Steering Feel of Lane Keeping Assist Systems

Abstract

Contemporary partially automated passenger cars assist the driver with the aid of longitudinal and lateral control systems without claiming the entire driving authority. The driver has the possibility to regain full control over the vehicle and relies on consistent feedback of the vehicle’s driving state through haptic, optic, acoustic and kinesthetic sensing channels.

The steering system is the key element for shared lateral motion control with its steering wheel as the driver interface and its steering assist unit as the interface for lateral control systems such as lane keeping assistance. Depending on driving scenario as well as configuration and parametrization of the lane keeping assistance system, the driver can feel the system’s presence and activity to a greater or lesser extent compared to steering without lane keeping assistance system.

Even if the actual lane keeping performance is improved by the assistance system, the driver might react skeptical or reject the technology due to an unpleasant steering feel. In order to solve this dilemma, an optimal cooperative assisted steering feel must be identified specifically for partial automation.

This research introduces an objective characterization method based on key performance indicators for assisted steering feel in the context of lane keeping assisted steering. Subjective assessment criteria and driving scenarios for individual evaluation are defined. Vehicle measurement data from driving maneuvers served as a basis for the extraction of characteristic key performance indicators. This method can support the development of a pleasant assisted steering feel and therefore improve vehicle safety.