Device and Method for Selectively Operating a Motor Vehicle in a User-Controlled or an Automatic Driving Operation Mode

摘要

A system for a vehicle operable in a user-controlled driving mode and an automatic driving mode includes a hand-operated control element and a contact sensor configured to detect whether a driver of the vehicle is holding the control element. The system further includes a controller to monitor an alertness of the driver while the vehicle is in the automatic driving mode depending on whether the driver is holding the control element and/or switch operation of the vehicle between the user-controlled driving mode and the automatic driving mode depending on whether the driver is holding the control element.

主权项

1. A system for a vehicle operable in a user-controlled driving mode and an automatic driving mode, the system comprising:
a control element having a contact sensor, the contact sensor configured to detect whether a driver of the vehicle is holding the control element; and a controller in communication with the contact sensor and configured to monitor an alertness of the driver while the vehicle is in the automatic driving mode depending on whether the driver is holding the control element, wherein the controller deems the driver to be alert when the driver is holding the control element while the vehicle is in the automatic driving mode.