Vehicle Task Lockout Based on Driver Workload and Content Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle user interfaces often lock out content without considering the structure of the content or current driving conditions, potentially preventing drivers from performing desired functions while moving, which can decrease driver satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates a driver workload value based on task parameters, vehicle parameters, and driver state parameters to determine if a task can be performed while the vehicle is moving, locking out tasks if the workload exceeds a threshold and the vehicle is above a certain velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user interface content is locked out while the vehicle is moving, then driver safety is improved, but driver satisfaction deteriorates due to inability to perform desired functions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different lock-out rules to different user interface content based on their distraction potential. Instead of uniformly locking out all content, the system evaluates each task's structure (number of menu levels, interaction complexity) and applies selective lock-out only to high-risk content, allowing safe content to remain accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the lock-out state based on real-time driving conditions. It monitors vehicle speed, acceleration, and road conditions to determine when it is safe to allow task interaction. The lock-out is not static but adapts to changing driving contexts, enabling tasks during safe conditions while preventing them during hazardous conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If entire menu-based interface is locked out, then driver distraction is reduced, but functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates the structure of each menu and task individually, assessing factors such as the number of menu levels, number of options per level, and expected interaction time. Only menus exceeding predetermined thresholds are locked out, while simpler menus remain accessible, preserving functionality for low-risk content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the user interface based on driving conditions and content characteristics. It adjusts the lock-out threshold, response time requirements, and interaction complexity limits dynamically, allowing the interface to adapt its behavior to match both safety requirements and functional needs.
3Ease of operation
If user interface allows task interaction during movement, then driver satisfaction improves, but driver safety may deteriorate due to distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors driving conditions and provides feedback to determine whether task interaction is safe. It uses vehicle speed, acceleration, and road condition data to dynamically adjust task availability, allowing interaction only when environmental feedback indicates safe conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of task interaction based on real-time assessment. It adjusts response time limits, complexity thresholds, and permitted interaction types according to current driving conditions, enabling safe task completion while preventing unsafe interactions.
4Ease of operation
If lock-out rules consider content structure and driving conditions, then task accessibility improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses predefined parameters such as menu depth, number of options, and interaction time thresholds to evaluate content structure. These parameters are compared against driving condition parameters (speed, acceleration) using predetermined rules, enabling sophisticated decision-making through systematic parameter evaluation rather than complex algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for determining when a task may be performed on a vehicle that is moving. The method includes generating a driver workload value based on at least one task parameter describing a predetermined attribute of the task and preventing a user from performing the task if the driver workload value exceeds a predetermined driver workload threshold and the vehicle is moving.