Dissertation
Driver’s mental model assessment on ADAS after over-the-air updates
University of Iowa
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Iowa
Summer 2024
DOI: 10.25820/etd.007632
Abstract
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) integrate advanced technologies to assist the driver and enhance safety in vehicles. These systems aid drivers with some parts of driving, and their ongoing iteration offers benefits to safety or convenience. Understanding system functionality can foster the safe use of ADAS, especially when interaction between the driver and the system is required for its operation. To facilitate quick adaptation and enhance understanding among drivers, it is necessary to investigate the factors that influence their mental models. Drivers’ mental models may include how they understand the purpose, function, and limitations of the ADAS and the responsibilities of the driver while in operation. Over-the-air (OTA) updates, which involve remotely updating software or firmware on vehicles, are increasingly common in vehicles, affecting features like ADAS. If an OTA update changes the way the vehicle steers, accelerates, decelerates, or brakes, drivers may need to adjust their mental model as it alters system behaviors.
This dissertation explores drivers’ understanding and self-reported confidence in their understanding of ADAS after OTA updates and, based on these findings, proposes how to design consumer education accordingly. Exploring the factors aiding drivers’ adaptation to new systems becomes an important design and educational consideration. The first study investigated the influence of initial experience with the new system on drivers’ mental models. The second study evaluated the potential impact of the transfer of learning from a familiar ADAS to a new ADAS. Finally, the third study employed a safety-critical task analysis approach to certain ADAS features (based on the owner’s manual) to identify safety-critical tasks and provide recommended scenario-based design solutions.
The findings showed that the effect of the initial system experience varies depending on the system. For a collision warning/intervention system, participants who experienced the system had a higher confidence level in their understanding but not a better understanding. However, for a driving control assistance system, participants who experienced it had a better understanding but not necessarily more confidence. Participants’ understanding of the new system was associated with consistent features shared with the previous system. However, inconsistent information between the two systems was related to difficulty in understanding the new system. Lastly, safety-critical tasks and potential errors were identified while operating certain systems, and improvement recommendations were suggested. These recommendations were intended to prevent or mitigate potential hazards associated with safety-critical tasks. The findings of this research have the potential to develop future driver education strategies, thereby enhancing safety, user understanding of and experience with ADAS.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Driver’s mental model assessment on ADAS after over-the-air updates
- Creators
- Jimin (Joy) Kim
- Contributors
- Daniel McGehee (Advisor)John Gaspar (Committee Member)Justin Mason (Committee Member)Thomas Schnell (Committee Member)Xuan Song (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Industrial Engineering
- Date degree season
- Summer 2024
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- DOI
- 10.25820/etd.007632
- Number of pages
- x, 147 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2024 Jimin (Joy) Kim
- Language
- English
- Date submitted
- 06/26/2024
- Description illustrations
- illustrations, tables, graphs
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 105-134).
- Public Abstract (ETD)
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are technologies designed to assist drivers in the task of driving, such as adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist. These systems are continuously evolving to offer drivers the benefits of improved safety and decreased driving fatigue on the road. This dissertation focuses on identifying the factors influencing drivers’ understanding of and confidence in a new system after over-the-air (OTA) updates, which remotely update the software or firmware of vehicles and can affect how ADAS operates. This dissertation also suggests additional consumer education strategies. Through two studies, this research identified the factors influencing drivers’ adaptation to new ADAS features. We explored the influence of initial experiences with updated systems on drivers’ understanding, and how learning from past experiences impacted their understanding of new ADAS. The results of this study revealed varying impacts of initial system experience on driver understanding and confidence. Features that were consistent between the initial and updated systems aided understanding, but inconsistent information posed challenges to the driver. Additionally, this study identified tasks critical to safety in system operation, such as monitoring the surroundings, and it suggested safeguards, which were protective measures intended to prevent or mitigate potential hazards associated with safety-critical tasks. The findings of this research provide insights into how drivers’ understanding of ADAS changes following OTA updates, potentially influencing future driver education efforts. Whether you are an expert driver or simply curious about the technology in your car, this research sheds light on the future of automotive safety and usability.
- Academic Unit
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9984698352702771
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