Brain-to-Vehicle
How detecting and analyzing brainwaves can unlock new levels of driving excitement
Brain-to-Vehicle (B2V) is a technology designed to decode a driver’s thoughts and intentions, offering a greater sense of control and peace of mind.
This technology features two key benefits:
- Enhancing driver performance by enabling them to reach their full potential while maintaining control on the road.
- The ability to provide real-time adjustments during autonomous driving to best suit the driver’s preference or mood. (a new innovative approach)
Technology functionality
Predict:
When in manual driving mode, by identifying brain signals that the driver is about to initiate a movement - such as turning the steering wheel or pushing the accelerator pedal - driver assist technologies can support these actions in a quicker manner. This can improve reaction time and make for a more enjoyable journey.
For example, on mountain roads where there are lots of tight corners, drivers can better handle the control of the vehicle and enhance confidence. Skilled drivers can also benefit by optimizing the abilities in challenging conditions, such as a winding road.
Detect:
In autonomous driving mode, by detecting and evaluating driver discomfort, the artificial intelligence can alter the driving configuration or driving style to help the driver feel peace of mind.
Based on driver preference and driving style, the system can adapt to the driver’s intentions during autonomous driving.
For example, if a driver prefers their car to drive in the faster lane down a stretch of highway, the autonomous drive system can pick up this driving behavior and match it in a safe manner in relation to driving conditions and other vehicles.
Technology configuration
Nissan Brain-to-Vehicle technology provides the world's first system for real-time detection and analysis of brain activity relating to driving. It includes activity in advance of intentional movement (e.g. steering), known as movement-related cortical potential (MRCP), and activity that reveals the variance between what the driver expects and what they are experiencing (e.g. car moving too fast for comfort), known as error-related potentials (ErrP). This brainwave activity is measured using a skullcap worn by the driver and analyzed and interpreted for immediate implementation by onboard autonomous driving systems. By anticipating intended movement, systems can engage (turning the steering wheel or slowing the car) 0.2 to 0.5 seconds faster than the average human response time, improving reaction times while being nearly imperceptible for the driver.
Furthermore, Nissan is also researching how to enhance driving performance by electrically stimulating brain.
Previous research has revealed that in a test where general participants drive a new course 10 times, the group of participants who received brain stimulation completed the course in half the time and memorized the course in 50% quicker than the group that did not receive stimulation.
Brain-to-Performance which is a training program utilizing this technology, was tested with Nissan’s Formula E Team drivers during the Season 10 season with promising results.
