Adaptive Haptic Signaling for Steering Wheel Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current driver assistance systems in vehicles face challenges in providing reliable and comfortable haptic signaling to drivers, especially in situations with strong vibrations, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to interpret, particularly for safety-critical information.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for generating adaptive haptic signaling on a vehicle's manual control means, such as the steering wheel, using vibration information from various sensors to adjust the frequency and amplitude of vibrations, ensuring the signaling is perceivable by the driver while minimizing disruption, by shifting spectral energy into less disruptive frequency ranges and correlating with driving speed and road conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong haptic signaling is applied to ensure reliable driver perception, then the signaling reliability is improved, but the driver comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic signaling system dynamically adjusts its characteristics (amplitude, frequency, duration) based on real-time driving conditions, road surface information, and vehicle state. This allows the system to optimize signaling effectiveness while minimizing discomfort by adapting to current operational context rather than using fixed strong signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters of the haptic signaling including amplitude, frequency, duration, and timing based on detected driving conditions. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the system achieves reliable driver perception without consistently applying strong signals that would cause discomfort.
2Reliability
If haptic signaling is applied during strong vehicle vibrations, then the signaling can be perceived, but the signaling becomes difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts haptic signaling characteristics based on detected vehicle vibration levels. When strong vibrations are detected, the system adjusts signaling parameters (amplitude, frequency, timing) to maintain distinguishability and interpretability rather than applying fixed signals that would be masked by vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from vibration sensors and road condition detectors to continuously monitor the current vibration environment and adjust haptic signaling parameters accordingly. This closed-loop approach ensures signals remain distinguishable from background vibrations while maintaining driver interpretability.
3Loss of information
If frequent haptic signaling is used to provide comprehensive driver information, then the information completeness is improved, but the driver disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies haptic signaling selectively rather than continuously, using partial action only when relevant driving information needs to be conveyed. By avoiding excessive signaling during routine or low-risk conditions, the system maintains information completeness for critical events while minimizing overall driver disturbance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic haptic signaling patterns with varying intervals based on driving conditions and information urgency. Rather than continuous signaling, it employs timed periodic signals that provide comprehensive information only when necessary, reducing overall disturbance while maintaining completeness for critical information.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adaptive haptic signaling method ensures reliable and intuitive communication of critical information to the driver, enhancing safety and comfort by adjusting the intensity and frequency of vibrations based on vehicle vibrations and driving conditions, thereby improving the perception of haptic cues without causing discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
The haptic signaling can include a vibration and/or a brief (variable) application of force
Implementation Method 2
The haptic signaling can include a vibration and/or a brief (variable) application of force, in particular a torque on the manual control means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for generating a haptic signal in a vehicle. The method comprises determining vibration information which indicates a measurement of vibrations in the vehicle. Moreover, the method comprises generating a haptic signal on a manual control means of the vehicle, in particular on a steering wheel, depending upon the vibration information.