Adaptive Active Control Element Stimulus for Vehicle Operators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting the stimulus intensity of active operator control elements in vehicles require manual intervention or complex adjustments, failing to provide an individualized and comfort-preserving experience for drivers, as they do not account for differences between experienced and inexperienced operators or varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method where the vehicle control device automatically adapts the stimulus characteristic of active operator control elements by monitoring the operator's reaction time to the stimulus, incrementally adjusting the intensity, and storing the modified characteristic for future use, ensuring the stimulus is perceptible without significantly affecting ride comfort, and modifying it based on environmental and driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the stimulus intensity is increased to ensure tactual perception by the driver, then the driver can perceive the stimulus clearly, but the ride comfort is significantly affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the stimulus intensity parameter based on detected driving conditions and operator characteristics. The vehicle control device modifies at least one parameter of the stimulus characteristic (such as force magnitude, frequency, or duration) to optimize both perceptibility and comfort, resolving the contradiction between clear tactual feedback and maintaining ride comfort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment methods are used to customize stimulus intensity, then individual driver preferences can be accommodated, but the system complexity and adjustment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic user adaptation without requiring manual intervention from the driver. The vehicle control device autonomously detects driving situations, operator characteristics, and environmental conditions, then automatically adjusts the stimulus characteristic parameters. This eliminates complex manual adjustment mechanisms while providing personalized stimulus adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor operator responses and driving conditions, then use this information to automatically adjust stimulus intensity. By continuously detecting and responding to operational context, the system achieves individualized adaptation without requiring manual configuration or complex adjustment interfaces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the stimulus intensity is decreased to preserve ride comfort, then driver comfort is maintained, but the tactual perception by the driver is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static stimulus intensity settings to dynamic adjustment based on real-time conditions. The vehicle control device continuously adapts stimulus parameters according to the current driving situation, operator state, and environmental factors, ensuring optimal balance between perceptibility and comfort across varying operational contexts.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatic user adaptation of a stimulus characteristic of an operator control element includes actuating the operator control element with a stimulus characteristic such that upon actuation by the operator, the operator control element transmits to the operator a tactually perceptible opposing force of predefined intensity which opposes the actuation force and/or a tactually perceptible oscillation of predefined intensity. Following the actuation of the active operator control element it is checked whether the reaction of the operator to the opposing force and/or oscillation occurs within a predefined time period. When the predefined time period is undershot, the intensity of the stimulus characteristic is reduced and stored, and when the time period is exceeded the intensity of the stimulus characteristic is increased and stored. The stored modified stimulus characteristic is used for the next actuation of the active operator control element by the vehicle control device.