HAPTIC FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR A STEERING WHEEL AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A VIDEO GAME

Abstract

A vehicle comprising: a steering wheel, a plurality of haptic feedback devices located on the steering wheel, a display for displaying video game images, and a controller configured to execute a video game and display video game images on the display, the controller executing the video game using the steering wheel as an input and providing haptic feedback on the steering wheel by activating one or more of the plurality of haptic feedback devices on the steering wheel.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to user feedback devices on a vehicle and in particular to the use of haptic feedback devices, such as on a steering wheel of a motor vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Motor vehicles are often equipped with haptic devices that provide force feedback or vibration to the driver. Haptic feedback devices are typically used for driving applications, such as lane departure. It would be desirable to use haptic feedback devices for other applications on board a vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle comprises a steering wheel, a plurality of haptic feedback devices located on the steering wheel, a display for showing video game images, and a controller configured to execute a video game and display video game images on the display, wherein the controller executes the video game using the steering wheel as an input and provides haptic feedback on the steering wheel by activating one or more of the plurality of haptic feedback devices on the steering wheel.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the multitude of haptic feedback devices includes at least four haptic feedback devices distributed along the length of the steering wheel; - the at least four haptic feedback devices are evenly distributed along the length of the steering wheel; - Each of the numerous haptic devices generates a force feedback vibration; - Each of the numerous haptic feedback devices includes one powered by an eccentric motor and one by a voice-activated motor; - the controller executes the video game using a vehicle infotainment system; - an infotainment input to provide user input into the video game; - the steering wheel is used as an input in the video game; - the steering wheel is used as an input in the video game when the steering wheel is not in driving mode; and - a seat that incorporates a variety of seat-mounted haptic feedback devices in the seat;

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle comprises a steering wheel for steering the motor vehicle in a driving mode, a plurality of haptic feedback devices located on the steering wheel and configured to generate force feedback vibration, an infotainment system configured to operate a video game and having a display for showing video game images, and a controller configured to execute the video game and display the video game images on the display, wherein the controller uses the video game with the steering wheel as an input into the video game when the steering wheel is not in driving mode, and provides haptic feedback at the steering wheel by activating one or more of the plurality of haptic feedback devices in the steering wheel.

[0006] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the multitude of haptic feedback devices includes at least four haptic feedback devices distributed along the length of the steering wheel; - the at least four haptic feedback devices are evenly distributed along the length of the steering wheel; - Each of the numerous haptic feedback devices includes one powered by an eccentric motor and one by a voice-activated motor; and - an infotainment input to provide user input into the video game.

[0007] A method for playing a video game in a motor vehicle is also provided. The method includes steps for running the video game with a controller, displaying video images of the video game on a display, receiving video game steering commands from a steering wheel of the motor vehicle when the vehicle is not in a driving mode, and generating haptic feedback vibration in the steering wheel as feedback for the video game.

[0008] Embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the step of running the video game is carried out by an infotainment system; - The haptic feedback vibration is generated by a variety of haptic feedback devices located on the steering wheel; - Each of the numerous haptic feedback devices includes an eccentric motor or a voice-activated motor; and - The video images are displayed on the screen that is mounted in the interior of the vehicle's cabin.

[0009] These and other features, advantages and functions of the present disclosure are better understood and comprehended by the person skilled in the art by reference to the following description, patent claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a motor vehicle equipped with haptic feedback devices, generally located in the steering wheel and driver's seat, according to an example; Fig. 2 is a forward-facing view of the driver's cockpit, illustrating the steering wheel with haptic feedback devices and a touchscreen display configured to provide a video game display; Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram of a haptic feedback controller configured to control the haptic feedback devices for various applications; Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a routine for deploying the haptic feedback devices for a steering wheel when playing in a video game mode; Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a routine for controlling the haptic steering wheel devices for a steering wheel in one mode of a heated steering wheel; and Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a routine for controlling the haptic feedback devices to provide a massage device in a spa mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0011] A detailed reference will now be made to the present preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote identical or similar parts. In the drawings, the structural elements depicted are not to scale, and certain components have been enlarged in relation to the other components for the purpose of emphasis and clarity.

[0012] In accordance with the requirements, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The figures do not necessarily represent a detailed embodiment; some schematic representations may be enlarged or reduced to show a functional overview. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis to teach the person skilled in the art the diverse applications of the present disclosure.

[0013] For the purposes of description in this text, the terms "above", "below", "right", "left", "back", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and derivatives thereof refer to the concepts in their orientation in Fig. 1. It is understood, however, that the concepts can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts according to the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Thus, specific dimensions and other physical properties relating to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0014] The embodiments illustrated herein primarily consist of combinations of process steps and equipment components related to a vehicle that has a haptic feedback system and method. Accordingly, the equipment components and process steps are represented in the drawings, where appropriate, by conventional symbols, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that are readily apparent to the person skilled in the art from the description in this document. Furthermore, identical reference numerals in the description and the drawings represent identical elements.

[0015] As used herein, the expression "and / or," when used in a list of two or more elements, means that each of the listed elements can be used individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing the components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain only A; only B; only C; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0016] In this context, reference terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like are used merely to distinguish one unit or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or sequence of such units or actions. The terms "includes," "comprising," or any variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, article, or facility comprising a list of elements may include not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, procedure, article, or facility. An element to which "a / an / a..."“The fact that it precedes the exclusion of the existence of additional identical elements in the process, procedure, article or facility which includes the element does not, without further limitations, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, procedure, article or facility which includes the element.

[0017] In the sense used herein, the term "approximately" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantitative data and properties are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller if desired, and may reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to the person skilled in the art. When the term "approximately" is used to describe a value or an endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood as including the specific value or endpoint to which reference is made. Regardless of whether a numerical value or an endpoint of a range contains "approximately" in the description, the numerical value or endpoint of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "approximately" and one not modified by "approximately".It is further understood that the endpoints of each of the areas are significant both with respect to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0018] The terms "essentially," "substantially," and variations thereof are used in this context to indicate that a described feature is equal to or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface means that a surface is flat or nearly flat. Furthermore, "substantially" means that two values ​​are equal to or nearly equal to each other. In some embodiments, "substantially" may denote values ​​within approximately 10% of each other, such as within approximately 5% of each other or within approximately 2% of each other.

[0019] In the present context, the terms "the", "a", "a", or "a" mean "at least one" and are not intended to be limited to "just one" unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "one component" includes embodiments that have two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 generally illustrates a motor vehicle 10 equipped with a haptic vehicle feedback system, which is generally positioned near a driver's cockpit in the vehicle interior where a driver of the motor vehicle 10 can sit. The motor vehicle 10 can be a wheeled vehicle having a plurality of wheels and a vehicle body 12, which generally defines the vehicle interior, referred to as the passenger compartment 14. While this document generally shows and describes a wheeled motor vehicle 10, it is understood that other vehicles, such as boats, trains, aircraft, and other vehicles, can be equipped with the haptic vehicle feedback system and procedures for use in various applications.

[0021] The motor vehicle 10 is configured with a seating arrangement that includes one or more seats, as shown in an example with seat assemblies 18A-18B within the passenger compartment 16 of the motor vehicle 10. In a typical passenger seating arrangement of a motor vehicle, the front row of bucket seats may include two seats spaced apart from each other, comprising a driver seat assembly 18A and a front-row passenger seat assembly 20B. The seating arrangement may include a second row of seats, which in this example comprises a third seat assembly 20C and a fourth seat assembly 20D, and additional rows of seats.

[0022] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the motor vehicle 10 has a steering wheel 24, which is generally located in front of the seating area of ​​the driver's seat assembly 18A. The steering wheel 24 includes a generally circular or annular steering wheel rim 28, which is generally configured to be gripped and handled by the hands of a driver of the motor vehicle 10 to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise to steer the motor vehicle 10. The steering wheel 24 may further include various features and components, such as steering wheel heaters (48), user input controls and switches, gauges, airbags, and a horn, as are commonly found in a conventional steering wheel. The steering wheel 24 generally extends rearward in the vehicle from the steering column, which is located within the dashboard of the motor vehicle 10.

[0023] The steering wheel 24 is configured to include a variety of haptic feedback devices, shown in one example as four haptic feedback devices 30A-30D, each configured to provide force feedback in the form of a vibrating device. In the example shown, the four haptic feedback devices 30A-30D are arranged within the rim 28 of the steering wheel 24 and are generally spaced evenly spaced around a circular length of the rim 28. The haptic feedback devices 30A-30D can, according to one example, include eccentric motors, also referred to as rotating mass eccentric motors, which are electrically powered to generate a force feedback vibration.According to another example, the haptic feedback devices 30A-30D can include voice coil motors that are electrically powered to generate the force feedback vibration. The haptic feedback devices 30A-30D can be connected to a rigid core of the rim 28, which may be covered, for example, with a polymer or leather cover. The steering wheel 24 can have electric heaters 48 located in or under the cover to heat the rim 28. All or selected haptic feedback devices 30A-30D can be activated to generate force feedback vibration within the rim 28 of the steering wheel 24. The force feedback vibration is intended to provide vibration feedback to the hands of the driver of the motor vehicle 10 while they grip the rim 28 of the steering wheel 24.

[0024] The driver seat assembly 18A is also configured to include a plurality of haptic feedback devices 32 located in the seat surface 20 of the driver seat assembly 18A. In the example shown, four haptic feedback devices 32 are spaced apart in the front left corner, the rear left corner, the rear right corner, and the rear left corner of the seat surface 20. Furthermore, the driver seat assembly 18A can include a plurality of haptic feedback devices 34 spaced apart in the backrest 22. The haptic feedback devices 34 can be distributed throughout the backrest 22 and in the headrest at the upper end of the backrest 22.It is understood that the haptic feedback devices 32 and 34 can be activated simultaneously or selectively, individually or in groups, after a certain time and in a certain pattern, to provide force feedback to the driver of the motor vehicle 10 in the form of a vibrating feedback, and that they can also be activated to provide a massage effect to the driver sitting in the driver's seat assembly 18A of the motor vehicle 10.

[0025] The motor vehicle 10 also includes an infotainment system that has a touchscreen display 26, which provides a human-machine interface (HMI) display configured to provide data, maps, video, user input controls, and other HMI functions. The infotainment system and touchscreen display 26 may further include an infotainment input 38, which may be a rotary input knob configured to cycle through input selections and which may also be pressed down to select the various input options.The infotainment input 38 can be used to select input commands and pushbutton commands to operate the touchscreen display 26 and to operate other vehicle functions and infotainment functions, such as actively playing a video game 46 when the vehicle is not in operation and is stopped.

[0026] With reference to Fig. In Figure 3, the motor vehicle 10 is configured with a haptic control 40, which can control the haptic feedback devices 30A-30D located on the steering wheel 24 and the haptic feedback devices 32 and 34 located on the driver's seat assembly 18A. The haptic feedback control 40 can include a microprocessor 42 and memory 44. The microprocessor 42 is an example of a digital control; however, it is understood that other analog and / or digital control circuits can be used. A variety of control routines, including a video game routine 100, a routine 200 for a heated steering wheel, and a massage device routine 300, are stored within the memory 44 and are executed by the microprocessor 42.The haptic control 40 receives various inputs, including inputs from a video game 46, which can be operated by the infotainment system or a gaming device and displayed on the vehicle's touchscreen display or infotainment center when the vehicle is stopped and not in operation. Furthermore, the infotainment input 38 is provided as an input to the haptic control 40.

[0027] The vehicle steering wheel 24 can be used to steer the motor vehicle 10 in a driving mode and can be used as a virtual steering wheel to play a video game, such as providing steering input for a racing game, when the vehicle is stopped and not in driving mode. The vehicle steering wheel 24 can be equipped with electric heaters 48, and the heaters 48 can provide an input to the haptic control 40 indicating the activation state of the heaters 48.

[0028] Furthermore, the vehicle 10 can be operated in a spa mode 50 to provide a massage function. The spa mode 50 can generate an activation status signal that can be provided as an input to the haptic control 40.

[0029] The haptic control 40 processes the various inputs, including inputs from the video game 46, the infotainment input 38, the steering wheel heaters 48, and the spa mode 50, and executes one or more of the control routines 100, 200, and 300, depending on which control functions are implemented, to generate output signals. The output signals can include providing output control signals to the haptic devices 30A-30D of the steering wheel, e.g., motors, to actuate the haptic motors in the steering wheel according to the one or more control routines. Additionally, the haptic control 40 can provide output signals according to the one or more control routines 100, 200, and 300 to the seat-mounted haptic feedback devices 32 and 34, the motors.

[0030] According to an example, haptic control 40 can execute video game routine 100 if the haptic video game is configured according to the instructions in the description. Fig. The control routine shown in section 4 is activated. Video game routine 100 starts at step 102 and proceeds to decision step 104 to determine if a video game application mode is running. If not, it enters a standby mode at block 106 before returning to step 104. If a video game application mode is running, routine 100 proceeds to decision step 108 to determine if the haptic video game is activated. If not, the infotainment system operates in a vehicle control mode. If the haptic video game is activated, routine 100 proceeds to step 112, as shown in an example, to perform a game function, such as a car street racing video game. Next, at step 114, if the vehicle is stopped and inoperable, the steering wheel is unlocked, and at step 116, game actions are executed.

[0031] In accordance with the video game, routine 100 can proceed to start the video game race at block 118 and make the haptic feedback devices vibrate, for example, with each change of a virtual traffic light. Similarly, in accordance with the video game, for a video-generated virtual race car crash, routine 100 can proceed to calculate the virtual forces using the formula shown in block 124 and calculate the position of the video crash at block 126, before the haptic feedback devices at block 128 vibrate with the force in the direction of the video game-generated crash.In accordance with the video game example, at block 130, routine 100 can detect a vehicle acceleration event in the video game and calculate the virtual speed using the formula outlined at block 132 before increasing the vibration of the haptic feedback devices as a function of the virtual speed. In accordance with the video racing game example shown and described in this document, at block 136, routine 100 can determine whether the player wins and, if so, exponentially increase the vibration of the haptic feedback devices at block 138. Conversely, in accordance with the video game example, if the player loses at step 140, routine 100 can exponentially decrease the vibration of the haptic feedback devices at block 142.

[0032] Accordingly, the haptic feedback devices can be activated and controlled to assist in a video game using the steering wheel, and the steering wheel can vibrate when the vehicle is stationary. The player can turn the steering wheel to play the video game, such as to virtually steer a race car. The steering wheel can vibrate to provide feedback related to a specific aspect of the game. Additionally, the haptic feedback devices in the driver's seat can be activated to vibrate in accordance with the video game.

[0033] With reference to Fig. Figure 5 shows an example of the control routine for a routine 200 for a heated steering wheel. Routine 200 starts at step 202 and proceeds to decision step 204 to determine if the heated steering wheel function is enabled. If not, it goes to decision step 206, enters standby mode, and then returns to step 204. If the heated steering wheel function is enabled, routine 200 next proceeds to decision step 208 to determine if the haptic enhancement associated with the heating is enabled. If it is, it activates the vibration of the haptic feedback devices on the steering wheel. If the haptic enhancement is not enabled, the steering wheel is simply heated without vibration of the haptic steering wheel feedback devices.Accordingly, the haptic feedback devices located in the steering wheel can be used to provide the driver of the motor vehicle with vibrating feedback to indicate that the heated steering wheel is being supplied with power.

[0034] With reference to Fig.Figure 6 illustrates an example of a massage device routine 300 that can be operated in a spa mode. The massage routine 300 begins at step 302, which can correspond to a spa mode implemented in the motor vehicle. The massage routine 300 then proceeds to decision block 304 to determine if the spa mode is activated and, if not, remains in a standby mode at block 306 before returning to step 304. If the spa mode is activated, the routine 300 proceeds to decision step 308 to determine if the haptic spa enhancement associated with the spa mode is activated and, if not, activates the seat spa mode vibration at step 314. If the haptic spa enhancement is activated, the routine 300 activates both the steering spa vibration at step 310 and the seat spa vibration at step 312.Accordingly, the haptic feedback devices can be controlled to help provide a massage effect similar to a spa mode on board a motor vehicle. It is understood that the massage routine can control 300 haptic feedback devices in the driver's seat and other seats on board the vehicle.

[0035] Accordingly, haptic feedback devices are advantageously used and controlled on a steering wheel to provide enhanced video game operation by generating vibrating feedback as required in one application. In another application, haptic feedback devices are used in the steering wheel to provide enhanced vibrating feedback for a heated steering wheel. Furthermore, various haptic feedback devices can be used in the steering wheel and seats of a vehicle to provide an enhanced vibration massage effect, such as for an in-vehicle spa mode.

[0036] It is understood that variations and modifications to the foregoing structure may be made without deviating from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it is further understood that such concepts shall be covered by the following patent claims, unless these patent claims expressly state otherwise by their wording.

[0037] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided which has: a steering wheel; a plurality of haptic feedback devices located on the steering wheel; a display for showing video game images; and a controller configured to execute a video game and display video game images on the display, wherein the controller executes the video game using the steering wheel as an input and provides haptic feedback on the steering wheel by activating one or more of the plurality of haptic feedback devices on the steering wheel.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the plurality of haptic feedback devices includes at least four haptic feedback devices distributed along the length of the steering wheel.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the at least four haptic feedback devices are evenly distributed along the length of the steering wheel.

[0040] According to one embodiment, each of the multitude of haptic devices generates a force feedback vibration.

[0041] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of haptic feedback devices comprises an eccentric motor and a voice-activated motor.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the controller executes the video game using a vehicle infotainment system.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by an infotainment input for providing user input into the video game.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the steering wheel is used as an input to the video game.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the steering wheel is used as an input into the video game when the steering wheel is not in driving mode.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a seat which has a plurality of haptic feedback devices mounted on the seat.

[0047] According to the present invention, a motor vehicle is provided which comprises: a steering wheel for steering the motor vehicle in a driving mode; a plurality of haptic feedback devices located on the steering wheel and configured to generate force feedback vibration; an infotainment system configured to operate a video game and comprising a display for showing video game images; and a controller configured to execute the video game and display the video game images on the display, wherein the controller uses the video game with the steering wheel as an input into the video game when the steering wheel is not in driving mode, and provides haptic feedback at the steering wheel by activating one or more of the plurality of haptic feedback devices in the steering wheel.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the plurality of haptic feedback devices includes at least four haptic feedback devices distributed along the length of the steering wheel.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the at least four haptic feedback devices are evenly distributed along the length of the steering wheel.

[0050] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of haptic feedback devices comprises an eccentric motor and a voice-activated motor.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by an infotainment input for providing user input into the video game.

[0052] According to the present invention, a method for playing a video game in a motor vehicle comprises: executing the video game with a controller; displaying video images of the video game on a display; receiving video game steering commands from a steering wheel of the motor vehicle when the vehicle is not in a driving mode; and generating a haptic feedback vibration in the steering wheel as feedback for the video game.

[0053] In one aspect of the invention, the step of running the video game is carried out by an infotainment system.

[0054] In one aspect of the invention, the haptic feedback vibration is generated by a plurality of haptic feedback devices located on the steering wheel.

[0055] In one aspect of the invention, each of the plurality of haptic feedback devices comprises an eccentric motor or a voice-activated motor.

[0056] In one aspect of the invention, the video images are displayed on the screen which is mounted in the cabin interior of the motor vehicle.

Claims

[1] Vehicle, comprising: a steering wheel; a variety of haptic feedback devices located on the steering wheel; an ad to display video game images; and A controller configured to run a video game and display video game images on the screen, wherein the controller executes the video game using the steering wheel as an input and provides haptic feedback on the steering wheel by activating one or more of the multiple haptic feedback devices on the steering wheel. [2] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of haptic feedback devices includes at least four haptic feedback devices distributed along the length of the steering wheel. [3] Vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the at least four haptic feedback devices are evenly distributed along the length of the steering wheel. [4] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of haptic devices generates a force feedback vibration. [5] Vehicle according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of haptic feedback devices comprises an eccentric motor and a voice-activated motor. [6] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control system executes the video game using a vehicle infotainment system. [7] Vehicle according to claim 6, further comprising an infotainment input for providing user input into the video game. [8] Vehicle according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the steering wheel is used as an input into the video game. [9] Vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the steering wheel is used as an input into the video game when the steering wheel is not in driving mode. [10] Vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a seat having a plurality of haptic feedback devices mounted on the seat. [11] Method for playing a video game in a motor vehicle, comprising: Running the video game with a controller; Displaying video images from the video game on an advertisement; Receiving video game steering commands from a motor vehicle's steering wheel when the vehicle is not in a driving mode; and Generating haptic feedback vibration in the steering wheel as feedback for the video game. [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein the step of executing the video game is carried out by an infotainment system. [13] Method according to claim 11, wherein the haptic feedback vibration is generated by a plurality of haptic feedback devices located on the steering wheel. [14] Method according to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of haptic feedback devices comprises an eccentric motor or a voice-activated motor. [15] Method according to claim 11, wherein the video images are displayed on the display which is mounted in a cabin interior of the motor vehicle.

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