Vehicle steering system

Abstract

A vehicle steering system is provided. [Solution] The steering system includes one or more sensors configured to detect multiple hand movements of a vehicle operator, and one or more circuits coupled to one or more sensors. The one or more circuits are configured to adjust one or more elements of the vehicle based on the hand movements of the operator, so that the vehicle operator can adjust the vehicle's movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle steering apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to, but is not limited to, a steering wheel including one or more sensors that enable an operator of a vehicle to adjust the operation of the vehicle without releasing one or both hands.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles may be provided with a number of dials, buttons, or switches that enable an operator of the vehicle to perform various functions. These dials, buttons, and switches form part of elements known as HMI (Human Machine Interface). For example, when the vehicle is an automobile, functions that can be controlled via the HMI include air conditioning, heating, volume adjustment, setting of the driving mode of the automobile, operation of warning indicators to warn other drivers of problems, and the like.

[0003] Normally, HMI elements are mechanical. Recently, capacitive switches have also been used. However, both mechanical HMI elements and capacitive switches require the operator of the vehicle to release their hand from the device (e.g., the steering wheel if the vehicle is an automobile) used to steer the vehicle. As a result, the attention of the vehicle operator may be reduced, or the ability to use the steering apparatus may be affected.

[0004] To overcome this, some HMI elements have been incorporated into the steering apparatus. For example, window and volume control in an automobile may be incorporated into the steering wheel. However, incorporating HMI elements in this way increases the complexity of the device. Furthermore, when incorporated into the steering apparatus, the HMI elements can perform only a single function. Therefore, more HMI elements may be required, which is undesirable.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for new methods to implement HMI elements in vehicle steering systems that overcome the aforementioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A steering device for a vehicle is provided according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. The steering device includes one or more sensors configured to detect a plurality of hand movements of a vehicle operator, and one or more circuits coupled to one or more sensors. One or more circuits are configured to adjust one or more elements of the vehicle based on the detected hand movements so that a vehicle operator can adjust the vehicle's movement.

[0007] Optionally, the operator can adjust the vehicle's movement without taking one or both hands off the steering wheel.

[0008] Optionally, one or more sensors include one or more conductive foils.

[0009] Optionally, the steering system further includes one or more paddle shifters. The paddle shifters are located on the left rear and / or right rear side of the steering system.

[0010] Optionally, one or more sensors are mounted on one or more paddle shifters.

[0011] Optionally, one or more sensors are provided on the front side of the steering system.

[0012] Optionally, one or more sensors are provided on the rear side of the steering system.

[0013] Optionally, one or more sensors are located on the left side of the steering system.

[0014] Optionally, one or more sensors are located on the right side of the steering system.

[0015] Optionally, one or more sensors may be provided on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the steering system.

[0016] Optionally, one or more sensors are arranged to define multiple detection regions. Each of these detection regions is connected to one or more circuits for adjusting one or more elements of the vehicle.

[0017] Optionally, the sensors may include impedance sensors and / or torque sensors.

[0018] If optional, multiple actions performed by the operator's hand constitute multiple touch actions.

[0019] Optionally, multiple touch actions include detecting one or more fingers, grasping with one hand, grasping with both hands, releasing with one hand, releasing with both hands, swiping from left to right, swiping from right to left, a single tap with one hand, two or more taps with one hand, a single tap with both hands, and / or two or more taps with both hands.

[0020] Optionally, each of the multiple touch actions relates to changing the behavior of an element of the vehicle.

[0021] Optionally, one or more circuits include an impedance measurement system.

[0022] Optionally, each of one or more sensors has an associated impedance, and when one or more of the sensors detect one of several actions by the operator's hand, the associated impedance changes.

[0023] Optionally, the impedance measurement system is configured to detect a change in an associated impedance and adjust one or more elements of the vehicle based on the change in the associated impedance.

[0024] Optionally, the change in the associated impedance includes an increase or decrease in the associated impedance.

[0025] Optionally, one or more elements of the vehicle include at least one of an indicator system, a heating system, a communication system, a volume adjustment, an autonomous driving system, a display system, a navigation system, and / or a driving mode system.

[0026] Optionally, changing the operation of the vehicle includes turning one or more elements of the vehicle on and / or off, activating or deactivating one of the vehicle's indicators, increasing or decreasing the temperature inside the vehicle, increasing or decreasing the temperature of the steering device, placing a call, answering an incoming call, or rejecting an incoming call, increasing or decreasing the volume of music or a call, muting music or a call, starting or ending autonomous driving, changing the content displayed on the display, starting map navigation to a predetermined destination, and / or selecting a driving mode of the vehicle, including at least one of these.

[0027] Optionally, the steering device is a steering wheel.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided that includes the steering device of the first aspect.

[0029] Optionally, the vehicle is an automobile, a truck, a lorry, and / or a van.

[0030] Vehicles of the second embodiment may include providing and / or using the features defined in the first embodiment, and it will be understood that they may incorporate other features described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. [Figure 1A] This figure shows a first exemplary embodiment of a steering device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] This figure shows a second exemplary embodiment of the steering device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] This figure shows a third exemplary embodiment of the steering device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1D] This figure shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of the steering device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the steering system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This graph shows the detection of multiple hand movements by the operator as detected by the steering device according to this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of an exemplary circuit usable in the steering device according to this disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows a vehicle including a steering system according to the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Figure 1A shows a first exemplary embodiment of the vehicle steering device 100a of the present disclosure. The steering device 100a includes a single sensor 110 incorporated into the steering device 100a. In further embodiments, further sensors may be incorporated, based on the understanding of those skilled in the art. The steering device 100a further includes one or more circuits (not shown) coupled to the sensor 110. In this first exemplary embodiment, the steering device 100a is a steering wheel 100a for an automobile, but it should be noted that in further embodiments, based on the understanding of those skilled in the art, the steering device 100a may be implemented in other types of vehicles.

[0033] Sensor 110 is configured to detect multiple hand movements of a vehicle operator. When sensor 110 detects a hand movement, one or more circuits are configured to adjust one or more elements of the vehicle based on the detected hand movement. In this way, the vehicle operator can adjust the vehicle's operation without taking one or both hands off the steering wheel. The hand movement may be performed with one or both hands of the operator and may include gripping the steering wheel or tracing over the steering wheel. One or more elements of the vehicle may include HMI elements known in the prior art that are configured to adjust the volume of music being played or answer an incoming call, etc.

[0034] In the context of this disclosure, the term “adjustment” may mean a number of actions, including turning one or more elements of a vehicle on or off, enabling or disabling one or more elements of a vehicle, and increasing or decreasing one or more elements of a vehicle.

[0035] For example, in partially autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles, it is necessary to determine whether the operator has both hands on the steering wheel. This may be for legal or regulatory reasons when the vehicle is partially autonomous (automation levels 2 and 3), or it may be to allow a smooth transition from autonomous to manual driving (touching the steering wheel may indicate an intention to disengage autonomous driving if the operator decides to take control of the vehicle). Therefore, a sensor 110 on the steering wheel 100 may be used to determine whether the operator has hands on the steering wheel. The sensor 110 may be located on either the left or right side of the steering wheel 100a. The sensor 110 measures different impedances depending on whether the operator is touching the steering wheel 100a. This allows the vehicle to use the sensor 110 to detect whether the operator has one hand or both hands on the steering wheel 100a. This is sometimes called hands-on / off detection. In other embodiments, based on the understanding of those skilled in the art, the sensor 110 may be configured to detect different actions. This can cause various changes in the vehicle's operation.

[0036] In the steering device 100a of Figure 1A, a single sensor 110 is incorporated along its periphery on the front side of the steering device 100a. However, in other embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the sensor 110 may be incorporated on the rear, left, or right side of the steering device. The sensor 110 may include an impedance sensor or a torque sensor. An impedance sensor is preferred because it can distinguish between the operator's one-handed or two-handed movements and the hand movements resulting from the addition of an object to the steering device 100a. The sensor 110 is configured to detect whether the operator's hand is in contact with the steering device.

[0037] The circuit (not shown in Figure 1A) includes an impedance measurement system. Sensor 110 is associated with an impedance. When an operator applies pressure to sensor 110 with one or both hands, the associated impedance changes. The impedance measurement system is configured to detect this change in impedance and adjust one or more elements of the vehicle based on the change in impedance. This change may be an increase or a decrease in the associated impedance.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment, the steering device 100a may include two sensors 110, including a first sensor and a second sensor, as understood by those skilled in the art. The first sensor is incorporated on the front side of the steering device, and the second sensor is incorporated on the rear side of the steering device.

[0039] Figure 1B is an exploded view of a vehicle steering device 100b according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The steering device 100b includes four sensors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d incorporated into the steering device 100b. The steering device 100b further includes one or more circuits (not shown) coupled to each of the sensors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d. While the steering device 100b in this second exemplary embodiment is a steering wheel 100b for an automobile, it should be noted that in further embodiments, the steering device 100b may be implemented in other types of vehicles, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0040] Sensors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are configured to detect multiple hand movements of a vehicle operator. When one or more of the sensors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d detect a hand movement, one or more circuits adjust one or more elements of the vehicle based on the detected hand movement. In this way, the vehicle operator can adjust the vehicle's movement without taking one or both hands off the steering device 100b. Multiple hand movements of the operator may be, for example, multiple touch movements that can be performed by one or both hands of the operator. Multiple touch movements may include detection of one or more fingers, grasping with one hand, grasping with both hands, releasing with one hand, releasing with both hands, swiping from left to right, swiping from right to left, a single tap with one hand, two or more taps with one hand, a single tap with both hands, and / or two or more taps with both hands.

[0041] In the context of this disclosure, the term “adjustment” may mean any of the actions, including turning one or more elements of a vehicle on and / or off, enabling or disabling one or more elements of a vehicle, and increasing or decreasing one or more elements of a vehicle.

[0042] Each touch action may be associated with changing the operation of different elements of the vehicle. For example, in one embodiment of the steering device 100b, the vehicle can be configured to answer an incoming call by double-tapping the front of the steering device 100b and reject an incoming call by double-tapping the rear of the steering device 100b (or vice versa). As another example, in another embodiment of the steering device 100b, a call may be ended by tapping the rear of the steering device 100b during a call. As yet another example, in yet yet another embodiment of the steering device 100b, when no call is in progress, double-tapping the front of the steering device 100b may maximize the display of the navigation system on the in-vehicle display. Double-tapping the rear of the steering device 100b may activate the "Direct Home" function. This allows the navigation system to automatically guide the operator to their home address without requiring further interaction with the vehicle and without removing their hands from the steering device 100b.

[0043] In the steering device 100b shown in Figure 1B, sensors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are incorporated into the front right, front left, rear right, and rear left sides of the steering device, respectively. This configuration provides four detection areas across the entire steering wheel: left, right, front, and rear. Sensors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d may include impedance sensors or torque sensors. Impedance sensors are preferred because they can distinguish between pressure from one or both hands of the operator and pressure from an object added to the steering device 100b. Sensors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are configured to detect the detection of one or more fingers, one-handed grasping, two-handed grasping, one-handed release, two-handed release, left-to-right swipe, right-to-left swipe, one-handed tap, two or more one-handed taps, one-handed tap, and / or two or more two-handed taps.

[0044] In Figure 1B, two separate sensors 120a and 120d are provided on the front side of the steering device 100b, and two further separate sensors 120b and 120c are provided on the rear side. This makes it possible to detect whether a specific contact, such as a tap, has occurred on either the left or right side of the steering device 100b. For example, in a given embodiment of the steering device 100b, the vehicle's right turn signal can be activated by double-tapping the right side of the front (or rear) side of the steering device 100b. Thus, the detected gesture may be location-specific. Furthermore, conditional touch-based input can also be enabled. For example, if a double-tap is detected (approximately simultaneously) on both the left and right sides of the steering device 100b, the vehicle may be configured to switch to fully autonomous driving, while if a double-tap is detected only on the left or only on the right side of the steering device 100b, the operation of another element of the vehicle may be modified.

[0045] Each of the one or more circuits (not shown in Figure 1B) includes an impedance measurement system. Each of the sensors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d has an associated impedance. When an operator applies pressure to one or more of the sensors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d, the associated impedance changes. The impedance measurement system is configured to detect this change in the associated impedance and to adjust one or more elements of the vehicle based on the change in the associated impedance. This change may be an increase or a decrease in the associated impedance.

[0046] Figure 1C shows a vehicle steering device 100c according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The steering device 100c includes a plurality of sensors 130 incorporated around the periphery of the steering device 100c. The steering device 100c further includes one or more circuits (not shown) coupled to each of the plurality of sensors 130. In this third exemplary embodiment, the steering device 100c is a steering wheel 100c for an automobile, but it should be noted that in further embodiments, the steering device 100c may be implemented in other types of vehicles, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0047] Multiple sensors 130 are configured to detect multiple hand movements by the vehicle operator. When one or more of the multiple sensors 130 detect a hand movement, one or more circuits adjust one or more elements of the vehicle based on the detected hand movement. In this way, the vehicle operator can adjust the vehicle's operation without taking one or both hands off the steering device 100c. This configuration of the multiple sensors 130 defines multiple detection areas. Each detection area is connected to one or more circuits for adjusting one or more elements of the vehicle. Multiple detection areas enable the capture of more advanced gestures, such as swiping to the right or left (clockwise or counterclockwise). For example, in certain embodiments, the operator can activate the right turn signal by swiping clockwise along the periphery of the steering wheel. Multiple hand movements by the operator may also be multiple touch movements. Multiple touch actions may include detecting one or more fingers, grasping with one hand, grasping with both hands, releasing with one hand, releasing with both hands, swiping from left to right, swiping from right to left, a single tap with one hand, two or more taps with one hand, a single tap with both hands, and / or two or more taps with both hands. Other hand movements and gestures may also be included, as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0048] In the context of this disclosure, the term “adjustment” may mean any of the actions, including turning one or more elements of a vehicle on and / or off, enabling or disabling one or more elements of a vehicle, and increasing or decreasing one or more elements of a vehicle.

[0049] The steering device 100c of the third exemplary embodiment is preferred because it helps distinguish between multiple actions performed by the operator's hand. Each hand action is associated with a change in the action of one element within the vehicle. For example, in a swipe to activate the right (or left) turn signal, a configuration using three detection areas allows for more stable detection than a configuration using only two detection areas for the same hand action. Similarly, a configuration that assigns three taps to answer a call allows for more stable detection than a configuration using only two taps.

[0050] In the steering device 100c of Figure 1C, the multiple sensors 130 are incorporated into the front and rear periphery of the steering device 100c. This enables detection in multiple areas. The multiple sensors 130 may include impedance sensors or torque sensors. Impedance sensors are preferred because they can distinguish between one-handed or two-handed movements of the operator and hand movements resulting from the addition of an object to the steering device 100c. The multiple sensors 130 are configured to detect the detection of one or more fingers, one-handed gripping, two-handed gripping, release from one hand, release from both hands, left-to-right swiping, right-to-left swiping, one-handed tap, two or more one-handed taps, one-handed tap, and / or two or more two-handed taps. Other hand movements and gestures may also be included, as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0051] Each of the one or more circuits (not shown in Figure 1C) includes an impedance measurement system. Each of the multiple sensors 130 has an associated impedance. When an operator places one or more of the multiple sensors 130 on one or more sensors, the impedance associated with one or more sensors changes. The impedance measurement system is configured to detect this change in the associated impedance and adjust one or more elements of the vehicle based on this change. This change may be an increase or a decrease in the associated impedance.

[0052] A configuration in which one or more detection areas are defined by one or more sensors incorporated into the steering device, combined with one or more circuits including an impedance measurement system, enables the recognition of gestures such as taps or swipes (one-handed, two-handed, full grip, one-finger, two-finger, no gloves) at high speed (update rate of 0.5 ms or less per measurement configuration) and with high reliability. The one or more circuits may include, for example, a sensor signal conditioner, but the steering device 100c of this disclosure is not limited to the use of such circuits.

[0053] Figure 1D is an exploded view of a steering device 100d according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The steering device 100d includes six sensors 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, and 140f incorporated into the steering device 100d. The steering device 100d further includes one or more circuits (not shown) coupled to each of the sensors 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, and 140f. While the steering device 100d in this fourth exemplary embodiment is a steering wheel 100d for an automobile, it should be noted that in further embodiments, the steering device 100d may be implemented in other types of vehicles, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0054] Sensors 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, and 140f are configured to detect multiple hand movements by the vehicle operator. When one or more of the sensors 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, and 140f detect a hand movement, one or more circuits adjust one or more elements of the vehicle based on the detected hand movement. In this way, the vehicle operator can adjust the vehicle's movement without taking one or both hands off the steering device 100d. Multiple hand movements by the operator may be, for example, multiple touch movements that can be performed by one or both hands of the operator. Multiple touch movements may include detection of one or more fingers, grasping with one hand, grasping with both hands, releasing with one hand, releasing with both hands, swiping from left to right, swiping from right to left, a single tap with one hand, two or more taps with one hand, a single tap with both hands, and / or two or more taps with both hands.

[0055] In the context of this disclosure, the term “adjustment” may mean any of the actions, including turning one or more elements of a vehicle on and / or off, enabling or disabling one or more elements of a vehicle, and increasing or decreasing one or more elements of a vehicle.

[0056] Each touch action may be associated with changing the operation of different elements of the vehicle. For example, in one embodiment of the steering device 100d, the vehicle operator can set the vehicle to make a call to a pre-set person or number by tapping the steering device 100d three times with two fingers. Other exemplary embodiments described for the steering devices 100a, 100b, and 100c may also be implemented in the steering device 100d of Figure 1D, based on the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0057] In the steering device 100d shown in Figure 1D, sensors 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, and 140f are incorporated into the front and rear sides of the steering device 100d. Their configuration is as follows: A single sensor 140a is provided on the rear side of the steering device 100d. Five sensors 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, and 140f are provided on the front side of the steering device. Sensors 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, and 140f are all different in size. Sensors 140d, 140e, and 140f, located on the upper front side of the steering device, are smaller than sensors 140b and 140c, located on the lower left and lower right front sides of the steering device 100d. This configuration provides six detection areas across the entire steering device 100d. Since only a single sensor 140a is provided on the rear side, while three sensors 140d, 140e, and 140f are provided on the upper front side, more advanced gestures can be captured on the upper front side of the steering device 100d. Thus, the detected gestures may be localized. Furthermore, conditional touch-based input can also be enabled. For example, if a double tap is detected (approximately simultaneously) on both the left and right sides of the steering device 100d, the vehicle may be configured to switch to fully autonomous driving, while if a double tap is detected on only the left or only the right side of the steering device 100d, the operation of another element of the vehicle may be modified.

[0058] Each of the one or more circuits (not shown in Figure 1D) includes an impedance measurement system. Each of the sensors 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, and 140f has an associated impedance. When an operator applies pressure to one or more of the sensors 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, and 140f, the associated impedance changes. The impedance measurement system is configured to detect this change in the associated impedance and to adjust one or more elements of the vehicle based on the change in the associated impedance. This change may be an increase or a decrease in the associated impedance.

[0059] The steering device of this disclosure may operate independently of environmental fluctuations such as temperature and / or humidity.

[0060] The steering device of this disclosure may be configured to modify the operation of several different functions and elements of the vehicle. For example, hands-on and hands-off detection on the steering device can be performed by recognizing a full grip with both hands on both the right and left sides of the steering device. Other examples include activating the turn signal function by swiping from right to left or left to right on the top of the steering device, enabling or disabling the steering device heating system by gripping the left side of the steering device and tapping the front right side of the steering device three times, answering or ending a call by gripping the right side of the steering device or tapping the front left side of the steering device three times, increasing or decreasing the volume of a call or music by tapping the upper right and upper left sides of the steering device three times, muting or unmuting a call or music by tapping the upper center of the steering device three times, and setting two thresholds for the rear sensor based on one-handed and two-handed contact.

[0061] Any of the steering devices 100a, 100b, and 100c may further include one or more paddle shifters provided on the left rear side and / or the right rear side of the steering device. Here, one or more sensors may be provided not only on the steering device itself but also on the paddle shifters.

[0062] In any of the steering devices 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d, the impedance of one or more sensors can be changed by two or more manual actions within a predetermined timeout period. For example, with respect to a given sensor, an operator can adjust one element of the vehicle by tapping the sensor multiple times, and then adjust another element by swiping the sensor within a predetermined timeout period. The predetermined timeout period may be, for example, 5 seconds, but in other embodiments it may be shorter or longer, based on the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0063] In the most preferred embodiment, multiple hand movements are performed by one hand on the steering devices 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d, while the other hand continuously grips the steering wheel. The other hand's grip on the steering wheel does not interfere with the hand movements performed by the other hand.

[0064] Figure 2 is a block diagram 200 of a steering device 210 according to the present disclosure. The steering device 210 includes one or more sensors 220 and may be any of the steering devices 100a, 100b, or 100c described above. The steering device 210 may be, for example, a steering wheel for an automobile. In other embodiments, the steering device 210 may be incorporated into other types of vehicles, based on the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment of the steering device 210, one or more sensors are one or more conductive foils (not shown). A sinusoidal signal generated by the integrated circuit 240 is applied to each conductive foil. The front-end circuit 230 is configured to measure the voltage drop due to the load impedance and derives in-phase and quadrature-phase components based on the changes in its amplitude and phase shift.

[0066] During operation, the pressure applied by the operator increases the ground capacitance to the conductive foil, and as a result, an impedance Z is added to the sensor 220.

[0067] Figure 3 is a graph 300 illustrating the detection of multiple hand movements that can be detected by any of the steering devices of the present disclosure. The graph shows five different steering device settings 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350, and the detection responses thereto for a single-finger tap (A), a two-finger tap (B), and a whole-hand grasp (C). The y-axis of graph 300 represents the LSB count of the common-mode component of the signal. An increase in amplitude in each detection response indicates a change in impedance between sensors.

[0068] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary circuit 400 that may be used in any steering device of the present disclosure. In this example, the circuit 400 is an integrated circuit (IC) for an impedance measurement interface supporting up to seven channels and includes a wide range of self-monitoring and sensor diagnostic functions.

[0069] Circuit 400 can be configured to 16 different settings in which gain, non-harmonic frequency, and demodulation phase shift can be set. Circuit 400 has a sensitivity of up to 3.3 fF / LSB, high accuracy (±1.5% FS), and a fast measurement rate.

[0070] To measure the external impedance (DUT), circuit 400 needs to generate measurements representing the amplitude and phase (or common-mode and quadrature-phase components) of the DUT signal. To reduce the number of signal pins, it is desirable to use only one connection per DUT and configure it to supply a “test signal”. To measure both the common-mode and quadrature-phase components of the complex DUT signal, the test signal must be a time-varying signal, such as a signal pulse or a sine wave.

[0071] By applying a sinusoidal signal (voltage) to the DUT, the amplitude and phase of the current flowing through the DUT can be measured. Alternatively, current can be applied to the DUT and the voltage across its terminals measured. The amplitude and phase are measured by demodulating the test signal (current flowing through the DUT or voltage across the DUT) and multiplying it by a sine and cosine signal of the same frequency. The output (after filtering) is a DC common-mode and quadrature-phase signal. The amplitude is √((common-mode component) 2 +(orthogonal phase component) 2 ) and the phase is arctan((orthogonal phase component) / (in-phase component)).

[0072] Demodulation (ADC and demodulation processing) is performed in the digital domain after ADC, so matching between the SIN and COS signals is ensured by the configuration. Multiplication of the SIN and COS signals is performed simultaneously using the same signal, and only one acquisition is used for each result. The ADC is an oversampling type ADC, and in this exemplary embodiment, a sigma-delta type ADC (1-bit, 2nd-order sigma-delta type) can be used.

[0073] Since the test signal used, as well as the SIN and COS signals for demodulation, are generated based on the same digital signal (e.g., a lookup table), the phase difference is constant and does not depend on analog matching between the three signals (test signal, SIN signal, and COS signal).

[0074] The frequency of the test signal is synchronized with the demodulated signal (SIN and COS signals), and the number of signal periods is set to be a prime number relative to the sampling signal. This ensures that all harmonic components of the demodulated signal are completely removed by the digital filter. As a result, a comb filter with notches for all harmonic components is obtained. In addition, since the SIN / COS (digital) signal requires fewer samples per period, the load on the associated lookup table is reduced. Although the number of samples increases the number of harmonic components, the comb filter is configured to be less affected by these harmonic components. When generating the test signal using a DAC, the sampling rate of the DAC can be reduced, thereby reducing the circuit's sensitivity to harmonic components.

[0075] Figure 5 shows a vehicle 500 including a steering device 510. The steering device 510 may be any of the steering devices described above. The vehicle 500 may be an automobile, a truck, a heavy-duty truck, and / or a van.

[0076] The steering device 510 is configured to detect one or more of the following hand movements: gripping with one hand, gripping with both hands, releasing with one hand, releasing with both hands, swiping from left to right, swiping from right to left, a single tap with one hand, two or more taps with one hand, a single tap with both hands, and / or two or more taps with both hands.

[0077] These actions performed by hand may alter the operation of one or more elements of the vehicle. These elements may include an indicator system, a heating system, a communication system, volume control, an autonomous driving system, a display system, a navigation system, and / or a driving mode system. Altering the operation of one or more of these elements is... • Activating or deactivating the vehicle's indicators. • Raising or lowering the temperature inside the vehicle. • Raising or lowering the temperature of the steering system. • Making, answering, or rejecting calls, as well as increasing or decreasing the volume of music or calls. • Muting music or calls • Starting or ending autonomous driving, • Changing the content displayed on the in-vehicle display. • To start map navigation to a predetermined destination, and / or • Select the vehicle's driving mode. It means one of the following.

[0078] It should be noted that the steering devices of this disclosure may be steering wheels for vehicles. Further embodiments may relate to steering wheels for trucks, vans, boats, or steering handles for motorcycles, as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications of the disclosed configurations are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the descriptions of the specific embodiments above are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that minor modifications are possible without substantially altering the operation.

Claims

1. A steering device for a vehicle, One or more sensors configured to detect multiple actions performed by the operator of the vehicle, One or more circuits coupled to one or more of the sensors, Includes, One or more of the circuits are configured to adjust one or more elements of the vehicle based on the detected hand movements so that the operator can adjust the operation of the vehicle. Steering system.

2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the operator can adjust the operation of the vehicle without taking one or both hands off the steering device.

3. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein one or more sensors include one or more conductive foils.

4. The steering device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more paddle shifters, the paddle shifters being provided on the left rear side and / or the right rear side of the steering device.

5. The steering device according to claim 4, wherein one or more of the sensors are provided on one or more of the paddle shifters.

6. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the sensors are provided on the front side of the steering device.

7. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the sensors are provided on the rear side of the steering device.

8. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the sensors are provided on the left side of the steering device.

9. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the sensors are provided on the right side of the steering device.

10. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the sensors are provided on the front side, rear side, left side, and right side of the steering device.

11. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein one or more sensors are arranged to define a plurality of detection regions, and each of the plurality of detection regions is connected to one or more circuits for adjusting one or more of the elements of the vehicle.

12. The steering device according to claim 11, wherein the sensor includes an impedance sensor and / or a torque sensor.

13. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the multiple actions performed by the operator's hand are multiple touch actions.

14. The steering device according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of touch actions include detection of one or more fingers, grasping with one hand, grasping with both hands, releasing from one hand, releasing from both hands, swiping from left to right, swiping from right to left, a single tap with one hand, two or more taps with one hand, a single tap with both hands, and / or two or more taps with both hands.

15. The steering device according to claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of touch actions is associated with changing the operation of the element of the vehicle.

16. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the circuits include an impedance measurement system.

17. The steering device according to claim 16, wherein each of the one or more sensors has an associated impedance, and when one or more of the sensors detect one of the operations performed by the operator's hand, the associated impedance changes.

18. The steering device according to claim 17, wherein the impedance measurement system is configured to detect a change in the associated impedance and to adjust one or more of the vehicle's elements based on the change in the associated impedance.

19. The steering device according to claim 18, wherein the change in the associated impedance includes an increase or decrease in the associated impedance.

20. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the elements of the vehicle include at least one of an indicator system, a heating system, a communication system, a volume control, an autonomous driving system, a display system, a navigation system, and / or a driving mode system.

21. The steering device according to claim 20, wherein changing the operation of the vehicle includes at least one of turning on and / or turning off one or more of the elements of the vehicle, activating or deactivating one of the indicators of the vehicle, raising or lowering the temperature inside the vehicle, raising or lowering the temperature of the steering device, making a call, answering or rejecting an incoming call, increasing or decreasing the volume of music or a call, muting music or a call, starting or ending autonomous driving, changing the content displayed on the vehicle's display, starting map navigation to a predetermined destination, and / or selecting a driving mode for the vehicle.

22. A steering device according to claim 1, wherein the steering wheel is a steering wheel.

23. A vehicle comprising the steering device described in claim 1.

24. The vehicle according to claim 23, which is an automobile, a truck, a heavy truck, and / or a van.

Images