Vehicle Follow-Start Timing Control for Driver Attention Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers may experience reduced attention during long waiting periods before starting their vehicle to follow a preceding vehicle, leading to potential delays in responding to the start of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A driving support method and device that sets a timing to start the own vehicle based on the elapsed time since the preceding vehicle started, with later start times for longer elapsed times, using sensors and control units to manage acceleration and distance, ensuring the driver's attention is restored before starting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the own vehicle automatically follows the preceding vehicle after a long waiting period, then the productivity is improved by reducing waiting time, but the driver's attention may be reduced leading to safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the start request early and setting a start permission period in advance. The ECU prepares the vehicle for automatic following by pre-processing the start condition evaluation, so that when the driver's attention is restored, the vehicle can immediately execute the following operation without delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the start permission period and evaluates start conditions in real-time. The ECU provides feedback by comparing the current state against the preset start conditions, and adjusts the timing to ensure the vehicle starts only when appropriate, balancing productivity improvement with driver safety and attention.
2Reliability
If the start permission period is set to ensure driver attention is restored, then the safety is improved, but the waiting time increases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the start permission period based on the detected number of start requests. When multiple start requests are detected, the ECU extends the start permission period to ensure driver attention is restored. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between safety (driver attention) and productivity (waiting time) according to actual operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU changes the parameter of the start permission period duration based on the number of start requests detected. By varying this time parameter adaptively, the system ensures that the driver has sufficient time to restore attention when needed, while minimizing unnecessary waiting periods that would reduce productivity.
3Productivity
If the own vehicle starts immediately after the preceding vehicle, then the productivity is improved by minimizing delay, but the system load increases and followability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates multiple start conditions partially rather than requiring all conditions to be fully satisfied immediately. The ECU checks various conditions (preceding vehicle detection, distance, speed) and determines the optimal start timing based on the degree to which conditions are met, allowing for flexible start timing that balances productivity with system load management.
Data Source
AI summary
A driving support method and a driving support device set a timing to start an own vehicle based on an elapsed time from a stop of the own vehicle to a start of a preceding vehicle existing in front of the own vehicle, wherein the timing in case that the elapsed time is long is later than the timing in case that the elapsed time is short, and start the own vehicle at the set timing by following the preceding vehicle.