Vehicle Micro-Interaction Postponement for Driver Distraction Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicle computing systems often present micro-interactions to drivers during driving, which can be distracting and require active thought, potentially diverting attention from critical driving tasks, especially when the timing of these interactions is not optimal.

Innovation Solution

A processor-based system that allows drivers to issue a 'wait' command for micro-interactions, delaying their presentation until a predetermined time or until specific conditions are met, such as stopping or being out of traffic, using data on vehicle context and interaction types to automatically manage when to re-present these interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If micro-interactions are presented to drivers during driving, then driver engagement with vehicle systems is improved, but driver distraction and safety are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver engagement with vehicle systemsVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the timing and presentation of micro-interactions based on real-time analysis of driver workload and driving conditions. The processor monitors multiple parameters including vehicle speed, traffic conditions, and driver behavior to determine optimal interaction moments, transforming static interaction schedules into adaptive, condition-based presentation timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of driving conditions and driver state before presenting micro-interactions. By evaluating traffic patterns, road conditions, and current driver workload in advance, the system proactively identifies safe windows for interaction presentation, preventing distracting prompts during critical driving moments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If micro-interactions require active thought and consideration, then driver response quality is improved, but driving task performance is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver response qualityVSAvoiddriving task performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback loops that monitor driver response patterns and adjust interaction complexity accordingly. By analyzing response time, accuracy, and driver workload indicators, the system adapts the cognitive demand of micro-interactions to match current driving conditions, presenting simpler interactions during high-workload periods and more complex ones during low-workload periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters of micro-interactions including presentation timing, duration, and cognitive complexity based on real-time driving conditions. Interaction prompts are modified in length, detail, and urgency depending on traffic conditions, vehicle speed, and detected driver workload, optimizing the balance between response quality and driving safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9248841B1Methods and apparatus for state dependent micro-interaction fulfillment
Publication Date: 2016.02.02 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US9248841B1 patent drawing
  • US9248841B1 patent drawing
  • US9248841B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system includes a processor configured to begin an instance of a micro-interaction, requiring a driver response to an issued query for completion. The processor is also configured to receive an occupant-issued wait command instructing delay of the micro-interaction. Further, the processor is configured to wait for a predetermined time period in accordance with the occupant-issued wait command and then re-present the micro-interaction for completion.