Driver Distraction-Based Cruise Control Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driver assistance systems do not adequately account for a driver's state of attention, leading to reduced driving comfort and increased risk of unintentional braking due to lack of dynamic adjustment of speed control based on driver distraction.

Innovation Solution

A control device that determines a driver's gaze behavior and degree of distraction using sensor data to adjust compensation values and limits of automatic cruise control and speed limiter systems, dynamically adjusting speed control based on the driver's attention level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the driver is required to continuously monitor multiple systems (infotainment, climate control, vehicle settings) during operation, then the functionality and ease of operation are improved, but the driver's attention is diverted from the road, compromising safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages infotainment and climate control functions without requiring continuous driver intervention. The control device autonomously processes user inputs, adjusts settings, and manages system operations, allowing the driver to interact minimally while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A control device acts as an intermediary between the driver and multiple vehicle systems. This intermediary processes commands, coordinates between infotainment, climate control, and vehicle settings systems, and executes adjustments without requiring the driver to directly engage with each system interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If multiple control functions are integrated into a single control device, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of individual control functions may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is segmented into multiple independent control units, each responsible for specific functions (infotainment, climate control, vehicle settings). This modular architecture allows individual functions to be isolated and maintained separately, ensuring that a failure in one segment does not compromise the entire system's reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device is designed with multi-functionality to handle infotainment, climate control, and vehicle settings through a unified interface. This universal design reduces the number of separate control devices needed while maintaining reliable function execution through standardized protocols and redundant control pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the driver interacts frequently with infotainment and climate control systems, then the functionality and user experience are improved, but the driver's attention is diverted from monitoring the road, compromising safety

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control device enables periodic or scheduled adjustments to infotainment and climate control systems rather than requiring continuous driver interaction. Drivers can set preferences and automatic adjustments that occur at intervals or based on detected conditions, reducing the frequency of driver engagement while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor driver behavior, vehicle conditions, and system status to automatically adjust infotainment and climate control settings. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to driver needs without requiring explicit continuous input, maintaining versatility while minimizing driver distraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4615733B1Control device and method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP4615733B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device (20) for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the control device (20) is designed to receive sensor data relating to the driver of the motor vehicle (10), determine the viewing behavior of the driver on the basis of the sensor data, determine the degree of distraction of the driver on the basis of the determined viewing behavior, and set a compensation value and/or a compensation limit value for an automatic speed control and/or a speed limiter of the motor vehicle (10) on the basis of the determined degree of distraction.