Driving Support Audio Feedback for Real-Time Vehicle Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driving support systems fail to provide real-time driver performance evaluation without distracting the driver, as they often require visual attention to assess evaluation results or advice during driving.

Innovation Solution

A driving support apparatus that continuously outputs sound changes based on vehicle behavior, setting a threshold for sound variation based on driving conditions, allowing drivers to intuitively understand performance through auditory feedback without visual distraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If visual display of evaluation results is used, then driver performance evaluation is provided, but driver distraction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver performance evaluation informationVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual display (optical system) with auditory output (acoustic system) for providing driver performance evaluation information. The controller outputs sounds through a speaker based on detected driver operations, allowing drivers to receive feedback through hearing rather than sight, thus eliminating the need to visually check evaluation results while driving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sound as an intermediary medium to transmit driver performance evaluation information. Instead of directly displaying visual information that requires driver attention, the system uses auditory signals as an intermediate carrier that can be perceived without visual distraction, effectively mediating between the evaluation system and the driver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If sound output is continuously varied, then driver performance feedback is provided, but driver distraction may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver performance feedbackVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively varying sound output only when necessary. The controller compares detected driver operations against reference values and only outputs varied sounds when deviations are detected, rather than continuously varying sound. This provides performance feedback while minimizing unnecessary auditory stimulation that could distract the driver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes sound parameters (pitch, volume, type) based on driver performance deviations. When driver operations deviate from reference values, the controller modifies sound parameters to indicate the nature and direction of correction needed, providing intuitive feedback without requiring complex or continuous sound variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If threshold-based sound control is implemented, then driver behavior correction is guided, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver behavior correctionVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes in a simplified manner by comparing driver operations against predetermined reference values and adjusting sound output accordingly. The controller changes sound parameters based on whether detected values exceed or fall below references, providing straightforward behavioral guidance without requiring complex control algorithms or multiple processing stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12077166B2Driving support apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.09.03 SUBARU CORP
  • US12077166B2 patent drawing
  • US12077166B2 patent drawing
  • US12077166B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A driving support apparatus includes a controller. The controller is configured to obtain data indicating behavior of a body of a vehicle while the vehicle is driving. The controller is configured to continuously output a sound that is to be changed in accordance with the behavior while the vehicle is driving. The controller is configured to set a predetermined threshold for a value indicating magnitude of the behavior, based on a driving condition of the vehicle. The controller is configured to change the sound in accordance with the value indicating the magnitude of the behavior in a case where the value indicating the magnitude of the behavior is smaller than the predetermined threshold. The controller is configured to execute predetermined control in a case where the value indicating the magnitude of the behavior is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold.