This article describes the systems architecture of a Driver's Warning Assistant (DWA). This differs from an automatic co-pilot by only presenting warning messages to the driver, instead of actually changing the vehicle controls. The chapter illustrates the components essential for driver modelling and warning message generation. The proposed structure of the model is illustrated by analysing a simple example of a common traffic situation. In this example, the driver in a vehicle equipped with a DWA is approaching an intersection where he has to cross a priority road regarding a stop sign. The task of the driver considered here is to come to a stop before crossing the priority road, and the DWA is only giving support when the driver disregards the stop sign. The minimum time needed by the driver and the DWA for the warning given by the DWA to be given and acted upon is analyzed in some detail.
Abstract