CRUISING NEW STYLE

Drivers have to monitor an increasing amount of driver-supporting systems. Although these systems are designed to reduce the workload of the driver, they require the driver to be on standby to take action when necessary. This project is about designing controls for driver assistance

 

1st year master

systems to reduce attention dividing and help driver to regain authority over the vehicles behaviour. By linking the control to the vehicles longitudinal speed experience, drivers get back the feel of embodiment with the vehicle without interrupting the automation that has been set.

 

The final direction tries to answer to both improving driving assistance systems as well as improving driving workload management. Both topics are connected.

The way drivers interact with supporting systems has consequences for the workload.

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1. The off-position (fig. 1) of the lever is inside the steering wheel.

2. When the cruise control is engaged, by squeezing the lever further into the steering wheel, the lever will extend from the back of the steering wheel.

3. To reduce power input the lever is squeezed from position fig. 2) to position fig. 3). The deceleration rate is linked to how far the lever is squeezed.

The advantage of the new interaction over the conventional controller, is that it would be more suitable to use in heavy traffic context, because it is easier to change the longitudinal motion of the vehicle and therefor enables drivers to blend in with the traffic. It would make driving more relaxed, because drivers have the benefits of cruise control, so there is no need to look at the speedometer. Without the need for a speedometer, drivers are able to keep their visual attention to the road.

BRAM RUTTEN

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