In-Vehicle UI Pacing Using an Attention Buffer Model
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively manage a vehicle operator's attention during driving by diverting attention from the primary driving task, leading to potential accidents due to the need for additional infrastructure and resources to monitor situational awareness and attention levels.
Innovation Solution
A computing device employs an attention buffer model that adjusts based on user inputs, preventing interaction with the user interface when attention thresholds are met, allowing interaction when sufficient attention is restored, without requiring additional infrastructure for monitoring visual glance behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If eye-tracking or physiological measurement equipment is used to monitor driver attention, then measurement precision of attention levels is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing user input data as a simplified copy or proxy for direct attention monitoring. Instead of implementing complex eye-tracking hardware, the system copies information from existing digital footprints (user inputs, interaction patterns) to infer attention states, thereby achieving measurement without the complex infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical monitoring system (eye-tracking equipment, physiological sensors) with an information-processing approach. Instead of physically measuring eye movements or physiological signals, the system substitutes this with analysis of digital interaction data, eliminating the need for specialized hardware while maintaining attention assessment capability
2Reliability
If additional monitoring infrastructure is deployed to track driver situational awareness, then reliability of safety monitoring is improved, but loss of energy and computing resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing data infrastructure and processing pipelines that are already in place for other vehicle functions. By making the existing data ecosystem serve dual purposes (original function plus attention monitoring), the patent avoids duplicating infrastructure and reduces additional energy consumption while maintaining safety monitoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing vehicle computing resources and data collection systems multi-functional. The same sensors, processors, and data streams used for basic vehicle operation are also utilized for attention monitoring, thereby improving safety monitoring reliability without proportionally increasing energy consumption or resource loss
3Reliability
If the system prevents user interface interaction when attention thresholds are met, then safety of driving is improved, but productivity of content interaction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic or time-based restoration of interaction capabilities. Instead of permanently blocking the interface when attention thresholds are violated, the system allows for temporary suspensions followed by restoration periods, enabling drivers to regain attention and then resume interaction. This periodic approach maintains safety while preserving overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of interaction permissions based on real-time attention assessment. Rather than static blocking, the system continuously evaluates driver state and dynamically modifies interface accessibility, allowing interaction when safe and preventing it when unsafe. This dynamic approach optimizes both safety and productivity by adapting to changing driver conditions
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a computing device includes one or more user input detection components, and one or more processors configured to receive an indication of a first user input detected by the one or more user input detection components, responsive to receiving the indication of the first user input, adjust a level of an attention buffer at a defined rate; responsive to determining that the level of the attention buffer satisfies a first threshold, prevent further interaction with a user interface of the computing device, responsive to determining that an indication of a second user input has not been received within a time period, adjust a level of the attention buffer, and responsive to determining that the level of the attention buffer satisfies a second threshold, allow further interaction with the user interface.