18382719. CONTROL APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD simplified abstract (Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha)
Contents
- 1 CONTROL APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 CONTROL APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 Original Abstract Submitted
CONTROL APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD
Organization Name
Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
Inventor(s)
Motohiro Fukaya of Susono-shi (JP)
Kentaro Takahashi of Shizuoka-shi (JP)
CONTROL APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18382719 titled 'CONTROL APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD
Simplified Explanation
The present disclosure describes a control apparatus for managing a vehicle's lane change process, including determining space availability, activating turn signals, and initiating autonomous lane change.
- The control apparatus assesses if there is enough space in the adjacent lane for a lane change.
- If space is not available, the control apparatus activates the vehicle's turn signals.
- When sufficient space is confirmed, the control apparatus initiates an autonomous lane change.
Potential Applications
This technology could be applied in autonomous vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and smart transportation systems.
Problems Solved
1. Ensures safe and efficient lane changes by autonomously assessing space availability. 2. Reduces the risk of accidents caused by human error during lane changes.
Benefits
1. Enhances driving safety and convenience. 2. Optimizes traffic flow by efficiently executing lane changes. 3. Reduces driver stress and fatigue during long journeys.
Potential Commercial Applications
Optimized for use in autonomous vehicles for personal transportation, ride-sharing services, and commercial fleets.
Possible Prior Art
There may be existing patents related to lane change assistance systems in vehicles, but further research is needed to identify specific prior art in this field.
Unanswered Questions
How does the control apparatus determine the required space for a lane change?
The abstract does not provide details on the specific sensors or technology used to assess the availability of space in the adjacent lane.
What level of autonomy is required for the control apparatus to initiate an autonomous lane change?
It is not specified in the abstract whether the autonomous driving feature is fully autonomous or requires driver supervision during the lane change process.
Original Abstract Submitted
The present disclosure proposes a technique regarding a control apparatus for controlling a vehicle. The control apparatus is configured to execute the following first to third processes. The first process is determining whether or not a required space for performing a lane change is secured in an adjacent lane in response to a request for the lane change to the adjacent lane of the vehicle. The second process is operating a direction indicator of the vehicle when the required space is not secured. The third process is starting the lane change to the adjacent lane of the vehicle by autonomous driving when the required space is secured.
