045] Alternatively, or additionally, the electronic device may comprise a mechanical input mechanism, and the control circuit 10 can accordingly be configured to detect the first user input by detecting a first manipulation of the mechanical input mechanism. The mechanical input mechanism may for example be a push button and/or a rotatable knob, wherefore the control circuit 10 can be configured to detect a push action on the push button and/or a rotation of the rotatable knob.

[0046] Further, the control circuit 11 is configured to update the graphical representation that is displayed on the display 2 based on the detected user input (i.e. based on the signal obtained from the user input device 3). In more detail, the control circuit 11 is configured to modify the current setting of the first parameter and to modify at least one characteristic of a second adjustable parameter of the at least two adjustable parameters based on the detected user input. Concurrently as the control circuit 11 modifies any actual operational settings and/or characteristics of two or more adjustable parameters the modification or change is also reflected in the updated graphical representation on the display 2.

[0047] Further, the vehicle 1 may be connected to external network(s) 20 via for instance a wireless link (e.g. for retrieving map data, software updates, etc.). The same or some other wireless link may be used to communicate with other vehicles 2 in the vicinity of the vehicle or with local infrastructure elements. Cellular communication technologies may be used for long range communication such as to external networks and if the cellular communication technology used have low latency it may also be used for communication between vehicles, vehicle to vehicle (V2V), and/or vehicle to infrastructure, V2X. Examples of cellular radio technologies are GSM, GPRS, EDGE, LTE, 5G, 5G NR, and so on, also including future cellular solutions. However, in some solutions mid to short range communication technologies are used such as Wireless Local Area (LAN), e.g. IEEE 802.11 based solutions. ETSI is working on cellular standards for vehicle communication and for instance 5G is considered as a suitable solution due to the low latency and efficient handling of high bandwidths and communication channels.

[0048] The present disclosure has been presented above with reference to specific embodiments. However, other embodiments than the above described are possible and within the scope of the disclosure. Different method steps than those described above, performing the method by hardware or software, may be provided within the scope of the disclosure. Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed by one or more processors of a vehicle control system, the one or more programs comprising instructions for performing the method according to any one of the above-discussed embodiments. Alternatively, according to another exemplary embodiment a cloud computing system can be configured to perform any of the methods presented herein. The cloud computing system may comprise distributed cloud computing resources that jointly perform the methods presented herein under control of one or more computer program products.

[0049] The processor(s) 11 (associated with the control device 10) may be or include any number of hardware components for conducting data or signal processing or for executing computer code stored in memory 12. The device 10 has an associated memory 12, and the memory 12 may be one or more devices for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various methods described in the present description. The memory may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory 12 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities of the present description. According to an exemplary embodiment, any distributed or local memory device may be utilized with the systems and methods of this description. According to an exemplary embodiment the memory 12 is communicably connected to the processor 11 (e.g., via a circuit or any other wired, wireless, or network connection) and includes computer code for executing one or more processes described herein.

[0050] It should be appreciated that the sensor interface 14 may also provide the possibility to acquire sensor data directly or via dedicated sensor control circuitry in the vehicle. The communication/antenna interface 13 may further provide the possibility to send output to a remote location (e.g. remote operator or control centre) by means of the antenna 4. Moreover, some sensors in the vehicle may communicate with the control device 10 using a local network setup, such as CAN bus, I2C, Ethernet, optical fibres, and so on. The communication interface 13 may be arranged to communicate with other control functions of the vehicle and may thus be seen as control interface also; however, a separate control interface (not shown) may be provided. Local communication within the vehicle may also be of a wireless type with protocols such as WiFi, LoRa, Zigbee, Bluetooth, or similar mid/short range technologies.

[0051] Accordingly, it should be understood that parts of the described solution may be implemented either in the vehicle, in a system located external the vehicle, or in a combination of internal and external the vehicle; for instance in a server in communication with the vehicle, a so called cloud solution. For instance, sensor data may be sent to an external system and that system performs the steps to compare the sensor data (movement of the other vehicle) with the predefined behaviour model. The different features and steps of the embodiments may be combined in other combinations than those described.