An Automobile Driver Assistance System for Improving Passenger Ride Comfort

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a driver assistance system for improving passenger ride comfort of automobiles. Based on results of psychophysical experiments of subjective ride comfort evaluation, a linear multiple regression model that evaluates the ride discomfort index (RDI) is proposed using longitudinal acceleration and jerk of the automobile as explanatory variables. In order to reduce the ride discomfort caused by the velocity fluctuation of an automobile, a microcomputer-based driver assistance system that evaluates the RDI and informs the driver of the RDI in real time by both visual and auditory means is developed. Experiments show that, with the help of the system, a driver can improve his/her driving skills and modify his/her driving behavior to provide passenger-friendly maneuvers and improve passenger ride comfort, thus verify the usefulness of the proposed driver assistance system. © 2002, The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. All rights reserved.