Method for increasing an attention level of a driver, computing device, computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for increasing an attention level of a driver of a vehicle that is operated in a partially automated driving mode with a first parameter set. The method comprises capturing a traffic situation, wherein the traffic situation describes a road course and / or a further road user. The method also comprises determining a second parameter set for the partially automated driving mode, wherein the second parameter set is determined on the basis of the traffic situation. Finally, the method also comprises operating the vehicle in the partially automated driving mode with the second parameter set.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR INCREASING THE ATTENTION LEVEL OF A

[0002] DRIVER, COMPUTING DEVICE, COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for increasing the attention level of a driver of a vehicle operating in a partially automated driving mode. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a computing device for a vehicle for carrying out such a method. Finally, the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium.

[0004] Driving modes that take over driving tasks and partially automate them are steadily increasing. One example of such a partially automated driving mode is an adaptive cruise control system. The driver can, for example, specify a target speed, to which the vehicle's speed is automatically regulated. If a slower road user is in front of the vehicle, the speed is automatically reduced to avoid rear-ending or to maintain a preset distance. Furthermore, modern vehicles also have traffic sign recognition, so the speed can be adjusted to the applicable speed limit.

[0005] These and numerous other development stages of such an adaptive cruise control system are an example of how the driver of a vehicle can increasingly be relieved of a multitude of driving tasks.

[0006] Nevertheless, especially with so-called Level 2 functions, the responsibility still lies with the driver even when the vehicle is operating in such a partially automated driving mode, so that an appropriate level of attention must be ensured on the part of the driver - despite all the simplifications that the partially automated driving mode brings.

[0007] To ensure the driver's attention during operation of the vehicle in a partially automated driving mode, the driver is typically monitored using an interior camera. If the driver is inattentive, the partially automated driving mode is usually deactivated. Furthermore, document DE 102012 216 888 A1 discloses a method for increasing driving safety in motor vehicles. For this purpose, at least one comfort function (e.g., hi-fi system, air conditioning, interior light, electric seat adjustment) is automatically adjusted toward a less comfortable setting to increase the driver's attention when a certain external condition of the vehicle (e.g., expected change in traffic density, wind speed, drop in temperature) changes significantly to ensure driving safety.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to show a solution how the increase in the attention of a driver of a vehicle during operation in a partially automated driving mode can be improved in order to thus increase the overall road safety of the partially automated driving mode.

[0009] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] In this document, the term "automated driving" refers to driving with automated longitudinal and / or lateral guidance. Automated driving can, for example, involve extended driving on the highway or limited-time driving while parking. The term "automated driving" encompasses automated driving with any degree of automation. Examples of levels of automation are assisted, partially automated, conditionally automated, highly automated, and fully automated driving (with increasing levels of automation in each case). The five levels of automation mentioned above correspond to SAE Levels 1 to 5 of the SAE J3016 standard (SAE - Society of Automotive Engineering) as of April 30, 2021. In assisted driving (SAE Level 1), the system performs longitudinal or lateral guidance in specific driving situations.In partially automated driving (SAE Level 2), the system assumes longitudinal and lateral guidance in certain driving situations, whereby the driver must continuously monitor the system, as in assisted driving. In conditionally automated driving (SAE Level 3), the system assumes longitudinal and lateral guidance in certain driving situations without the driver having to continuously monitor the system; however, the driver must be able to assume control of the vehicle within a certain period of time upon request from the system. In highly automated driving (SAE Level 4), the system assumes control of the vehicle in certain driving situations, even if the driver does not respond to a request for intervention, thus eliminating the driver as a fallback. In fully automated driving (SAE Level 5), the system can perform all aspects of the dynamic driving task under any road and environmental conditions that can also be mastered by a human driver.

[0011] Furthermore, the term "at least partially automated driving or maneuvering" is also understood in this document to include partially automated, conditionally automated, highly automated, and fully automated driving. In other words, the term "at least partially automated driving" refers to a level of automation up to and including SAE Level 2.

[0012] Finally, the term "partially automated driving mode" is understood in this document to mean a driving function (of a driver assistance system) of the vehicle that is designed to operate the vehicle in such a way that the vehicle drives partially automatically. In other words, the term "operation of the vehicle in a partially automated driving mode" refers to the operation of the vehicle with an automation level according to SAE Level 2.

[0013] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for increasing the attention level of a driver of a vehicle operating in a partially automated driving mode with a first set of parameters. The method comprises detecting a traffic situation, wherein the traffic situation describes a road course and / or another road user. Furthermore, the method comprises determining a second set of parameters for the partially automated driving mode, wherein the second set of parameters is determined depending on the traffic situation. Finally, the method also comprises operating the vehicle in the partially automated driving mode with the second set of parameters.

[0014] The method can be carried out, for example, using a computing device. The computing device can be embodied, for example, as at least one electronic control unit of the vehicle, which comprises one or more programmable processors. In addition, the computing device can have a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. In order to carry out corresponding method steps, such as determining the second parameter set for the partially automated driving mode, the computer program can be executed on the computing device. The method is based on the knowledge that a change in the driving dynamics can influence the driver's situational perception. This fact can therefore be used to increase the driver's attention in certain situations.For example, increasing lateral acceleration can draw the driver's attention to the road ahead. This can be particularly beneficial if the driver increasingly trusts a driver assistance system or the partially automated driving mode and may falsely believe in security or fail to adequately fulfill their responsibility to monitor the system.

[0015] The method can therefore increase the driver's attention. First, a traffic situation can be recorded. The recording of the traffic situation can be done, for example, using the vehicle's environmental sensors and / or (high-precision) map data and / or using Car2X communication. Examples of possible environmental sensors include radar, lidar, and ultrasonic sensors, as well as cameras. A description of a traffic situation can include, for example, the course of the road and / or another road user.

[0016] Based on the description of the traffic situation, the second parameter set can now be determined. The second parameter set can differ from the first parameter set. The first and second parameter sets can describe driving dynamics parameters of the partially automated driving mode. Examples of driving dynamics parameters that can be described with the first and second parameter sets are a permissible maximum lateral acceleration, a minimum distance to other road users or the other road user, a permissible maximum speed, a braking torque curve, or similar.

[0017] The second parameter set can now be used to operate the partially automated driving mode with the second parameter set. For example, driving dynamics parameters can be specifically selected for the respective traffic situation to increase the driver's attention. This increase in attention can thus be implemented in a targeted manner and individually adapted to the respective traffic situation.

[0018] An advantageous embodiment provides that the first parameter set and the second parameter set describe at least one driving dynamics parameter of a lateral guidance of the vehicle and the first and the second parameter set are determined as a function of the road course.

[0019] It can also be provided that the driving dynamics parameter of the vehicle's lateral guidance describes a permissible lateral acceleration limit value and / or a permissible yaw rate limit value for the partially automated driving mode.

[0020] It can also be advantageous if the first parameter set and the second parameter set describe at least one driving dynamics parameter of a longitudinal guidance of the vehicle and the first and second parameter sets are determined as a function of the other road user. If the first parameter set and the second parameter set comprise at least one driving dynamics parameter of a longitudinal guidance, then, for example, the distance to the other road user can be changed depending on the traffic situation. Optionally, the time and / or force of any possible braking to avoid a rear-end collision can also be adapted. Overall, the driver's attention can therefore be increased depending on the situation using the at least one driving dynamics parameter of the longitudinal guidance.

[0021] A further development of the method provides that the driving dynamics parameter for the vehicle's longitudinal guidance describes a permissible minimum distance to the other road user and / or a permissible minimum collision time for the partially automated driving mode. This aspect is based on the realization that drivers react sensitively, particularly to the distance and a permissible minimum collision time to a vehicle ahead, such as the other road user, even when their attention level is reduced. As a result, the driver's attention can suddenly increase.

[0022] It can also be advantageous if the driving dynamics parameter for the vehicle's longitudinal guidance describes a maximum acceleration for the partially automated driving mode. This aspect is based on the realization that the driver perceives sluggish system behavior, for example, as a result of the vehicle's slight acceleration after a slow-moving road user ahead has pulled out, even with a reduced level of attention. The driver's attention increases because they override the system with the accelerator pedal in this situation. In other words, the driver's attention level can be increased by the driver briefly overriding the system. Finally, it can also be provided that the operation of the vehicle in the partially automated driving mode with the second parameter set is additionally carried out depending on a random generator.In general, it can be beneficial if the driver is occasionally confronted with situations in which they do not fully trust the partially automated driving mode. This can prevent the driver from falling into a state of inattention or averting their gaze from the road for extended periods. To prevent the driver from being confronted with such situations at consistently regular intervals, thus avoiding the impression of an intended variation by the driving mode that may not even require the driver's attention, the partially automated driving mode can be operated with the second parameter set depending on the random generator.

[0023] For example, a uniformly distributed random number between one and one hundred can be generated every 15 seconds using the random number generator. If the number is higher than a predetermined threshold, such as 95, the partially automated driving mode can actually be operated with the second parameter set, or the procedure for increasing the driver's attention level can be carried out. In the example just given, the partially automated driving mode with the second parameter set would therefore be operated once every five minutes on average.

[0024] A further aspect of the invention relates to a computing device for a vehicle, which is configured to carry out a method according to the invention and the advantageous embodiments thereof. The computing device can be designed, for example, as an electronic control unit comprising one or more programmable processors.

[0025] A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to carry out a method according to the invention and the advantageous embodiments thereof.

[0026] Finally, a further aspect of the invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to carry out a method according to the invention and the advantageous embodiments thereof.

[0027] The preferred embodiments presented with reference to the method according to the invention and their advantages apply accordingly to the computing device according to the invention and to the computer-readable storage medium according to the invention. Furthermore, the preferred embodiments presented with reference to the method according to the invention and their advantages also apply to the computer program according to the invention.

[0028] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0029] The invention will now be explained in more detail using preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle comprising a computing device which is configured to carry out a method for increasing an attention level, and

[0031] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an increase in an attention level, wherein the first and the second parameter set describe a driving dynamics parameter of a lateral and a longitudinal guidance of the vehicle.

[0032] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 1, comprising a computing device 2 configured to execute a method for increasing the attention level of a driver of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is operated in a partially automated driving mode 7 with a first parameter set. The operation of the vehicle 1 in the partially automated driving mode 7 can be carried out by a central control unit 8 of the vehicle 1.

[0034] In the method for increasing an attention level, a traffic situation 4 in front of the vehicle 1, which describes a road course 5 and / or another road user 6, can be detected using environmental data from an environmental sensor 3 with the aid of the computing device 2 of the vehicle 1. Subsequently, a second parameter set for the partially automated driving mode 7 can be determined with the aid of the computing device 2, wherein the second parameter set is determined as a function of the traffic situation 4. The second parameter set can then be transmitted from the computing device 2 to the central control unit 8. Finally, the vehicle 1 can be operated in the partially automated driving mode 7 with the second parameter set.

[0035] The computer-readable storage medium 9, as part of the computing device 2, can comprise a computer program which comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by the computing device 2, cause the computing device 2 to carry out the method.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an increase in the attention level, with the first and second parameter sets describing driving dynamics parameters for the lateral and longitudinal guidance of the vehicle. Fig. 2 outlines a trajectory T1 and a trajectory T2, which describe a lane change of vehicle 1 to avoid and overtake another road user 6. Trajectory T1 describes the future path of vehicle 1 when vehicle 1 is operated in the partially automated driving mode 7 with the first parameter set.

[0037] In order to increase the attention level of the driver of vehicle 1, a second parameter set can now be determined, wherein the driving dynamics parameters differ from the first parameter set. In the example from Fig. 2, a permissible maximum lateral acceleration for trajectory planning in the partially automated driving mode 7 is increased and, at the same time, a minimum distance to other road users 6 is reduced. As a result, when vehicle 1 is operated in the partially automated driving mode 7 with the second parameter set, the lane change can be carried out at a later time and more jerkily. This delayed time and the more jerky execution of the lane change are represented (implicitly) in Fig. 2 by trajectory T2. As a result, the driver's comfort can decrease. This can redirect the driver's attention to the road. In other words, the driver's attention level can be increased.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for increasing the attention level of a driver of a vehicle (1) which is operated in a partially automated driving mode (7) with a first parameter set, comprising the steps: - detecting a traffic situation (4), wherein the traffic situation (4) describes a road course (5) and / or another road user (6), - determining a second parameter set for the partially automated driving mode (7), wherein the second parameter set is determined as a function of the traffic situation (4), and - Operating the vehicle (1) in the partially automated driving mode (7) with the second parameter set.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first parameter set and the second parameter set describe at least one driving dynamics parameter of a lateral guidance of the vehicle (1) and the first and the second parameter set are determined as a function of the road course (5).

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the driving dynamics parameter of the lateral guidance of the vehicle (1) describes a permissible lateral acceleration limit value and / or a permissible yaw rate limit value for the partially automated driving mode (7).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first parameter set and the second parameter set describe at least one driving dynamics parameter of a longitudinal guidance of the vehicle (1) and the first and the second parameter set are determined as a function of the other road user (6).

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the driving dynamics parameter of the longitudinal guidance of the vehicle (1) describes a permissible minimum distance to the other road user (6) and / or describes a permissible minimum collision time for the partially automated driving mode (7).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operation of the vehicle (1) in the partially automated driving mode (7) with the second parameter set is additionally carried out as a function of a random generator.

7. Computing device (2) for a vehicle (1), which is designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims.

8. Computer-readable storage medium (9) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing device (2), cause the computing device (2) to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 6.

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