Driver-State Adaptive Vehicle Control for Delayed Reaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers who are sleepy, tired, or distracted may have slow reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents, and existing autonomous driving modes do not account for a driver's mental state, potentially leading to unsafe vehicle control.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle computer system that includes a mental state detection application to assess a driver's reaction time and adjust vehicle control operations, such as braking sensitivity, to anticipate and compensate for delayed driver responses, potentially enabling autonomous assistance in hazardous conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous driving mode is implemented, then vehicle control is automated, but the system does not accommodate driver's mental state leading to safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors driver status through sensors (camera, microphone, etc.) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust autonomous driving behavior. When driver impairment is detected, the system modifies control parameters or requests takeover, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that adapts to real-time driver conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous driving system transitions from a static control mode to a dynamic adaptive mode. The level of automation and control intervention varies based on detected driver mental state, allowing the system to adjust its behavior dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed autonomous mode
2Reliability
If driver monitoring is added to assess mental state, then driving safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing vehicle sensors and processors for multiple purposes - standard driver monitoring functions (attention detection, fatigue detection) are combined with mental state assessment. This multi-functionality approach allows safety improvements without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-assessment of driver capability using onboard sensors and algorithms. The vehicle computer automatically analyzes driver responses to stimuli and adjusts control parameters without requiring external intervention or additional complex infrastructure
3Reliability
If vehicle control is adjusted for slow response, then accident risk is reduced, but response time for normal conditions may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different control characteristics to different driving situations based on driver mental state. When impairment is detected, specific control parameters (braking sensitivity, acceleration response) are locally adjusted rather than uniformly slowing all vehicle responses, maintaining appropriate responsiveness for normal conditions while providing compensatory control for hazardous situations
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to assisted driving of a vehicle. The response time of the driver may be measured and control operations may be adjusted to accommodate or compensate the response time of the driver. Predictive actions in anticipation of a slightly delayed input from the driver may be taken to avoid potentially dangerous conditions. A vehicle may be controlled to slow down to allow more time to a potential event to accommodate a slow response from the driver.