Attention Assist, Function - GF54.30-P-0009RR
Model 190
Shown Up To 30.11.2018
Shown As Of 01.12.2018
Function requirements in general
- Engine running or drive train operational
The ME-SFI control unit sends the "engine running" or "drivetrain operational" signal to the Electronic Stability Program control unit via the drive train CAN, powertrain control unit and chassis CAN 1.
Attention Assist, general
Attention Assistance is located in the Electronic Stability Program control unit. By evaluating steering patterns, any onset of driver fatigue (e.g. on long monotonous journeys on freeways and highways) can be detected. The steering patterns are evaluated in a vehicle speed range from 60 to 200 km/h. If any appropriate signs indicating fatigue or increasing lack of attention by the driver are recognized, the driver is prompted to take a break by means of visual and acoustic warnings.
Development of this software is based on experience gathered with test persons, whose different handling characteristics at night and day times were evaluated.
Attention assistance system
Up to 30.11.2018
The Attention Assist can be activated or deactivated in the "Assist." menu in the "Attention Asst." menu level on the instrument cluster.
The instrument cluster sends the status of the attention assistance system to the Electronic Stability Program control unit via the user interface CAN, AMG gateway control unit, chassis CAN 2, the front SAM control unit and chassis CAN 1.
As of 01.12.2018
The attention assistance system can be activated and deactivated via the operating level in the head unit.
The head unit sends the status of the attention assistance system over the user interface CAN, AMG gateway control unit and the suspension CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit.
The driver can select the following operating modes:
- "Standard"
- "Sensitive"
- "Off"
In "Sensitive" operating mode, the attention assistance system reacts more sensitively and issues warning messages sooner than in "Standard" operating mode.
In "Off" operating mode, the issuing of warnings is suppressed.
"Last-turned-on mode":
If the "Standard" or "Sensitive" operating mode was selected before a driving cycle, this mode is activated again after it. If the attention assistance system was switched off while driving ("Off" operating mode), the operating mode that was selected before switching off is active again.
If the "Off" operating mode is selected, this is indicated by a crossed-out coffee cup symbol on the instrument cluster. If the attention assistance system is in "Standard" or "Sensitive" operating mode, the coffee cup symbol is not displayed.
The driver can call up the following additional information:
- "Attention Level" (bar graph, 5-stage)
- Driving time since last driving cycle (in hours and minutes)
- Attention assistance system passive (e.g. vehicle speed <_60_or_>_200_km/h)
If the attention assistance system is switched to passive, the "System passive" message is output on the instrument cluster as well as the driving time since the start of driving and the bar graph.
The driver handling characteristics are also analyzed when the attention assistance system is switched to passive. If the attention assistance system is activated when driving, the entire journey from the start is taken into consideration.
At the start of the journey the Electronic Stability Program control unit uses an algorithm to determine the driver's individual warning threshold. This is the driving time and the time of day. The Electronic Stability Program control unit sends the request to issue a corresponding message over the suspension CAN 1, front SAM control unit, suspension CAN 2, AMG gateway control unit and the user interface CAN to the instrument cluster (up to 30.11.2018) or over suspension CAN 1, the AMG gateway control unit and the user interface CAN to the instrument cluster (as of 01.12.2018). Five bars (green, yellow, red) are shown in the "Attention Level" display.
If the number of indicators for lack of attention or fatigue goes up or in the event of a longer driving distance, the number of bars goes down.
If the warning threshold was exceeded (only a red bar is displayed), the Electronic Stability Program control unit then sends the request to issue a warning over suspension CAN 1, the front SAM control unit, suspension CAN 2, the AMG gateway control unit and the user interface CAN to the instrument cluster (up to 30.11.2018) or over suspension CAN 1, the AMG gateway control unit and the user interface CAN to the instrument cluster (as of 01.12.2018) and to the head unit.
The warning message "Attention Assist: Break!" then appears on the instrument cluster, and the driving time since the last break is displayed. A warning tone is also issued via the instrument cluster speaker. The instrument cluster directly actuates the instrument cluster speaker.
Up to 30.11.2018
The warning message can be acknowledged using the OK button in the left multifunction steering wheel button group. The steering wheel electronics read in the status of the OK button directly and sends it to the instrument cluster via the steering LIN, the steering column tube module control unit, chassis CAN 1, the front SAM control unit, chassis CAN 2, the AMG gateway control unit and user interface CAN. The steering column tube module control unit also transmits the status of the OK button via chassis CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit.
As of 01.12.2018
The warning message can be acknowledged using the instrument cluster finger navigation pad. The steering wheel electronics read in the status of the instrument cluster finger navigation pad directly and sends this over the steering wheel CAN, steering column tube module control unit, AMG FlexRay, AMG gateway control unit and the user interface CAN to the instrument cluster. The steering column tube module control unit also sends the status of the instrument cluster finger navigation pad over the AMG FlexRay to the Electronic Stability Program control unit.
A warning message is issued again at the earliest after expiry of 15 minutes.
On vehicles with CODE 531 (COMAND APS), if the warning threshold is exceeded, the nearest rest facilities are displayed to the driver in the Audio/COMAND display in addition to the warning message. Only premium parking places with a gas station and hospitality are taken into consideration. The display of suitable stops can be deactivated using the "Messages" menu on the Audio/COMAND display. The system remains deactivated after the next driving cycle.
The Electronic Stability Program control unit sends the request to issue a warning message over the suspension CAN 1, front SAM control unit, suspension CAN 2, AMG gateway control unit and the user interface CAN to the head unit (up to 30.11.2018) or over the suspension CAN 1, AMG gateway control unit and the user interface CAN to the head unit (as of 01.12.2018). The head unit determines suitable stops using the GPS signals and the navigation data. The head unit actuates the audio/COMAND display over the telematics CAN and sends the corresponding video signals over the LVDS line (up to 30.11.2018) or over the HSVL line (as of 01.12.2018).
Instrument cluster warning message, shown on Model 222
Essentially, the following influencing factors are evaluated:
- Time of day
- Driving time
- Steering movements
- Vehicle speed
- Vehicle longitudinal/lateral acceleration and yaw rate
- Control interventions
Time of day:
The time of day is also defined by the current time.
Up to 30.11.2018
The instrument cluster sends this via the user interface CAN, AMG gateway control unit, chassis CAN 2, the front SAM control unit and chassis CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit.
As of 01.12.2018
The instrument cluster sends this over the user interface CAN, AMG gateway control unit and the suspension CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit.
The received time is checked for plausibility by means of evaluating the ambient brightness. The ambient brightness is sensed by the rain and light sensor. The front SAM control unit reads in the data from the rain/light sensor via the wiper/inside rearview mirror LIN and sends information about the dusk/dawn level via chassis CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit.
If there is a transition between dusk and dawn at an implausible time, an entry is made in the Electronic Stability Program control unit diagnostic memory.
Driving time:
The driving time is determined by the Electronic Stability Program control unit.
Steering movements:
Up to 30.11.2018
Steering movements are recorded by the steering wheel angle sensor. The steering column tube module control unit reads in the signals of the steering wheel angle sensor directly and transmits information about the steering wheel angle and the steering wheel velocity to the Electronic Stability Program control unit via chassis CAN 1.
As of 01.12.2018
Steering movements are recorded by the steering wheel angle sensor. The steering column tube module control unit reads in the signals of the steering wheel angle sensor directly and sends information about the steering wheel angle and the steering wheel velocity over the AMG FlexRay, AMG gateway control unit and the suspension CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit.
Vehicle speed:
The Electronic Stability Program control unit calculates the vehicle speed from the wheel speeds.
Vehicle longitudinal/lateral acceleration and yaw rate:
Information about the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral acceleration and the yaw rate is acquired by the turn rate, lateral acceleration and longitudinal acceleration sensor. The turn rate sensor for lateral and longitudinal acceleration sends the corresponding values via the vehicle dynamics CAN to the Electronic Stability Program control unit.
Control interventions:
Actuation of one of the following controls suppresses detection of steering patterns and therefore the output of warnings:
- Audio system controls (first-time operation is ignored, continuous operation is evaluated as distraction)
- Comfort function controls:
- CRUISE CONTROL lever (up to 30.11.2018)
- Steering column adjustment switch (with CODE P64 (Memory package))
- Combination switch
- Multifunction steering wheel button groups
Audio system controls:
The audio system is operated using the Audio/COMAND control panel (except code 446 (Touchpad only)) or over the touchpad (with code 446 (Touchpad only)).
Up to 30.11.2018
The control commands are receive over the telematics CAN from the head unit. The head unit sends information about control interventions at the audio system via the user interface CAN, AMG gateway control unit, chassis CAN 2, the front SAM control unit and chassis CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit.
As of 01.12.2018
The head unit sends information on the control commands on the audio system over the user interface CAN, AMG gateway control unit and the suspension CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit.
Comfort function controls:
Up to 30.11.2018
The steering column tube module control unit sends information about control interventions at the cruise control lever, the steering column adjustment switch (with CODE P64 (Memory package)), the combination switch and the multifunction steering wheel button groups to the Electronic Stability Program control unit via chassis CAN 1.
The steering wheel electronics read in the control interventions on the multifunction steering wheel button groups directly and transmit them to the steering column tube module control unit over the steering LIN.
As of 01.12.2018
The steering column tube module control unit reads in the control commands on the steering column adjustment switch and the combination switch directly, and sends corresponding information over the AMG FlexRay, AMG gateway control unit and the suspension CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit.
The steering wheel electronics read in the control commands on the multifunction steering wheel button groups directly, and sends corresponding information over the steering wheel CAN, steering column tube module control unit, AMG FlexRay, AMG gateway control unit and suspension CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit.
A warning is suppressed under the following conditions as no inferences about the attentiveness of the driver can be drawn from the driving behavior:
- For a driving time of less than 30 min
- Poor road surface condition (e.g. surface undulations, pot holes)
- Strong crosswind
- Sporty driving style (e.g. high cornering speeds, high acceleration)
- Vehicle speed range mainly below 80 km/h or above 180 km/h
- Operation of audio system incl. telephony
- Incorrectly set time
- Active driving situations (e.g. lane change, change of speed)
Also valid is the following function information which can lead to possible function complaints:
- No warning issued because driving time too short in active vehicle speed range:
The attention assistance system analyzes development of the handling characteristics. At the start of the journey the individual handling characteristic is classified. If the handling characteristic changes permanently a warning is issued. If the driving time within the active vehicle speed range (from 60 to 200 km/h) is too short, a warning is not issued.
- No warning because of restrictions associated with the system limits:
In an active vehicle speed range (from 60 to 200 km/h) the handling characteristics cannot be assesses either, when specific factors exert an influence, e.g. frequent lane changing, twisty roads, frequent control interventions, surface undulations, crosswinds or a dynamic driving style.
- Personal driving behavior:
The attention assistance system detects changes in driving behavior. These changes cannot always be explained as fatigue or increasing inattentiveness, rather they can also be caused by peculiarities in steering behavior. Certain driver types are particularly challenging for the attention assistance system, e.g. drivers with extremely smooth or extremely active steering behavior.
- Influence of the time on the sensitivity of the Attention Assist:
The attention assistance system reacts in accordance with the human biorhythm depending on the time (e.g. the mid-day low). These results are determined representatively, but they may also differ on an individual basis.
- Influence of driving time on the sensitivity of the Attention Assist:
As the length of driving time without a break increases, the sensitivity of the Attention Assist function also increases. The weighting of the driving time is based on surveys and correspond to the average fatigue characteristics.
- Warning because of distraction or mild fatigue:
The attention assistance system can not only warn in the event of fatigue, it can also warn when a change in handling characteristics occurs, e.g. where the driver is greatly distracted. Therefore, a warning issued because of increasing inattentiveness is also to be deemed correct. The subjective fatigue sensitivity and the objective assessment variable determined by the Attention Assist are different.
- Change in steering ability through other factors:
Besides fatigue or increasing inattentiveness other factors can also significantly change the steering ability, and influence the objective assessment variables as determined by the attention assistance system, e.g. increasingly slippery road surface, worsening visibility, narrowing roadway, worsening roadway.
| Attention Assist electrical function schematic | Model 190 up to 11/30/18 | PE54.71-P-2054-97HBA | |
| Model 190 as of 12/1/18 | PE54.71-P-2054-97HBB | ||
| Overview of system components for driver assistance systems | GF54.00-P-9998RR |