Haptic Feedback Steering Wheel for Automated Driving Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving assistance technologies fail to ensure a smooth transition from automatic to manual driving, as occupants may not realize the switch and become less vigilant, leading to potential safety concerns due to inadequate notification and preparation.
Innovation Solution
A driving assistance device that acquires switch information and the occupant's degree of tension, using haptic feedback such as rigidity and temperature adjustments in the steering wheel and seat to present perception states, guiding the occupant through a transition to a suitable manual driving state, thereby enhancing awareness and preparation for manual control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If notification prompting disengagement of automatic driving is made, then the occupant is informed of the switch, but the occupant may be unable to confirm the notification and smooth transition to manual driving may not be possible
Solution Approach 1:
The notification is divided into multiple segments: initial notification, confirmation request, and final warning. Each segment serves a specific purpose in ensuring the occupant understands and confirms the transition, addressing the problem of unread or unconfirmed notifications while maintaining smooth transition through structured communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by issuing advance notifications before the actual disengagement of automatic driving. This allows the occupant to prepare mentally and physically for the transition, ensuring both confirmation of understanding and smooth execution of the switch to manual driving.
2Extent of automation
If the occupant thinks that authority over driving is entrusted to the vehicle side, then automatic driving can operate, but the occupant may be less vigilant and adopt a negligent attitude toward driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor occupant state and provide appropriate notifications. This feedback loop maintains occupant awareness and vigilance even during automatic driving operation, preventing negligent attitudes while preserving the benefits of automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the occupant in advance for potential manual driving requirements by issuing preliminary notifications about system status and upcoming transitions. This preliminary preparation maintains occupant vigilance without interfering with automatic driving operation.
3Speed
If there is a switch from automatic driving to manual driving while the occupant remains unprepared, then the transition occurs, but smooth transitioning to manual driving may not be possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by notifying the occupant in advance of the upcoming transition from automatic to manual driving. This advance notification allows the occupant to prepare mentally and physically, ensuring smooth transition even though the actual switch occurs quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the transition phase: providing advance warning, requesting confirmation, and issuing final alerts. This dynamic approach ensures smooth transition by adapting communication to the occupant's preparation state while maintaining appropriate transition speed.
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 smooth and perceivable transitions from automatic to manual driving by reducing cognitive load and ensuring the occupant is prepared for manual control, thereby improving driving safety.
Implementation Method 1
using haptic feedback such as rigidity and temperature adjustments in the steering wheel and seat to present perception states
Implementation Method 2
rigidity and temperature adjustments in the steering wheel and seat to present perception states
Implementation Method 3
rigidity and temperature adjustments in the steering wheel and seat to present perception states
Data Source
AI summary
A driving assistance device includes: a switch information acquisition section that acquires switch information indicating a switch from a first travelling operation state to a second travelling operation state, in which the occupant drives manually; a degree of tension information acquisition section that acquires information indicating a degree of tension of an occupant; a perception state presentation section that presents a perception state indicating a state of stimulus perceived by the occupant using touch; and a controller that, when the switch information has been acquired, causes a first perception state corresponding to the degree of tension to be presented by the perception state presentation section as the perception state, and causes presentation by the perception state presentation section so as to transition from the first perception state to a second perception state determined for when the occupant manually drives.