Methods for promoting operator concentration through systematic positive reinforcement

Abstract

Method (300) for promoting the concentration of the operator (106) by systematic positive reinforcement, comprising the following: a. Analyzing sensor data to determine if an operator (106) is in an alarm state; b. Determining the length of the alarm time during which the operator (106) is in the alarm state; c. Determine that the length of the alarm time is greater than a predetermined attention threshold (AThreshold); and d. Issuing first-level positive reinforcement feedback (1L PRF) in response to the alarm time being greater than the pre-set attention threshold (AThreshold); the procedure further features: Repeat steps (a) to (d); Determine a number of consecutive 1L PRF; and Output a positive second-stage gain feedback (2L PRF) when the number of consecutive 1L PFR outputs equals a first predefined calibration value (K1); Determine a number of consecutive 2L PRF; and Outputting a third-level positive gain feedback (3L PRF) when the number of consecutive 2L PRF outputs equals a second predetermined calibration value (K2); and Output of at least one of the 1L PRF, the 2L PRF and the 3L PRF in response to the 1L PFR being equal to a random value greater than the first predetermined calibration value (K1).

Description

[0001] The present description relates generally to reducing operator distraction in motor vehicles and specifically to a system and method for promoting operator concentration through systematic positive reinforcement.

[0002] Modern vehicles are equipped with driver monitoring systems (DMS) that detect when the operator becomes drowsy, distracted, or generally inattentive while operating a vehicle. Such systems are known to include sensors inside the vehicle, such as cameras, pointed at the operator to capture images of operator characteristics that indicate the operator's state of distraction. These operator characteristics may include the operator's head position, orientation, and movement, eye position and gaze, and eye data. For example, a DMS can be configured to monitor the operator's eyelid movements and determine when the operator appears drowsy. If the operator is detected to be drowsy, the DMS can issue a warning to the operator in the form of a visual alarm (e.g., a flashing warning light), an audible alarm (e.g., a warning chime), or a warning signal.trigger an alarm tone) and / or a hepatic warning by vibration of a vehicle component (e.g. the steering wheel or seat).

[0003] DE 10 2019 215 308 A1 describes a method for activating and / or adapting an automated driving function, in particular a driver assistance function, for a vehicle that can be operated at least partially automatically, comprising the steps: - Identifying a driver; - Checking the experience level of the identified driver; - Activating and / or adapting the automated driving function based on the experience level of the driver.

[0004] US Patent 2022 / 0101752A1 describes a driver assistance device comprising a controller. While the vehicle is in motion, the controller is configured to receive data about the behavior of the vehicle body and, based on information indicating the stability of that behavior derived from the received data, emits a specific tone. Each time the vehicle travels a predetermined segment, the controller is configured to emit a reward tone corresponding to the stability of the behavior within that segment.

[0005] The US 2023 / 0 267 399 A1, the US 2024 / 0 017 737 A1, the CN 1 17 078 438 A, the US 10 783 725 B1, the US 2020 / 0 184 500 A and the DE 10 2021 103 956 A1 describe an increase in a reward based on points that can be redeemed for services or items of value.

[0006] It can be considered a task to specify a procedure to promote or maintain the operator's concentration while driving, in order to prevent operator distraction and / or inattention.

[0007] The problem is solved by a method according to claim 1. Furthermore, an exemplary system and an exemplary computer-readable medium are described with which the method can be carried out, for example.

[0008] A method according to the invention for promoting operator concentration through systematic positive reinforcement is described. The method according to the invention comprises: (a) analyzing sensor data to determine that an operator is in an alarm state; (b) determining the length of the alarm time that the operator remains in the alarm state; (c) determining that the length of the alarm time is greater than a predetermined attention threshold (AT threshold); and (d) outputting first-stage positive reinforcement feedback (1L PRF) in response to the alarm time being greater than the predetermined attention threshold (AT threshold).The method according to the invention further comprises repeating steps (a) to (d); determining a number of consecutively output 1L PRFs; and outputting positive second-stage gain feedback (2L PRF) when the number of consecutively output 1L PRFs equals a first predetermined calibration value (K1). The method according to the invention further comprises determining a number of consecutively output 2L PRFs; and outputting positive third-stage gain feedback (3L PRF) when the number of consecutively output 2L PRFs equals a second predetermined calibration value (K2). The method according to the invention further comprises outputting at least one of the 1L PRFs, the 2L PRFs, and the 3L PRFs in response to the 1L PRF being equal to a random value greater than the first predetermined calibration value (K1).

[0009] In one embodiment, the 1L-PRF features an audible gong; the 2L-PRF features an audible shout; and the 3L-PRF features at least one personalized message or accumulator point that can be redeemed for a service or item of monetary value.

[0010] In one embodiment, the 3L PRF is based on a predetermined focus score (FS), wherein: FS=(TT−ADT) / TT, where: TT = Total travel time ADT = Cumulative Distraction Time

[0011] In one embodiment, the 1L PRF and the 2L PRF are executed by an infotainment unit of a vehicle.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method further comprises analyzing sensor data to determine a deflection event (DE); determining a deflection duration (DD) of the DE; determining that the DD is greater than a predetermined deflection threshold (DT); and resetting to zero the number of consecutive 1L PRF outputs in response to the DD being greater than the DT.

[0013] In one embodiment, analyzing sensor data to determine that an operator is in an alarm state includes analyzing sensor data to determine whether the operator is exhibiting predetermined distracted behavior; determining a distraction duration during which the operator exhibits the predetermined distracted behavior; and determining that the operator is in an alarm state in response to (i) the finding that the operator is not exhibiting the predetermined distracted behavior, or (ii) that the distraction duration is less than a predetermined distraction threshold (DT).

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one of the following is output: (i) the positive gain feedback of the first stage (1L PRF) is output on an aleatory basis and (ii) the positive gain feedback of the second stage (2L PRF) is output on an aleatory basis.

[0015] An exemplary system for promoting operator concentration through systematic positive reinforcement is described. The exemplary system may include at least one sensor configured to collect information about a vehicle operator; and a control module configured to: analyze the collected information to determine that the operator is in an alert state; determine the duration of the alert state during which the operator remains in that state; and, in response to the duration of the alert state being equal to a predetermined sustained attention threshold (AThreshold), provide first-stage positive reinforcement feedback (1L PRF).

[0016] For example, the control module can also be configured to output a number of consecutive 1L PRFs and a positive second-stage gain feedback (2L PRF) when the number of consecutive 1L PFRs equals a first predetermined value (K1).

[0017] For example, the system can also include an infotainment unit that communicates with the control module. The infotainment unit can be configured to output the 1L-PRF as a chime and the 2L-PRF as an exclamation.

[0018] For example, the control module can also be configured to output a number of consecutive 2L PRFs and a third-stage positive gain feedback (3L PRF) when the number of consecutive 2L PFRs equals a second predetermined calibration value (K2).

[0019] For example, the system may also include a reward system that can be configured to issue the 3L PRF in the form of reward points that can be redeemed for a service or item of monetary value.

[0020] An exemplary non-transitory computer-readable medium is specified which may contain instructions stored on it to promote operator concentration through systematic positive reinforcement which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: receive sensor data containing operator characteristics; analyze the operator characteristics to determine that an operator is in an alert state; determine a duration of the alert time during which the operator remains in the alert state; and output first-level positive reinforcement feedback (1L PRF) in response to the duration being equal to a pre-defined sustained attention threshold (AThreshold).

[0021] For example, the non-transmittable computer-readable medium may further include instructions to cause the processor to determine a number of consecutive 1L PRFs and output a second-stage positive gain feedback (2L PRF) when the number of consecutive 1L PFRs equals a first predetermined first value (K1).

[0022] For example, the computer-readable medium may also include instructions to cause the processor to determine a number of consecutive 2L PRFs and output a third-stage positive gain feedback (3L PRF) when the number of consecutive 2L PFRs equals a second predetermined calibration value (K2).

[0023] For example, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may further include instructions to cause the processor to output at least one of the 1L PRF and the 2L PRF on an aleatoric basis.

[0024] For example, the computer-readable medium may also include instructions that cause the processor to issue the 3L PRF as an accumulable reward point that can be redeemed for a service or item of monetary value. Fig. Figure 1 is a functional diagram of a vehicle with a system for promoting the operator's concentration through systematic positive reinforcement; Fig. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the system for promoting operator concentration through systematic positive reinforcement; and Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart of a procedure for promoting the operator's concentration through systematic positive reinforcement.

[0025] As used herein, the terms module, component module, control module or control unit refer to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic and / or processor device, individually or in any combination, including but not limited to: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (common, dedicated or grouped) and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuits and / or other suitable components providing the described functionality.

[0026] Embodiments of the present description can be described here in the form of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. Such block components can be implemented by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, in one embodiment of the present description, various integrated circuit components can be used, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, or the like, which can perform a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control units.Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present description can be used in conjunction with any number of systems and that the systems described here are merely exemplary embodiments of the present description.

[0027] The connecting lines shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the different elements. Conventional techniques can be used for signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems), which are not described in detail here. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in an embodiment of the present description.

[0028] Driver monitoring systems (DMS), also known as operator distraction detection systems, are important for addressing the problem of distracted drivers. However, the challenge lies not only in recognizing when an operator is already distracted, but also in preventing operator distraction in the first place. The following description provides a system and procedure for promoting operator concentration and increasing operator attention span based on systematic positive reinforcement of behavior with personalized feedback and / or rewards. Positive reinforcement is a technique used in psychology to encourage behavioral change. The frequency of operator concentration is increased and maintained over time by providing positive reinforcement (positive feedback) when the desired level of operator concentration is observed.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 is a functional diagram of a vehicle 100 with a system for promoting operator concentration through systematic positive reinforcement (system 200). The system 200 can be a standalone system or a component of an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) 101, such as a driver monitoring system (DMS) 101, configured to determine an operator state, also referred to as the operator state, such as distracted, drowsy, inattentive, and the like. Although the vehicle 100 is depicted as a sedan, the associated vehicle 100 can also be another type of road vehicle, such as a pickup truck, a coupe, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and a recreational vehicle (RV).

[0030] The vehicle 100 generally comprises a front windshield 102, a passenger compartment 104 in which an operator 106 is located. The passenger compartment 104 contains an instrument panel or dashboard 108, a cabin sensor 110 configured to collect information about the operator 106, and a feedback system 112, such as an infotainment unit 112, which includes an audio-emitting device 114, such as a loudspeaker 114, capable of emitting bell tones and encouragement calls and playing back pre-recorded messages. The cabin sensor 110 can be positioned at a suitable location in the passenger compartment 104 to collect information or data about predetermined characteristics of the operator, such as facial and body features, which can be analyzed by the system 200 to determine the operator's condition. The predetermined characteristics of the operator are also referred to as operator characteristics.In a non-restrictive example, the cabin sensor 110 is generally located in the instrument panel 108 of the vehicle 100 and is directed towards the operator 106. In another non-restrictive example, the interior sensor 110 may be attached to a rearview mirror 116 or the windshield 102 of the vehicle.

[0031] The cabin sensor 110 can be an optical camera with digital CCD / CMOS image sensors with active pixel resolution. Multiple optical cameras 110 can be used to capture operator characteristics from various angles and to monitor changes in these characteristics in order to determine operator state. The optical camera 110 can be configured to capture sequential images. The optical camera 110 can also be a video camera with a processor to capture sequential frames from the video. The cabin sensor 110 can also include other types of sensors that can be configured to collect information about operator characteristics, which can then be analyzed to determine whether the operator is distracted or attentive.

[0032] The vehicle 100 may also have at least one external sensor 118 configured to acquire information or data about the external operating environment of the vehicle 100, which can be analyzed to determine whether the operator 106 might be distracted due to the behavior of the vehicle 100. Preferably, the external sensor 118 is capable of acquiring information about objects in the path of the vehicle 100, such as a vehicle ahead and lane markings that define a road on which the vehicle 100 is traveling. Preferably, the external sensors 118 are also capable of acquiring information about road conditions, weather conditions, visibility, and the like. The information collected by the external sensors 118 can be analyzed by the system 200 to detect challenging external conditions such as rain, snow, sleet, fog, traffic jams, and the like.The external sensor 118 can include Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors, ultrasonic sensors and the like, which can be configured to collect information or data about the vehicle's external operating environment.

[0033] As from Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the system 200 comprises a control module 202 that communicates with the cabin sensor 110, the infotainment unit 112, an operator profile database 210, a reward system 212, a distraction timer 214, and an attention timer (ATimer) 216. The control module 202 can also communicate with the DMS 101 if the vehicle 100 is equipped with it. In one embodiment, the control module 202 is configured to analyze the information collected by the cabin sensor 110 and / or the external sensor 118 to determine the operator's state. In another embodiment, the control module 202 communicates with the DMS 101 to obtain information about the operator's state. The control module 202 comprises at least one processor 204 and a non-transferable, computer-readable device or medium 206.The non-transient, computer-readable device or medium 206 contains machine-readable instructions which, when executed by the processor 204, cause the processors 204 to execute the procedure 300 described below and other functions of the system 200. The operator profile database 210 may be stored on the medium 206 or on a separate, non-transferable, computer-readable device located in the vehicle 100 or at a remote location such as a cloud server or a server in a back office.

[0034] The processor 204 can be a custom or off-the-shelf processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors connected to the control module 202, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, a combination thereof, or, more generally, a device for executing instructions. The computer-readable devices or media 206 can include volatile and non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables while the processor 204 is powered off.The computer-readable storage device or media 206 of the control module 202 can be implemented with a variety of storage devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrical PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combined storage devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions used by the control module 202.

[0035] System 200 can retrieve an operator profile from the operator profile database 210 to analyze the information acquired by the cabin sensor 110 and determine an operator's state. Control module 202 receives information from the cabin sensor and / or the external sensor. Control module 202 is configured to analyze the received information to detect a distraction event (DE), i.e., when it is determined that the operator is exhibiting behavior indicative of being distracted, drowsy, inattentive, using a mobile device, or similar. The continuous period over which the DE is detected is referred to as the distraction duration (DD). The distraction duration is compared to a predefined permissible distraction duration, referred to as the distraction threshold (DT).If the distraction duration is less than the distraction threshold, the operator is classified as not distracted, which is also referred to as an attentive or alert state. If, however, the distraction duration (DD) is equal to or greater than the distraction threshold (DT), the operator is in a distracted state.

[0036] In a non-restrictive example, the information collected by the cabin sensor 110 can be analyzed to detect occupant behavior, such as the operator's (106) gaze direction and the percentage of closed eyelids, which may indicate that the operator (106) is in a distracted state. In a non-restrictive example, the operator is classified as distracted if it is determined that their eyes are directed away from the windshield (102) of the vehicle (100) for a DD greater than the DT. It can also be determined that the operator (106) is distracted if the eyelid position of each eye is closed for a predetermined percentage (e.g., 80% closure) for a longer period than or equal to the distraction time threshold.

[0037] In another, non-restrictive example, the control module 202 analyzes the information collected by the front external sensors 118 to determine the approach speed of the vehicle 100 to an object or vehicle in the vehicle 100's path, or the vehicle's relative position within a lane. The control module 202 can determine that the operator 106 is in a distracted state if the approach speed of the vehicle 100 to the object is greater than a predetermined speed. The control module 202 can also determine that the operator 106 is in a distracted state if the vehicle 100 oscillates within a lane beyond a predetermined frequency.

[0038] System 200 is configured to determine a distraction-free event (UE), defined as a sustained distraction-free state of the operator for a predetermined period, also known as the attention threshold (AThreshold). The UE is the period during which the operator's attention is maintained and positive feedback is received. In other words, a sustained AThreshold represents the period during which the operator's attention is maintained [i.e., no distraction events (DE) occurred whose distraction duration (DD) was greater than the distraction threshold (DT)]. Once the sustained AThreshold is reached, the operator receives positive feedback or a reward.

[0039] Positive feedback or a reward is given to the operator as follows: Level 1 positive feedback (L1 PRF) is given each time a target is achieved. Level 2 positive reinforcement feedback (L2 PRF) is given each time K1 reaches an L1 PRF. K1 is defined as a personalized threshold for the number of focus tones (NFC), calculated from the focus score (FS) defined below. Level 3 positive reinforcement feedback (L3 PRF) is provided each time K2 reaches an L2 PRF. K2 is defined as a personalized threshold for the number of focus voices (NFVC), also calculated from the FS. K1 and K2 are determined based on personalized metrics collected and calculated over time, defining an operator's individual attention profile.Calibrating the frequency of L2 PRF and L3 PRF with the personalized thresholds of K1 and K2 allows for an appropriate level of challenge so that positive reinforcement remains effective.

[0040] The operator can receive a reward in the form of a Focus Score (FS), which can be converted into a valuable tangible item or service. An FS is defined as the total distraction-free time compared to travel time. FS=(TT−ADT) / TT, where: TT is the total travel time; ADT is the cumulative distraction time, i.e., the sum of the distraction times for all events during the TT, including the distraction times under the DT.

[0041] Example: FS=(55 min−9 min) / 55 min=0.83 FS=(55 min−1 min) / 55 min=0.98

[0042] The feedback system 112 interacts with the operator 106 by providing audible notifications for the various levels of focus achieved. The feedback system 112 is configured to interact with the operator 106 in a game-like mode (gamification technique), which includes a distinctive bell tone when an L1 PFR is reached. Non-restrictive examples of bell tones include standard sounds such as bells or chimes, and personalized tones. The feedback system 112 can be configured to provide an encouraging voice message upon reaching an L2 PFR. Non-restrictive examples of encouragement include personalized voice messages and pre-recorded messages from friends and family members. The feedback can be fully personalized to increase operator motivation.For example, chimes can be personalized with any meaningful tone, and encouraging voices and messages can be recorded from a loved one.

[0043] Upon reaching Level 3 Pre-Reward Profile (PFR), points can be awarded as a reward. A distinctive tone and / or voice message can be played to indicate that points have been earned in the operator's reward profile. The points can be allocated to existing subscription services such as OnStar. Reward points can be redeemed for benefits such as accessories, vehicle service discounts, and other third-party services. Earned points can be amplified through the Intermittent Positive Reinforcement Algorithm (IPRA) to increase attention. Targeted personalization can potentially be linked to any method of social interaction and recognition, such as an offline social network where family and friends can provide social recognition for a positive attention profile.

[0044] The 212 reward system tracks and exchanges points earned by playing the "Driving Focus Game," providing genuine motivation to avoid distractions while driving. Utilizing existing mechanisms like OnStar and / or the My Chevrolet app, reward points can be redeemed for benefits such as accessories, discounts on vehicle services, and other third-party services. An operator attention profile (106) can also be implemented as a social credit system to offer insurance discounts and other benefits and recognition across any social interaction network.

[0045] The operator profile database 210 stores the operator's data and provides calculations of personalized parameters and profile metrics to calibrate and improve the response of procedure 300 over time. Personalized parameters include: Profile metrics including: FS - Focus Score CFS - Cumulative Focus Score DEV - Distraction Events - Variability DEAT - Distraction Events Average Time Predefined Thresholds including: DT - Distraction threshold, calculated from the average duration of distraction events (DEAT), e.g., standard 5 seconds AT - Threshold for sustained attention, calculated from the variability of distraction events (DEV), e.g., standard 45 seconds Calibration levels including: K1 - Personalized focus calibration, calculated from the focus score K2 - Personalized focus calibration, calculated from the focus score

[0046] Fig.Figure 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for promoting concentration on driving through systematic positive reinforcement using time-based reinforcement (Method 300). Method 300 begins in block 302 with the operator controlling the vehicle. In block 304, the control module 202 analyzes the information collected by the cabin sensors, external sensors, and / or the driver monitoring system (DMS) 101 to detect a distraction event (DE).

[0047] If a DE is detected, the procedure continues with block 306 and proceeds to block 334. In block 334, the deflection duration (DD) of the DE is determined.

[0048] If the DD is equal to or greater than a predetermined distraction threshold (DT), the operator is considered distracted and procedure 300 continues to block 338. In block 338, the attention timer (ATimer) 216 is reset, and procedure 300 ends in block 340 or resumes the iteration from block 304 if the operator continues to operate the vehicle 100.

[0049] Returning to block 306: If no DE is detected, procedure 300 proceeds to block 308. In block 308, the timer 214 is reset for the deflection duration. The procedure then continues with block 310.

[0050] In block 310, an Increment Attention Timer 216 is started to measure a continuous time interval of a UE (i.e., DD of a DE is less than DT). The procedure then proceeds to block 312.

[0051] In block 312, the procedure continues with block 314 if the accumulated incremental attention time equals a predefined attention threshold (AThreshold). Otherwise, procedure 300 ends in block 340 or continues from block 304 if the operator continues to operate vehicle 100.

[0052] From block 312, the process continues to block 314. In block 314, module 202 outputs first-level positive reinforcement feedback (1L PRF), such as an attention chime, to reward the operator. From block 314, the process continues to block 316, where the Attention Timer (ATimer) 216 is reset. The process then continues to block 318.

[0053] In block 318, module 202 increments the number of focus beeps (NFC) for each time interval in which the operator is determined to be in an alert state (i.e., UE). In other words, module 202 determines the number of consecutive 1L PFR tones issued. The procedure then proceeds to block 320.

[0054] In block 320, when the NFC (i.e., the number of successively output 1L PFRs) equals a first predetermined calibration factor (K1), procedure 300 proceeds to block 322. In block 322, module 202 outputs a second-stage positive reinforcement feedback (2L PRF), which is a focused voice call. The procedure then continues to block 324.

[0055] In block 324, the ATimer is reset, and procedure 300 continues to block 326. In block 326, module 202 increments the Number of Focus Voice Cheers (NFVC) (i.e., the number of consecutive 2L PFRs). The procedure then proceeds to block 328.

[0056] In block 328, module 202 determines whether the NFVC is equal to K2. If the NFVC is greater than a second predetermined calibration factor (K2), procedure 300 continues with block 330.

[0057] Block 330 rewards third-level positive reinforcement feedback (3L PRF). 3L PRF can be awarded in the form of accumulated reward points, which can be redeemed for benefits such as accessories, discounts on vehicle services, and other third-party services.

[0058] The procedure continues in block 332. In block 332, the ATimer is reset, and the procedure ends in block 340 or continues from block 304 if the operator continues to operate the vehicle for 100 minutes.

[0059] While the time-based procedure 300 provides feedback at regular intervals, an intermittent feedback mode can be triggered aleatorically at random times within certain limits. If consistent and stable feedback has been provided over a period of time, the time-based procedure 300 can switch to intermittent feedback mode. The intermittent feedback mode can also be triggered at any time when increased attention is needed. For example, if the operator's metrics indicate a tendency to become distracted, an aleatoric reward will be sent to boost motivation and self-confidence. The goal is to maintain the operator's motivation by providing additional recognition at random times.

Claims

[1] Method (300) for promoting the concentration of the operator (106) by systematic positive reinforcement, comprising the following: a. Analyzing sensor data to determine if an operator (106) is in an alarm state; b. Determining the length of the alarm time during which the operator (106) is in the alarm state; c. Determine that the length of the alarm time is greater than a predetermined attention threshold (AThreshold); and d. Issuing first-level positive reinforcement feedback (1L PRF) in response to the alarm duration being greater than the pre-set attention threshold (AThreshold); the procedure further features: Repeat steps (a) to (d); Determine a number of consecutive 1L PRF; and Output a positive second-stage gain feedback (2L PRF) when the number of consecutive 1L PFR outputs equals a first predefined calibration value (K1); Determine a number of consecutive 2L PRF; and Outputting a third-level positive gain feedback (3L PRF) when the number of consecutive 2L PRF outputs equals a second predetermined calibration value (K2); and Output of at least one of the 1L PRF, the 2L PRF and the 3L PRF in response to the 1L PFR being equal to a random value greater than the first predetermined calibration value (K1). [2] Method (300) according to claim 1, wherein: the 1L PRF emits an audible signal tone; the 2L PRF has an audible exclamation; and The 3L PRF must contain at least one personalized message and one accumulator point that can be redeemed for a service or item of financial value. [3] Method (300) according to claim 2, wherein the 3L-PRF is based on a predetermined focus score (FS), wherein: FS=(TT−ADT) / TT, where: TT = Total travel time ADT = Accumulated Distraction Time. [4] Method (300) according to claim 2, wherein the 1L PRF and the 2L PRF are implemented by an infotainment unit (112) of a vehicle (100). [5] Method (300) according to claim 1, further comprising: Analyzing sensor data to determine a distraction event (DE); Determining a distraction duration (DD) of the DE; Determine that the DD is greater than a predetermined distraction threshold (DT); and The number of consecutive 1L PRFs issued in response to the DD is reset to zero if it is greater than the DT. [6] Method (300) according to claim 1, wherein the analysis of sensor data to determine that an operator (106) is in an alarm state comprises: Analyzing the sensor data to determine whether the operator (106) is exhibiting a predetermined distracted behavior; Determining a distraction duration during which the operator (106) exhibits the predetermined distraction behavior; and Determine that the operator (106) is in an alarm state in response to one of the following: It is determined that the operator (106) does not exhibit the predetermined distracted behavior, and The duration of the distraction is less than a predetermined distraction threshold (DT). [7] Method (300) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following points is fulfilled: The positive reinforcement feedback of the first stage (1L PRF) is issued on an aleatory basis; and The positive reinforcement feedback of the second stage (2L PRF) is output on an aleatory basis.

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