Adaptive Driver Assistance Threshold Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driver assistance systems for vehicles are inflexible and do not account for long-term driver state or external driving conditions, leading to suboptimal support in varying traffic situations.

Innovation Solution

Adapt the activation threshold and intervention behavior of driver assistance systems based on both driver load and state, using detection and evaluation devices to assess current driving conditions and driver parameters, allowing for tailored support in different driving scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If driver assistance systems use fixed activation thresholds, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot adapt to varying driving situations and driver states

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptability to driving situationsVSAvoidSystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation of activation thresholds by continuously monitoring driver state parameters (attention level, drowsiness) and external conditions (traffic density, speed changes). The system automatically adjusts the activation threshold based on detected driver load and state, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying operating conditions without requiring complex manual reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously detect driver state through sensors (steering wheel movements, head position, accelerator pedal movements) and use this information to adjust the activation threshold. The detected driver load and state feed back into the control unit, which modifies the activation threshold accordingly, creating a closed-loop adaptive system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If driver assistance systems provide continuous active steering interventions, then lane guidance precision is improved, but driver workload and stress increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLane guidance precisionVSAvoidDriver workload
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the intervention parameter (activation threshold) based on detected driver state. When driver attention is high, the activation threshold is set higher, reducing intervention frequency and allowing greater driver control. When driver attention decreases, the threshold is lowered to increase intervention frequency and maintain lane guidance precision, thus adapting the system behavior to current operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial intervention by using edge-centered steering assistance that only activates when the vehicle approaches lane markings, rather than continuous intervention. This provides sufficient lane guidance precision while minimizing unnecessary steering interventions and driver workload during normal driving conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If driver assistance systems reduce intervention frequency, then driver workload decreases, but safety and lane guidance reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDriver workloadVSAvoidLane guidance reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of driver state and external conditions before determining the appropriate activation threshold. By continuously monitoring driver attention, drowsiness, and traffic conditions in advance, the system can proactively adjust the activation threshold to maintain adequate intervention frequency for safety while minimizing unnecessary interventions, thus preserving both reliability and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2489566B1Method for supporting a driver of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle or commercial vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP2489566B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The method involves engaging a driver assistance system during a driving operation when a defined activation threshold is achieved. A threshold value of the driver assistance system is adapted in response to a driver stress, which is detected by a detection and/or evaluation device, and/or a driver state, which is detected by the detection and/or evaluation device. An actual driver independent driving and/or traffic situation, traffic lane width, a traffic density and/or road condition are detected by the detection and/or evaluation device. An independent claim is also included for a driver assistance system for performing a method for assisting a driver of a vehicle.