Driver Assistance Alert System Risk Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

As the number of driver assistance systems in vehicles increases, the complexity of operating and interpreting their outputs becomes more difficult, requiring a method to intuitively and effectively communicate warning messages to drivers regarding potential collisions and risks.

Innovation Solution

A method that records vehicle movement and accident risk data, differentiates between impending collisions and risk areas, and assigns a time criticality level to warning messages based on the likelihood and immediacy of a collision, using visual, acoustic, and haptic signals to inform drivers of the severity of the situation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple driver assistance programs are used in a vehicle, then the comprehensiveness of safety monitoring is improved, but the complexity of operating and interpreting the system outputs worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety monitoring comprehensivenessVSAvoidsystem output interpretation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous risk assessment into discrete risk classes (first, second, third risk class) based on different collision scenarios. Each risk class corresponds to specific detection conditions and trigger different alert behaviors, making the complex multi-program output interpretable through a unified classification framework

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate evaluation layer that processes outputs from multiple driver assistance programs and converts them into standardized risk classes. This intermediary layer aggregates data from various sensors and programs, evaluates collision risks systematically, and presents a simplified risk classification to the driver, acting as a mediator between complex system outputs and human interpretation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If detailed warning messages are issued for all detected risks, then the completeness of information provided to the driver is improved, but the burden of unnecessary alerts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddriver alert burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different alert strategies to different risk classes based on their specific characteristics. For the first risk class (low speed, short distance), visual alerts are used. For the second risk class (higher speed, longer distance), acoustic alerts are added. For the third risk class (imminent collision), haptic feedback through the steering wheel is incorporated. This localized adaptation of alert quality to specific risk types provides comprehensive information while avoiding unnecessary alerts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by selectively activating alert modalities based on risk severity. Not all alert types are activated for every risk situation - only the appropriate subset is activated based on the risk class. This prevents information overload while ensuring that sufficient information is provided for each specific risk level

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Speed

If the system assumes a collision will occur without changing planned movement, then the responsiveness to imminent collisions is improved, but the accuracy of collision prediction worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision response speedVSAvoidcollision prediction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the collision assumption criteria based on vehicle operating conditions. The system evaluates multiple parameters (vehicle speed, distance to obstacle, relative velocity) and only assumes imminent collision when specific dynamic conditions are met (low speed and short distance for first risk class, higher speed and longer distance for second risk class). This dynamic adaptation allows rapid response when appropriate while maintaining prediction accuracy by considering the actual state of the vehicle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2774133B1Method for outputting alert messages of a driver assistance system and associated driver assistance system
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2774133B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2774133B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2774133B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for outputting alert messages of a driver assistance system in a vehicle in which data for moving the vehicle and data regarding accident risks in the surroundings of the vehicle are detected, the detected data is evaluated and attributed to a specific accident risk category and an alert message is output subject to the attributed accident risk category. The method according to the invention is characterized in that from the captured movement of the vehicle a planned movement of the vehicle is derived and it is tested whether without modification of the planned movement of the vehicle a collision of the vehicle with another object will occur, and the manner of outputting the alert message is carried out in dependence on the result of said collision testing. The invention further relates to an associated driver assistance system and to a vehicle having such a driver assistance system.