Driver Information Display for Automation Level Awareness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicles face challenges in designing an intuitive interface between human drivers and computer-based control systems, making it difficult for drivers to quickly and easily access necessary information about active support systems and their functionality, especially in varying levels of automation.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating a driver information system that generates a graphical representation of the vehicle's environment, adjusting the display based on the automation level, including control objects and rule objects, to intuitively show the driver the extent of automatic support and required manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If comprehensive information about driver assistance systems is provided through traditional interfaces, then driver awareness of system status is improved, but the complexity of the interface and difficulty of quick information access increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver awareness of system statusVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical environment displayed on the screen, showing detected objects, lanes, and road markings. This virtual representation provides comprehensive system status information without requiring complex traditional interfaces, as the information is conveyed through an intuitive visual replica of the driving scene that drivers can quickly comprehend.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a visual display dimension to the traditional driver assistance interface. By projecting system status information into a two-dimensional visual representation of the environment, the system transforms abstract system states into concrete visual elements that are easier to perceive and interpret quickly, reducing interface complexity while maintaining comprehensive information delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If detailed system information is displayed to improve driver understanding, then driver control awareness is enhanced, but the time required to process and interpret information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver control awarenessVSAvoidinformation processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs color coding to convey different system states and automation levels. For example, color changes indicate whether the system is actively monitoring or controlling, and what level of automation is engaged. This visual encoding allows drivers to rapidly comprehend detailed system information without requiring time-consuming text reading or interpretation, enhancing awareness while minimizing processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes display parameters such as the level of detail shown, the types of objects highlighted, and the automation level indicators based on the current driving situation and system state. This adaptive parameter adjustment ensures that only relevant information is prominently displayed at any given moment, allowing drivers to quickly grasp essential system status without being overwhelmed by unnecessary details.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If the interface provides extensive information about active assistance systems, then driver understanding of system functionality is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to information overload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver understanding of system functionalityVSAvoidease of information access
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display into distinct functional regions: the virtual environment representation showing detected objects and road features, the automation level indicator, and the system status feedback. This segmentation organizes extensive information into manageable, visually separated components that drivers can easily scan and understand, maintaining ease of operation while providing comprehensive system functionality information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous visual feedback that shows drivers what the system is detecting and how it is interpreting the environment. The display updates in real-time to reflect system actions and decisions, providing intuitive feedback about system functionality without requiring complex explanations. This feedback mechanism enhances driver understanding while maintaining ease of operation through natural, expectation-confirming visual responses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3931020B1Method for operating a driver information system in an ego-vehicle and driver information system
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3931020B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3931020B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3931020B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In the method for operating a driver information system in an ego-vehicle (1), environment data is detected in an environment of the ego-vehicle (1). A driver information display is generated and output, wherein the driver information display comprises a graphic representation of the environment of the ego-vehicle (1). An operating state of a driver assistance system (6) of the ego-vehicle (1) is detected and an automation level is determined based on the detected operating state of the driver assistance system (6). The representation of the environment is formed according to the determined automation level. The driver information system in an ego-vehicle (1) comprises a detection unit (2) which is designed to detect environment data in an environment of the ego-vehicle (1), and a control unit (3) which is designed to generate a driver information display and output same. In addition, the driver information display comprises a graphic representation of the environment of the ego-vehicle (1). In addition, the detection unit (2) is also designed to detect an operating state of a driver assistance system (6) of the ego-vehicle (1), wherein the control unit (3) is also designed to determine an automation level based on the detected operating state of the driver assistance system (6), and to form the representation of the environment according to the determined automation level..