Vehicle Apparel Haptic Feedback for Non-Distracting Hazard Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Riding or operating a vehicle can be hazardous due to external hazards and unawareness of vehicle proximity to its limits, necessitating effective communication of environmental and operational information to the user without distracting them from driving.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that provide haptic stimuli to vehicle users through oscillatory feedback configurations received from electrical signals related to anti-lock braking, traction control, and environmental hazards, using haptic output devices integrated into vehicle apparel, such as helmets or suits, to inform users of critical vehicle and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional notification methods (visual/audible alerts) are used to communicate vehicle operational and environmental information to the user, then information communication is achieved, but the user becomes distracted from driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional visual and audible notification systems with a haptic feedback system that uses tactile sensations through apparel worn by the user. The haptic output device embedded in the apparel generates oscillatory feedback configurations that communicate vehicle operational parameters and environmental hazard information through touch, substituting traditional sensory channels with a tactile interface that does not distract the driver from the road
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic output device integrated into the apparel serves as an intermediary between the vehicle's sensor systems and the user. Instead of directly presenting visual or auditory information that competes for the driver's attention, the system translates operational data into tactile patterns that convey information subconsciously through touch, allowing the driver to maintain focus while receiving critical feedback
2Loss of information
If multiple vehicle subsystems and sensors are monitored to provide comprehensive operational information, then the user receives more complete information for informed decisions, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic output device integrated into the apparel serves multiple functions: it monitors and communicates data from various vehicle subsystems including anti-lock braking systems, traction control systems, accelerometers, and gyroscopes. By consolidating multiple information streams into a single haptic interface, the system provides comprehensive vehicle operational awareness without requiring multiple separate notification systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor inputs and vehicle subsystem data into a unified haptic feedback system. The controller integrates information from ABS, TCS, accelerometers, and gyroscopes, processing these diverse data streams into coherent oscillatory feedback patterns that communicate overall vehicle state and specific hazard conditions through the apparel, merging complex multi-source information into an intuitive tactile interface
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 haptic feedback system enhances user safety by providing non-distracting information about vehicle operational and environmental hazards, allowing drivers to focus on driving while making informed decisions to avoid accidents.
Implementation Method 1
outputting a signal to cause a haptic output device to output the determined oscillatory feedback configuration
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and controller for providing haptic stimulus to a user during operation of a vehicle are provided. The method comprises: obtaining at least one electrical signal 305 representative of one or both of environmental information and operational information, determining an oscillatory feedback configuration 610, via a processor 306 and an electronic control unit (ECU) 308, in dependence on said at least one electrical signal 305; and outputting the determined oscillatory feedback configuration 610 to a haptic output means 100, 104, 106 to provide the user with a haptic stimulus. The haptic output means 100, 104, 106 is associated with apparel for wearing by the user, the apparel may take the form of a safety helmet, a racing suit, a motorcycle suit, or footware. Aspects of the invention may also relate to a system, a vehicle and to computer software for performing the method.