Simulation-Based Testing of Foreseeable Misuse by the Driver Applicable for Highly Automated Driving

With highly automated driving (HAD), the driver can engage in non-driving-related tasks. In the event of a system failure, the driver is expected to reasonably regain control of the automated vehicle (AV). Incorrect system understanding may provoke misuse by the driver and can lead to vehicle-level hazards. ISO 21448, referred to as the standard for safety of the intended functionality (SOTIF), defines misuse as usage of the system by the driver in a way not intended by the system’s manufacturer. Foreseeable misuse (FM) implies anticipated system misuse based on the best knowledge about the system’s design and the driver’s behavior. This is the underlying motivation to propose simulation-based testing of FM. The vital challenge is to perform a simulation-based testing for a SOTIF-related misuse scenario. Transverse guidance assist system (TGAS) is modeled for HAD. In the context of this publication, TGAS is referred to as the “system”, and the driver is the human operator of the system. This publication focuses on implementing the driver-vehicle interface (DVI) that permits the interactions between the driver and the system. The implementation and testing of a derived misuse scenario using the driving simulator ensure reasonable usage of the system by supporting the driver with unambiguous information on system functions and states so that the driver can conveniently perceive, comprehend, and act upon the information.