Driver Assistance Guidance for Pedal Misapplication Deceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance systems struggle to effectively guide drivers to decelerate their vehicles promptly after a pedal misapplication operation, as current methods often fail to clearly communicate the error to the driver, leading to potential vehicle collisions.
Innovation Solution
A driver assistance device and method that utilize one or more processors to determine if a pedal misapplication condition is met, and in response, output a warning display and/or audio directly instructing the driver to release the depressed pedal, thereby facilitating early deceleration of the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a warning buzzer is used to attract driver attention, then the driver's attention is drawn to the pedal operation, but the driver is not guided to perform the correct deceleration operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication medium (display device showing text messages and graphical icons) between the warning buzzer and the driver. This intermediary translates the alarm into specific operational instructions, bridging the gap between attracting attention and guiding correct action. The display shows messages like 'Release accelerator pedal' with graphical representations, serving as a mediator that converts the abstract warning into concrete operational guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely acoustic warning mechanism (mechanical buzzer) with a multi-sensory communication system incorporating visual displays. This substitution transforms the warning from a simple attention-attracting device into an information-rich communication channel that can convey specific operational instructions through text and graphics, eliminating the ambiguity of audio-only warnings.
2Loss of information
If text messages are displayed to instruct the driver, then information is provided, but the driver requires considerable time to read and comprehend the message
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the instructional information into distinct visual components: graphical icons depicting pedal positions and text messages providing verbal instructions. This segmentation allows the driver to process the most critical information (graphical representation of correct action) immediately while the text provides supplementary confirmation, reducing overall comprehension time compared to processing a single block of text.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of presenting text-only instructions that require sequential reading, the patent inverts the approach by leading with visual graphical icons that convey the essential action immediately, followed by text messages. This inversion prioritizes visual processing over text processing, leveraging the brain's faster visual recognition capabilities to reduce response time.
3Productivity
If the system instructs the driver to depress the brake pedal, then deceleration is achieved, but the driver may not recognize that they are erroneously depressing the accelerator pedal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by displaying graphical icons that show the current pedal state (accelerator depressed) alongside the correct action (brake pedal). This visual feedback loop allows the driver to immediately comprehend the discrepancy between their intended action and actual action, providing cognitive feedback that enhances understanding of the error while simultaneously guiding the corrective action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the driver for the correct action by displaying graphical representations of the brake pedal position and release action before the driver completes the erroneous accelerator depression. This preliminary visual guidance pre-programs the correct motor response, allowing the driver to quickly transition from error to correction without needing to comprehend the full nature of the mistake first.
Data Source
AI summary
A driver assistance device includes a one or more processors. The one or more processors is configured to determine whether a pedal misapplication determination condition is satisfied, and output, when the one or more processors determines that the pedal misapplication determination condition is satisfied, at least one of a warning display and warning audio directly instructing a driver to release the pedal that is depressed at a point in time of outputting.