Effects of integrated takeover request warning with personal portable device on takeover time and post-takeover performance in level 3 driving automation.

INTRODUCTION

Level 3 driving automation defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) requests human drivers to drive manually when the vehicle cannot perform the driving task. In this regard, researchers have studied the integrated takeover request (TOR) which provides visual and auditory TOR warning in both vehicle interface (e.g., dashboard, windshield (head-up display) and personal portable device (PPD) (e.g., cell phone, tablet). However, these studies neither used auditory TOR warning in PPD nor examined the effect of use of headphone on takeover. Thus, this study evaluates the effects of the integrated TOR with the use of headphones on the takeover time and the post-takeover performance.

METHOD

The behavior of 60 drivers was observed in the driving simulator experiment. During the experiment, the drivers watched a video on a tablet in automated driving, received the TOR warning, and manually drove in the lane change and pullover scenarios. The survey was also conducted to ask drivers' experience and preference for TOR warning.

RESULTS

The integrated TOR significantly reduced the takeover time compared to the conventional TOR which provides the TOR warning in vehicle interface only. The integrated TOR also improved the post-takeover performance as indicated by more stable steering operation and safer driving behavior after TOR warning. However, the use of headphones did not significantly reduce the takeover time or improve the post-takeover performance for the integrated TOR. The participants generally perceived higher subjective comfort and safety level with the integrated TOR than the conventional TOR.

CONCLUSIONS

The integrated TOR with auditory warning in PPD can significantly reduce the takeover time and improve the post-takeover performance in both urgent and less urgent conditions.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The integrated TOR with auditory warning in PPD can be applied to SAE Level 3 driving automation for safe transition from automated to manual driving.