A control authority transition system for collision avoidance

Abstract

Drivers differ significantly in their skill levels, driving habits, capabilities and decisions especially when impaired by drugs, fatigue or physical handicaps. Late or inadequate responses to hazards and dangers may cause severe results. It may be possible to improve the ability of a driver to operate a vehicle safely if certain parameters in the control of the vehicle axe adjusted according to the driver's normal characteristics. Value has already been established for tailoring certain attributes such as seat, pedals, steering wheel position and mirrors to a given driver through memory functions. This research concentrates on assessing a driver's operating characteristics and modifying the control of the vehicle to improve safe operation of the vehicle on a real-time basis.