Dual Joystick Activation Feedback for Autonomous Vehicle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In autonomous vehicles, existing dual joystick lever systems lack clear differentiation between function activation and inactivation states, leading to user fatigue and potential erroneous operations during manual driving modes.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where one joystick lever is set to a function activation state and the other to an inactivation state based on touch recognition and steering operation force comparison, with feedback through LEDs, haptic motors, and displays to inform the user, ensuring intuitive operation and reducing fatigue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If dual joystick levers are provided without clear state differentiation, then manual driving functionality is available, but user fatigue increases and erroneous operations occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies visual state differentiation through LED indicators that change color or illuminate to show whether each joystick lever is in function activation or inactivation state. This allows users to immediately recognize the operational status of each lever without confusion, preventing erroneous operations while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback to the user about the functional state of each joystick lever through multiple channels including LED indicators, haptic motor vibrations, and display notifications. This feedback mechanism ensures users are always aware of which lever is active, reducing fatigue and preventing mistakes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If dual joystick levers are provided without state information feedback, then device complexity is reduced, but user recognition of lever states deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiduser recognition of lever states

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses LED indicators that change visual appearance (illumination, color) to communicate the functional state of each joystick lever. This provides clear state information feedback to users without adding significant mechanical or structural complexity to the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements information feedback through multiple low-complexity channels including visual LEDs, haptic vibrations, and display messages, effectively communicating lever states without requiring complex mechanical indicators or additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If touch sensor recognition is used to determine function activation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control logic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joystick levers automatically detect user intent through touch sensors that recognize when a user grips or touches the lever. The system self-determines which lever should be activated based on touch recognition timing, eliminating the need for complex manual switching mechanisms or additional user actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with electronic touch sensor detection. Instead of requiring physical switches or buttons to activate functions, the system uses touch-sensitive sensors to automatically determine which lever the user intends to use, reducing mechanical complexity while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enhances user recognition of joystick lever states, reduces fatigue, and improves safety by preventing erroneous operations, allowing for efficient and precise manual control of autonomous vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

determining a priorly recognized touch sensor between a touch sensor provided in the first joystick lever and a touch sensor provided in the second joystick lever

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTouch recognition:

Implementation Method 2

transmitting information on the first joystick lever or the second joystick lever set to the function activation state to the user using at least one of a lever LED

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

transmitting information on the first joystick lever or the second joystick lever set to the function activation state to the user using at least one of a lever LED, a haptic motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHaptic feedback:

Data Source

PatentUS20240343291A1Method of controlling operation of dual integrated control apparatus for autonomous vehicles

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A method of controlling operation of an integrated control apparatus for autonomous vehicles includes setting one joystick lever touched first by a user between a first joystick lever and a second joystick lever to a function activation state, or setting any one joystick lever with a larger steering operation force to the function activation state at the time of steering the first joystick lever and the second joystick lever together. User fatigue when operating the joystick levers is reduced.