Web-Based Hazard Perception Training for Novice Drivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Novice teen drivers lack the skills to recognize driving hazards, leading to a higher risk of crashes, and existing training systems like RAPT3 have not been effective in widespread adoption due to high costs and limited access to driving simulators.

Innovation Solution

A web-based hazard perception training program, Road Aware, uses state-of-the-art 3D simulation technology to provide a driving simulator-like experience on a personal computer, focusing on hazard detection and recognition without developing overconfidence, and allows users to practice identifying hazards in various environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional driving simulators are used to train novice drivers, then hazard detection skills are improved, but cost and accessibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehazard detection skillsVSAvoidcost and accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the driving simulator experience using web-based 3D graphics and standard personal computers. Instead of requiring expensive physical simulators, the system replicates the essential hazard detection training function through software that runs on affordable hardware, making the training widely accessible while maintaining training effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical driving simulator system with a computer-based software system. The physical simulator hardware is substituted with web-based 3D graphical simulations that can be accessed through standard computers, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical simulation equipment while preserving the training capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If novice drivers are exposed to real driving conditions, then hazard recognition is improved, but safety worsens due to crash risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehazard recognitionVSAvoidcrash risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a computer simulation as an intermediary between the novice driver and real driving conditions. The simulation environment serves as a safe mediator that allows drivers to practice hazard recognition in controlled virtual scenarios before transitioning to real-world driving, eliminating the direct exposure to crash risks while maintaining training effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary training in a safe virtual environment before actual driving exposure. Novice drivers complete hazard detection training simulations first, building their recognition skills and confidence in advance, which then prepares them for safer transitions to real driving conditions and reduces the likelihood of crashes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If driving simulators are made available to all, then training accessibility is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining accessibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the training system to be universally accessible through standard personal computers and web browsers. The same software can run on different hardware platforms without requiring specialized equipment, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various user environments while maintaining consistent training quality and accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10810900B2Online method for training vehicle drivers and determining hazard detection proficiency

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 STATE FARM MUTAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY

AI summary

A system for determining vehicle driver hazard detection proficiency and calculating insurance discounts, the system comprising: an Internet device that presents to an Internet user a visual presentation of a continuous drive through a driving environment comprising at least two hazard modules, wherein each hazard module presents to the Internet user at least one driving scenario that comprises at least one hazard; an Internet device that records user viewing locations within the visual presentation, the user viewing locations corresponding to locations within the visual presentation that are viewed by the user during the visual presentation of the continuous drive; a computer analytics device comprising an algorithm that compares the recorded user viewing locations with defined locations of hazards within the visual presentation of the continuous drive, and determines a hazard detection proficiency of the user based at least on the comparison; a computer memory device comprising at least one minimum hazard detection proficiency criteria corresponding to an insurance discount; and a computer analytics device that compares the determined hazard detection proficiency of the user with the minimum hazard detection proficiency criteria and determines whether to award the insurance discount to the user.