An autonomous driving interactive signal system designed for the elderly (or other special groups).

This project is an assisted driving interaction system specially designed for the elderly and special groups. By integrating functions such as RFID identity authentication, voice broadcasting, emergency braking, and computer-based driving simulation linkage, it builds a complete closed-loop system of "recognition → feedback → warning → training," aiming to compensate elderly drivers for driving risks caused by declining physical function through technical means.

System architecture

2. Which problem does the customer solve?

2.1 Core User Pain Points

User pain points	Specific performance	This project is a solution
Urgent help for difficulty	Elderly drivers who suddenly feel unwell or encounter danger cannot seek help quickly	One-click emergency button + serial SOS command to trigger alarms and lock the system
Reduced reaction ability	Slowed response to sudden traffic situations (traffic lights, obstacles).	Voice broadcast early warnings (traffic light detection, red light violation alarm)
Operation is complex	Existing in-vehicle systems are complex and difficult for elderly people to master	Minimalist interaction: card swipe to start + large button + voice prompt
Lack of training environment	Road driving practice carries high risks, and elderly people lack safe training channels	Comes with a 3D driving simulation game, offering zero-risk training scenarios
Difficulty in state perception	Elderly people find it difficult to judge whether the system is functioning properly	OLED + LED dual visual feedback makes the status clear at a glance
Emergency recovery is difficult	After emergency treatment, it is unclear how to restore normal condition	In emergency situations, you can recover by swiping the senior card

2.2 Target User Profiling

Dimension	Description
Age	Elderly drivers over 60 years old with a driver's license
Features	Vision declines, reaction speed slows, and acceptance of new technologies is lower
Demand	Safety assistance, simple operation, emergency assistance, driving practice
Scene	For daily driving, elderly care community travel, and family use

3. Project Innovation

Innovation dimension	Specific content	Innovation level
Age-friendly interactive design	Large buttons (30mm diameter), large font (≥16px), clear voice control, and intuitive lighting reduce cognitive load	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dual-mode emergency trigger	Device button + remote serial SOS command, ensuring seamless emergency response without delay	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Card swipe to remove emergency logic	In emergencies, recovery can be achieved by swiping a card, which fits the habits of elderly people and does not require searching for the reset button	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Software-hard integrated driving training	The hardware device and the 3D driving simulation game are linked in real time via serial ports to build a complete training ecosystem	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sound effects mapping → game events	13 types of driving scene sound effects (going straight, turning, reversing, slowing down, traffic light detection, red light running, etc.)	⭐⭐⭐⭐
A low-cost open-source solution	All use Arduino open-source hardware + corrugated paper casing + 3D-printed interior, with a total cost of about 287 yuan	⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. Market

4.1 Comparison of similar products

In-car voice assistant

Image source: https://www.apple.com.cn/ios/carplay/

Image source: https://carlife.baidu.com/

Smart Rearview Mirror

Image source: http://che.mall.360.com/hsj/index.html

Image source: https://www.mi.com/mj-mirror

Emergency Assistance Device

Image source: https://www.peaceton.com/shop/zhineng/peihuyitiji/yitiji/

Senior driver assistance system

Image source: https://www.svw-volkswagen.com/idera9x#lightThree_6

4.2 Market Analysis

Factor	Analysis
Target User	Elderly drivers aged 60 and above (over 280 million elderly people in China), elderly care institutions, community transportation services
Market size	The population aged 60 and above in China has exceeded 280 million, with the number of elderly drivers holding driver's licenses continuing to grow
Market Positioning	Differentiated solutions fill the gap in "elderly-friendly in-car interaction + driving training," targeting elderly communities, senior universities, and family use
Competitive Advantages	Low cost (¥287 vs competitor ¥500+), hardware-software integration, open-source customizable
Sales channels	Cooperation with elderly care institutions, community exhibitions, senior products platforms, and university courses for the elderly

5. Key Technology Analysis

5.1 List of Core Technologies

For components used, refer to the section in Exercise 2: Arduino Basic

Technology	Note	Implementation Plan
RFID identity authentication	Distinguishing between verified and unauthenticated users	RC522 module, 13.56MHz, sensing distance 3-5cm
Speech synthesis and broadcasting	13 types of driving scenario voice prompts	DFPlayer Mini + Pre-recorded MP3 files
Emergency response system	High-priority tasks independent of the main process	State machine design + polling preemptive
Serial communication protocol	Bidirectional data exchange between hardware and computer	USB serial port, baud rate 115,200
3D Driving Simulation	Urban driving scenarios and physical simulations	Three.js 3D Engine
Visual feedback system	Status display and lighting feedback	OLED screen (128×64) + WS2812 light strip (60 pieces)

5.2 Hardware and Software Interaction Protocols

Command	Direction	Trigger scenario	Note
sos	Computer → Arduino	Collision/Danger	Emergency braking is triggered
reset	Computer → Arduino	Danger Removed	Lift the emergency
1 ~ 13	Computer → Arduino	Driving Incident	Play the corresponding sound effect
Detected elderly card!	Arduino → Computer	Card swipe authentication	Launch the game
Emergency braking has been triggered	Arduino → Computer	Press the button	Notification of Game Pause

6. Materials and Preparation Methods

6.1 Bill of Materials (BOM)

Component name	Model/Specifications	Quantity	Unit price (yuan)	Purpose
主控板	Arduino Uno R4 WiFi	1	150	核心控制
RFID card reader	MFRC-522	1	15	Identity Authentication
RFID card	Fudan Card (compatible with M1)	1	2	ID
OLED screen	0.96-inch I2C 128×64	1	12	Status display
LED light strip	WS2812B 60 lights/meter	1 meter	20	Lighting feedback
DFPlayer Mini	MP3 playback module	1	10	Voice broadcast
Micro SD card	8GB (FAT32 format)	1	20	Sound Effect Storage
Speaker	3W 4Ω	1	5	Audio output
Emergency button	Keyes Large Button Module	1	8	Emergency trigger
Breadboard	830 holes	1	15	Circuit connection
Jumper	Male to male / male to female / female to mother	Several	10	Circuit connection
Power supply	USB power adapter 5V 2A	1	20	Power supply
Total			287

6.2 3D Driving Simulation Games for Computers

The computer-side program for this project is a 3D city driving simulation game (implemented in HTML/Three.js), with the core functions and event mappings as follows:

Game Event	Send command	Arduino responds	Player Experience
Game launch	6	Play 0006.mp3 (before system activation)	Auditory confirmation system activated
Card swipe authentication	7	Play 0007.mp3 (Card Authentication Credentials)	Identity verification
Accelerate straight	9	Play 0009.mp3 (straight line)	Engine/Driving Sound
Turn left	10	Play 0010.mp3 (turn left)	Turn prompt
Turn right	11	Play 0011.mp3 (turn right)	Turn prompt
Reverse	12	Play 0012.mp3 (Reverse)	Reverse alert sound
Slow down	13	Play 0013.mp3 (slow down)	Slowdown prompt
Approach traffic lights	5	Play 0005.mp3 (Traffic light detected)	Early warning
Running a red light	4	Play 0004.mp3 (Red Light)	Violation alert
Collision/loss of control	sos	Emergency braking triggered, red flash flash	Emergency safety protection

6.3 Potential Technical Issues and Solutions

Technical issues	Risk Level	Solution
DFPlayer repeated initialization causes playback failure	High	Separate initialization and playback commands, remove repeated begin() calls, and add 3 retry mechanisms
Emergency response delays	High	Place emergency detection at the top of the main loop and use status locks to prevent repeated activation
Serial port instructions overload/packet loss	Medium	Added cooling mechanism (audioBlockedUntil) and instruction deduplication logic
LED strip power supply is insufficient	Medium	Uses an external 5V 3A power supply for independent power supply to ensure shared ground
Insufficient RFID sensing distance	Low	Optimized antenna position, panel thickness controlled at 1-2mm
Game event and sound effects synchronization delay	Medium	Serial port baud rate 115200, instruction response < 200ms

6.4 Sandbox Scene Production Plan

This project uses a sandbox scenario solution of corrugated paper shells + 3D-printed interiors, simulating a real cockpit environment to enhance the sense of immersion and operational familiarity for seniors.

Component	Materials	Color	Manufacturing method	Note
Main shell	Corrugated cardboard (3-5mm)	Original color/white stickers	Manual cutting + hot melt glue splicing	Lightweight, easy to process, extremely low-cost, providing basic structural support
Dashboard	PLA	Black	3D printing	Simulating a car dashboard, installing an OLED screen and indicator lights
Steering wheel	PLA	Black	3D printing	Simulated steering wheel design enhances driving immersion
Transmission	PLA	Black	3D printing	Simulated gear lever design
Seat	PLA	White	3D printing	Simulated driving seat, providing visual reference
Simulation Base	PLA	Black	3D printing	Supports all components, stabilizes the structure

Exterior decoration methods:

• Simulate the car's appearance by printing and pasting it onto the outside of the corrugated paper casing
• No additional shell decorations are made, keeping things simple

6.5 Production Process

Step 1: Make the outer shell of the corrugated cardboard

Step	Note
1.1 Design and Cutting	Based on the internal component layout, draw the shell unfolding diagram, with dimensions of approximately 250×200×150mm
1.2 Cutting	Use a utility knife to cut corrugated cardboard along the drawing (recommended thickness 5mm).
1.3 Opening	Reserve installation slots for 3D-printed interior parts (dashboard, steering wheel, transmission, seats, base)
1.4 Bending and Splicing	Bend along the creases and use hot melt adhesive to assemble a box-shaped structure
1.5 Reinforcement	Corrugated paper triangular supports are added at internal corners to enhance structural strength
1.6 Appearance Decoration	Paste the printed car image onto the outside of the casing

Step 2: 3D print the interior parts

Decorative parts	Size (approx.)	Color	Print parameters	Note
Dashboard	150×60×40mm	Black	Floor height 0.2mm, fill 20%	Simulated dashboard, embedded OLED screen
Steering wheel	Diameter 100mm	Black	Floor height 0.15mm, fill 30%	Ring-shaped structure, rotatable (optional)
Transmission	40×30×50mm	Black	Floor height 0.2mm, fill 20%	Simulated gear lever design
Seat	80×60×50mm	White	Floor height 0.2mm, fill 15%	Simulated driver's seat
Simulation Base	230×180×10mm	Black	Floor height 0.2mm, fill 20%	Supports all components

Step 3: Assemble the components

Step	Note
3.1 Install the base	Fix the 3D printed simulation base to the bottom of the corrugated paper
3.2 Installing the Instrument Panel	Fix the 3D-printed instrument panel to the front and embed an OLED screen
3.3 Installing the steering wheel	Fix the 3D-printed steering wheel in front of the dashboard
3.4 Installing the transmission	Fix the 3D printed transmission in the middle
3.6 Installing the Seat	Fix the 3D-printed seat at the rear
3.7 Installing RFID	Close to the inner side of the panel (sensor zone thickness 1-2mm)
3.8 Install Button	Stuck to the installation wall
3.9 Connecting Lines	Connect all modules according to the wiring list, tie the cable tie to arrange the wiring harness
3.10 Pasting Appearance Decoration	Attach the printed car image to the outside of the casing

7. Addressing some issues within the SDGs

Note: The so-called specific uses here refer to the actual effect of the product produced under the production mode of the device

This project corresponds to the three most relevant goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

✅ SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Core Goal: Ensure a healthy lifestyle and promote well-being for people of all ages.

Specific Manifestations:

SDG 3 Sub-Goals	Contribution of this project
3.6 Reduce traffic accident casualties	Traffic light detection and warning (within a 40-meter range) provides elderly drivers with ample reaction time; Real-time alerts for running red lights, reducing accident risks at the source
3.8 Universal Health Coverage	The low-cost solution (¥287) allows driver assistance technology to benefit ordinary elderly users, not exclusive to high-end models
3.4 Reducing Premature Deaths from Non-Communicable Diseases	Reducing accident injuries through assisted driving and ensuring the safety of elderly drivers

✅ SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Core Goal: Build inclusive, safe, and resilient cities and communities.

Specific Manifestations:

SDG 11 Sub-Goals	Contribution of this project
11.2 Provide safe and affordable transportation systems for everyone	This enables elderly drivers to participate more safely in urban traffic, integrate into community travel networks, and enhance the inclusiveness of the urban transportation system for the elderly
11.7 Provide safe and inclusive public spaces	Providing a safe driving practice environment through 3D driving simulation games to help seniors build confidence in their travels

Specific contributions:

• Reduce the risk of traffic accidents for elderly drivers and improve urban road safety
• Affordable assisted driving technology solutions for senior communities and the elderly

✅ SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Core Objective: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and drive innovation.

Specific Manifestations:

SDG 9 Sub-Goal	Contribution of this project
9.5 Enhancing Technological Innovation Capability	By combining technologies such as RFID, IoT, speech synthesis, and 3D game engines with age-friendly needs, it builds intelligent interactive terminals tailored to specific groups
9.1 Developing Sustainable Infrastructure	It provides replicable technological innovation examples in the elderly assisted driving field, driving the elderly-friendly upgrade of intelligent transportation infrastructure

Specific contributions:

• Low-cost, open-source solutions have promoted the adoption of assisted driving technology for seniors
• The software-hardware integration model provides a reference for the age-friendly transformation of smart city transportation systems

Summary