Vehicle Mobile Terminal Link for Reliable Driver Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transferring control from an automated driving vehicle to a human driver are not reliable, as visual and auditory warnings may be ignored if the driver is distracted by other activities, posing a risk, especially in scenarios requiring immediate attention.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to establish a communications link between a motor vehicle and a mobile user terminal, ensuring that a transfer indication can only be used if the terminal is capable of outputting it, using visual, audible, and haptic alerts, with resource priority to guarantee perception, even if the driver is engaged with other tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If visual or audible warning signals are used to alert the driver to take control, then the driver can be notified of the transfer indication, but the driver may ignore these signals when distracted by other activities such as reading, writing, or listening to music

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of alert perceptionVSAvoiddriver distraction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile user terminal acts as an intermediary device between the automated driving system and the driver. When the driver is distracted and does not perceive the transfer indication through vehicle displays or audio signals, the system sends the indication to the mobile user terminal (which the driver is actively using), ensuring the driver receives the alert through the device they are already interacting with.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of trying to get the driver's attention through traditional vehicle warning systems when they are distracted, the system inverts the approach by sending the transfer indication to the mobile user terminal that the driver is already using. This reverses the traditional warning direction and uses the driver's current focus point as the notification medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the driver is allowed to engage in activities on electronic devices during automated driving, then the driver can perform tasks such as reading, writing, or gaming, but the driver's attention is diverted and they may not notice warning signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver activity flexibilityVSAvoiddriver awareness of transfer indication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile user terminal serves as a mediator that bridges the driver's activity on electronic devices with the automated driving system's need to communicate transfer indications. The system leverages the driver's existing interaction with the mobile device to deliver critical alerts without requiring the driver to shift attention from their current activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile user terminal performs multiple functions: it serves as both the driver's activity device (for reading, writing, gaming) and as a communication channel for transfer indications. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain driver activity flexibility while ensuring reliable alert delivery through the same device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If automated driving is permitted in certain regions, then the driver can engage in other activities, but automated driving may not be permitted in metropolitan areas due to risk to pedestrians

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated driving capabilityVSAvoidrisk to pedestrians

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring whether the driver has perceived the transfer indication. If the driver does not respond to initial warnings, the system sends additional transfer indications to the mobile user terminal, creating a feedback loop that ensures the driver eventually receives and acknowledges the alert before automated driving resumes or terminates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by sending transfer indications to the mobile user terminal in advance, giving the driver ahead notice to take control before the automated driving system terminates or before a hazardous situation develops. This preliminary alert allows the driver to prepare for the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10407082B2Method for producing a communications link between a motor vehicle and a mobile user terminal, computer program product, mobile user terminal, system and motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.09.10 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A method is disclosed for producing a communications link between a motor vehicle and a mobile user terminal. The mobile user terminal and/or the motor vehicle send a request to establish a communications link between the motor vehicle and the mobile user terminal. A check is carried out as to whether the mobile user terminal is configured to output a transfer indication sent from the motor vehicle to the mobile user terminal. A communications link is established between motor vehicle and mobile user terminal if the check is successful. A communications link is not established between motor vehicle and mobile user terminal if the check is unsuccessful.