Intuitive Driving Support via Virtual Vehicle Position Manipulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic driving systems require drivers to manually operate switches or pedals to instruct specific driving operations, leading to potential erroneous operations due to non-intuitive interfaces and complex task selection, limiting usability for a wide range of users, including those with reduced driving capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A driving support device with an image output unit, operation signal input unit, and command output unit that allows users to intuitively instruct driving operations by changing the positional relationship between vehicle objects on a display, enabling the vehicle to automatically execute commands such as passing or lane changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional switches and pedals are used for driving operations, then the vehicle can execute specific driving operations, but the interface becomes non-intuitive and complex, leading to erroneous operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the real-world road scene on the display unit, including virtual representations of the own vehicle and other vehicles. Users can directly manipulate these virtual objects to issue driving commands, making the interface intuitive and familiar rather than requiring learning of abstract switch functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches and pedals with a touch-sensitive display interface. Instead of physically operating separate controls, users interact with the displayed image by touching and dragging virtual vehicle representations, substituting mechanical operations with direct graphical manipulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are provided for different driving operations, then various operations can be controlled, but the device complexity increases and task selection becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit serves multiple functions: it displays road conditions, presents driving operation options, receives user input, and provides feedback. The same graphical interface handles various driving operations (passing, lane changes, following) without requiring separate physical controls for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate switches and controls into a single integrated touch display. All driving operation selections are consolidated into one interface where users can issue any command by manipulating virtual vehicle positions, eliminating the need for numerous separate controls.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation of switches and pedals is required, then driving operations can be instructed, but the sight line moves and erroneous operations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit acts as an intermediary between the driver and the vehicle control system. Instead of directly manipulating physical controls that require sight line movement, the driver interacts with a visual representation of the driving scene displayed in the forward view, maintaining situational awareness while issuing commands.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional driving interfaces are used, then existing vehicles can operate, but users with reduced driving capability or new drivers cannot use automatic driving without training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the user interface from abstract switch positions to intuitive graphical representations of the driving scene. This parameter change makes the system accessible to users with reduced driving capability or new drivers, as the interface naturally reflects real-world spatial relationships without requiring prior training on control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A driver can intuitively and conveniently perform an operation for instructing passing to a vehicle. In a driving support device 10, an image output unit 14a outputs, to a display unit 31, an image containing an own vehicle object representing an own vehicle and an another vehicle object representing another vehicle in front of the own vehicle object. An operation signal input unit 14b receives an operation of a user for changing the positional relationship between the own vehicle object and the another vehicle object in the image displayed on the display unit 31. A command output unit 14c outputs, to an automatic driving control unit 20, a command for instructing the own vehicle to pass the another vehicle when the positional relationship between the own vehicle object and the another vehicle object is changed such that the own vehicle object is positioned in front of the another vehicle object.