Engaging and disengaging for autonomous driving

US8825258B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Google LLC · US

Inventors

• Brian Douglas Cullinane · Palo Alto, US
• Philip Nemec · San Jose, US
• Manuel Christian Clement · Felton, US
• Robertus Christianus Elisabeth Mariet · Sunnyvale, US
• Lilli Ing-Marie Jonsson · Mountain View, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 11, 2013
• Grant date: Sep 2, 2014
• Expiry date: Mar 11, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60W2556/50
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate switching between autonomous and manual driving modes. In order to do so, the vehicle's computer may conduct a series of environmental, system, and driver checks to identify certain conditions. The computer may correct some of these conditions and also provide a driver with a checklist of tasks for completion. Once the tasks have been completed and the conditions are changed, the computer may allow the driver to switch from the manual to the autonomous driving mode. The computer may also make a determination, under certain conditions, that it would be detrimental to the driver's safety or comfort to make a switch from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode.