Vehicle Vigilance Stimulus Control Without Driver Annoyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for enhancing operator vigilance in vehicles often cause adverse reactions due to obtrusive provocations, which can annoy drivers and are not effective before a disengagement event.
Innovation Solution
A vigilance enhancement system that uses subtle stimulus patterns, such as seat massage, temperature, and cabin adjustments, based on a disengagement likelihood to enhance operator vigilance without causing adverse reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If obtrusive provocations are used to enhance operator vigilance, then operator vigilance is improved, but driver annoyance increases causing adverse reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters of the stimulus from obtrusive to subtle by adjusting the intensity and type of provocation. Instead of using loud alarms or harsh visual warnings, the system employs subtle cues like gentle haptic feedback or soft lighting changes that are sufficient to regain driver attention without causing annoyance or adverse reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by using only the minimum necessary stimulus intensity to enhance vigilance. Rather than applying full-strength provocations that guarantee driver reaction, the system uses calibrated subtle stimuli that are just sufficient to bring the driver back to an engaged state without overstimulation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If subtle stimulus patterns are used to enhance operator vigilance, then driver annoyance is reduced, but the effectiveness of vigilance enhancement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the stimulus patterns based on real-time driver state assessment. The subtle stimuli are not static but are modulated in intensity, frequency, and type according to the driver's current level of engagement, ensuring that the stimulus remains effective while maintaining subtlety. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the balance between subtlety and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor driver response to subtle stimuli and adjust subsequent provocation strategies accordingly. When subtle stimulus patterns successfully enhance vigilance without causing annoyance, the system learns from this feedback and refines its approach, ensuring sustained effectiveness while maintaining driver comfort.
3Reliability
If driver monitoring systems are implemented to detect vigilance levels, then operator vigilance can be enhanced, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service principles by utilizing existing vehicle sensors and data infrastructure to monitor driver state. Rather than implementing a completely new monitoring system, the solution leverages available data from vehicle systems (such as steering input, pedal usage, and existing camera systems) to assess driver vigilance, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using existing vehicle components for multiple purposes. For example, existing cameras used for autonomous driving functionality are also utilized for driver vigilance monitoring, and standard vehicle sensors are repurposed to detect driver engagement levels. This universal approach eliminates the need for dedicated monitoring hardware, reducing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to enhancing operator vigilance without causing an adverse reaction. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a disengagement likelihood; selecting a stimulus pattern that if executed adjusts a vehicle function; and executing the stimulus pattern if the disengagement likelihood is above a first threshold and below a second threshold.