Vehicle Controller Driver Attention via Periodic Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semi-autonomous vehicles, drivers often fail to maintain attention on the driving task due to the vehicle's autonomous capabilities, leading to safety concerns as they are expected to be attentive but not fully in control.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that can operate steering, propulsion, and braking while following a route, and activates a user interface at varying frequencies based on elapsed duration, user age, time of day, and route topology to maintain driver attention through alerts and notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the vehicle operates with autonomous capabilities (Level 2 autonomy), then the vehicle can perform multiple driving functions automatically, but the driver's attention on the driving task decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic alerts that activate at predetermined intervals during autonomous driving operations. The controller monitors the duration of autonomous mode and triggers alerts through the user interface at regular intervals to remind the driver to maintain attention, thereby periodically refreshing driver engagement without interrupting the autonomous driving function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the driver through the user interface regarding the status of autonomous driving operations. The controller communicates information about the autonomous mode status, alert timing, and driver attention requirements, creating a feedback loop that maintains driver awareness and engagement while the autonomous system operates.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle operates with autonomous capabilities, then the driver is relieved of control functions, but safety concerns arise due to reduced driver engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by proactively issuing alerts to the driver before safety risks can materialize. The controller monitors autonomous driving duration and preemptively triggers alerts to remind the driver to re-engage, preventing potential safety issues from reduced attention rather than reacting after problems occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by establishing a framework of periodic alerts and notifications before any safety incident can occur. The user interface is configured in advance to provide appropriate alerts based on autonomous driving duration, ensuring driver attention is maintained proactively throughout the autonomous operation period.
3Reliability
If the driver maintains constant attention on the driving task, then safety is improved, but the advantage of autonomous assistance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by requiring the driver to maintain attention only at specific intervals through periodic alerts rather than continuous monitoring. The alerts are triggered at predetermined durations of autonomous operation, providing sufficient driver engagement to maintain safety while allowing the driver to relax attention between alert intervals, thus achieving partial rather than complete continuous attention.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller includes a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions. The processor is programmed to control steering and at least one of propulsion and braking of a vehicle while following a route segment and, during the route segment, to activate a user interface at a frequency based on at least one of an elapsed duration of the route segment, an age of a user, a time of day, and a route-segment topology.