RE: BMW iNEXT23 May 2020 10:20
HMI design
We recognize that for any system that still relies on the human operator as a fallback-ready user (see SAE Level 3 definition), there may be human factor challenges related to driver awareness and engagement. Therefore, the comprehensibility of BMW’s HMI is assessed for all states of operation with safety being the primary design goal. This is done through numerous HMI evaluations, empirical as well as non-empirical data, throughout the design and development process. Similarly, the communication with other road users is investigated where and when necessary.
To support the fallback-ready user, our system includes a driver-monitoring system to observe whether the fallback-ready user is awake, is sitting in the driver’s seat, and has the seat belt fastened.
To detect if the driver has taken over the driving task after a TOR the driver monitoring system also contains a hands-on-detection-sensor in the steering wheel, a steering-torque-sensor, and pedal-position-sensors. If the driver operates user-interface elements, opens the doors, or tries to shift gears this also will be detected by standard-sensors as used in conventional cars.
BMW iNEXT