Quantitative models for automation rate and situation awareness response: A case study of levels of driving automation

Many taxonomies of levels of automation have been presented in the literature; however, the discrete and ordinal nature of these methods may limit reliable prediction of operator performance. This study defined an “automation rate” to quantity the level of automation in systems. To calculate the automation rate it is necessary to: classify all functions in the automation system according to stages of information processing, calculate the automation rate for each stage, set weights for these automation rates, and finally obtain the overall automation rate for the system. The practicality and feasibility of this model are verified through a case study analysis. In addition, this paper proposes a new relationship between the automation rate and operator situation awareness response, based on existing empirical research findings. Through case analysis and mathematical proof, the rationality of the form is demonstrated. This work lays the foundation for subsequent operator performance optimization analysis.