For ADF, a clear communication of the mode is crucial. The user must understand when s/he is in control of the vehicle and when a transfer of control occurs.
It is important that a user is aware of the possible AD modes of the ADF to avoid misunderstandings. The user should understand three main modes: (1) fully manual mode, (2) partial automated mode (e.g. longitudinal control only), (3) automated mode (longitudinal and lateral control).
If the mode is not clearly understood by the user, the results could lead to an incident. There are many ways to communicate the mode to the user and these should be considered when defining the HVI. In the later stages of development, the clarity of mode should be assessed with a high level of scrutiny to ensure that there is no ambiguity. A test procedure to assess that basic mode indicators are capable of informing the user about relevant modes.
Main Question
Is an appropriate and clear way to communicate the automated driving modes to the user investigated and confirmed?
Sub-Questions
- Are all possible AD modes explicitly defined (in terms of how the users should acknowledge them)?
- Are the appropriate numbers of different AD modes communicated to the driver investigated and confirmed?
- Is it investigated if it is necessary to permanently display to the driver the active automated driving mode?
- Is the necessity, to communicate to the driver the automated driving mode changes, considered and confirmed?
- Is the appropriate recognition by the driver of automated driving mode changes considered and confirmed?