Method and arrangement for controlling vehicular subsystems based on interpreted driver activity

The method as recited in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

• controlling operation of the subsystem to prevent said subsystem's establishment of an inherently more dangerous driving condition when said assessment of the driver's present level of inattentiveness exceeds a predetermined threshold level.

The method as recited in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

• preventing engagement of said subsystem of the vehicle when said assessment of the driver's present level of inattentiveness exceeds a predetermined threshold level.

The method as recited in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

• disengaging performance of said subsystem of the vehicle, on an automated basis, after said assessment of the driver's present level of inattentiveness exceeds a predetermined threshold level.

The method as recited in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said subsystem of the vehicle is a cruise control feature.

The method as recited in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said subsystem of the vehicle is a lane keeping support feature.

The method as recited in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said step of measuring, on a substantially real-time basis, a variable characteristic which correlates to a driver's inattentiveness to vehicle driving tasks further comprises at least one step selected from a group consisting of:

• measuring driver grip force on a steering wheel;
• and measuring movement of a steering column.

The method as recited in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising informing the driver of an assessment of over-threshold inattentiveness on a real-time basis.

The method as recited in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising informing the driver of an assessment of over-threshold inattentiveness in the form of post-trip feedback.

The method as recited in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising providing the driver with a feedback message on how the driver's attitude should be changed to become less inattentive.

The method as recited in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising determining that the driver's inattentiveness is deteriorating, and informing the driver of said deterioration.

The method as recited in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising determining that the driver's level of inattentiveness is outside a safety range, and informing the driver that the safety range has been exceeded.

The method as recited in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

• assessing vehicle condition data provided by vehicle condition detection means positioned on the vehicle, assessing environment data provided by environment detection means positioned on the vehicle, and determining the safety range in function of at least one of the vehicle condition data and of the environment data.