Analysis of Foot Kinematics During Organ-Type Brake Pedal Operation

Shinji Komatsu (SOKEN)･Kengo Ito･Genki Suzuki (DENSO)

This study examines the effects of dimensional variations in organ-type brake pedals, expected to become prevalent with brake-by-wire adoption, on foot kinematics during operation. It highlights how the presence or absence of the separation distance between the rotation axis and pedal surface (pedal surface offset) influences toe flexion during pedal operation, subsequently impacting foot pressure distribution.

Effects of Driver’s Decreased Walking Ability on Pedal Operation

Yui Kato･Machiko Hiramatsu (Nissan Motor)･Naoto Kamide･Masataka Ando (Kitasato University)･Tsuyoshi Sakuma (Nissan Motor)

It is necessary to clarify the physical function elements that lead to the decline in driving ability among elderly drivers. Previous studies have shown a correlation between the pedal operation ability and walking ability of the elderly. In this study, we dissected walking ability into foot movement abilities, such as toe grip strength and ankle range of motion, as well as the transition patterns of vertical ground reaction forces during single-leg stance. We analyzed the effect of these elements on pedal operation ability.

Identification of Driving Behavior and Gaze Behavior of Drivers with Impaired Cognitive Function

Fumito Yamada･Machiko Hiramatsu･Yuki Ito･Tsutomu Kawano･Tsuyoshi Sakuma (Nissan Motor)

To explore methods for the early detection of age-related cognitive decline, we compared the driving behavior of healthy older adults with that of individuals diagnosed with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Using a driving simulator, we replicated right-turn scene at an intersection and car-following situations. This study reports on the distinctive driving and gaze behaviors observed in drivers with cognitive impairment.

A Study on Estimation Method of Walking Ability and Cognitive Function by Driving Behavior

Akihiko Ebina･Machiko Hiramatsu･Tsutomu Kawano･Tsuyoshi Sakuma (Nissan Motor)

Examination of a method for estimating physical function deterioration due to aging from driving behavior.
Based on the fact that the pedal operation ability affects the parking behavior, the relation between the driving behavior from the parking start to the end and 2STEP test and TMT of drivers of wide age was examined. To propose a method for estimating function from driving behavior index correlated with walking ability and cognitive function.

Age-Related Changes in Pedal Operation and Their Effects on Driving (4th Report)
-Effectiveness of Pedal Characteristics Considerate of Elderly Drivers-

Machiko Hiramatsu･Akihiko Ebina･Tsutomu Kawano･Yui Kato･Tsuyoshi Sakuma (Nissan Motor)

This study focuses on pedal operations for the development of vehicles and support measures that consider the physical characteristics of elderly drivers. Previous research has shown that the decline in the dexterity of pedal operations associated with aging affects behaviors at stop sign intersections and parking. Additionally, we clarified the pedal characteristics that are easy to operate for elderly drivers and the range of ankle joint angles. In this report, we implemented these pedal characteristics in electric vehicles and confirmed their effectiveness in stop sign intersections and parking situations.

Comparison of Traffic Accident Characteristics Caused by Drivers’ Pedal Misapplications and Gear Shift Errors

Yoko Kato･Yasuhiro Matsui･Michiaki Sekine (NALTEC)

Thus far, the authors have analyzed traffic accidents statistical data to identify the characteristics of traffic accidents caused by pedal misapplications involving elderly drivers. In addition, accidents caused by drivers’ gear shift errors are also considered a type of accidents resulting from human error. This research provides a comparison of the characteristics of these two types of traffic accidents using recent statistical data. We discuss safety measures based on the present analyses results.