Haptic Gear Stick Feedback for Autonomous Drive Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous drive systems in vehicles provide insufficient information to drivers about the operational status, making it difficult for them to decide when to use automated functions and when to switch to manual operation, especially in non-ideal conditions.
Innovation Solution
A communication interface that sends haptic performance loss signals to the driver through a manually operated communication device, such as a gear-stick or joy-stick, indicating reduced resistance, vibration, or changes in texture when the autonomous drive system's performance is below optimal levels, allowing the driver to assess and decide on mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the autonomous drive system operates without haptic feedback, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of information to the driver increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface acts as an intermediary between the autonomous drive system and the driver, translating system status into haptic signals through the gear stick. This mediator conveys performance loss information without requiring complex visual or auditory interfaces, resolving the contradiction by using a simple mechanical communication channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical feedback mechanisms with controlled haptic feedback through resistance force generation. The communication interface uses electrical actuators to generate resistance forces in the gear stick, substituting simple mechanical linkages with electromechanical systems that provide informative haptic feedback.
2Reliability
If the system provides detailed operational status information, then the reliability of driver decision-making improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous haptic feedback through the gear stick, providing real-time information about autonomous drive system performance. The resistance force changes dynamically based on system status, enabling reliable driver decision-making while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive tactile cues rather than complex controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface changes the resistance force parameter of the gear stick based on autonomous drive system performance. By modulating this physical parameter, the system conveys operational status information without adding operational complexity, as the driver interacts with the gear stick in the same way regardless of system state.
3Loss of information
If the communication interface uses visual or auditory signals, then the loss of information is reduced, but the ease of operation worsens due to additional controls
Solution Approach 1:
The gear stick serves multiple functions: it is both the primary control mechanism for gear selection and the communication interface for conveying autonomous drive system status. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate visual or auditory communication systems, maintaining interface simplicity while reducing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing gear stick structure serves the dual purpose of control and communication without requiring additional dedicated components. The system utilizes the inherent mechanical properties of the gear stick to convey information, allowing the interface to serve itself rather than requiring separate communication hardware.
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
Enhances driver decision-making by providing intuitive haptic feedback on the operational status of autonomous drive systems, enabling timely manual take-over in deteriorating conditions while ensuring safe driving.
Implementation Method 1
The haptic performance loss signal may comprise a vibration or pulsation of the communication device
Implementation Method 2
The changed feeling may comprise one or more of a reduced resistance to movement around the resting position for an automated drive function
Data Source
AI summary
A communication interface between a driver of a vehicle and an at least partly autonomous drive system in the vehicle. The communication interface is configured to communicate a haptic performance loss signal to the driver when a performance loss is determined in the at least partly autonomous drive system.