Deployable Touch Interface for Relaxed Autonomous Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interfaces for autonomous vehicles require driver attention even during autonomous operation, limiting freedom and comfort for the operator.
Innovation Solution
A convertible interface with a touch-sensitive surface and universal joint that rotates, allowing command entry through gestures or joystick-like motions, with haptic feedback and positional adjustment for different modes of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional steering wheel and pedals are used for autonomous vehicle control, then the driver can enter commands, but the driver must remain in an attentive position and cannot relax during autonomous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The interface dynamically changes its operational mode based on the detected gesture type. When a hovering gesture is detected, the system switches to voice command mode, eliminating the need for physical contact. When a tapping gesture is detected, the system switches to haptic feedback mode. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing different interaction modes that reduce driver attention requirements while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical steering wheels and pedals with a capacitive touch surface that detects gestures through changes in electrical field. This substitution eliminates the need for physical mechanical interfaces, allowing drivers to interact through air gestures or light touches, thereby freeing the driver from maintaining an attentive physical position while retaining vehicle control capability.
2Reliability
If the interface provides detailed haptic feedback, then the driver receives confirmation of commands, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback mechanism provides localized tactile responses at specific regions of the touch surface corresponding to different command types. Rather than a complex global feedback system, the patent implements simple vibrational motors positioned at key interface locations that provide targeted haptic confirmation. This localized approach ensures reliable command feedback while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple and integrated into the existing touch surface structure.
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
Enables intuitive and hands-free command entry for autonomous vehicle control, enhancing operator freedom and comfort by allowing flexible interaction modes.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to detect a gesture of the operator
Implementation Method 2
the haptic actuator is configured to generate a haptic feedback signal in response to detecting the gesture
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for operation of an autonomous vehicle is disclosed. A deployment mechanism is coupled to a convertible interface. The convertible interface includes a rod having a first end and a second end, a touch-sensitive surface connected to the rod at the first end, and a universal joint connected to the rod at the second end, wherein the rod is configured to rotate about the universal joint. The deployment mechanism is configured to move the convertible interface between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the touch-sensitive surface receives a command when an operator moves a pointing device along the touch-sensitive surface in a gesture that indicates the command. In the second position, the convertible interface receives the command when the operator moves the touch-sensitive surface to cause a rotation at the universal joint that indicates the command.