Haptic Steering Input Interpretation for Partly Automated Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle automation systems lack the ability to interpret driver inputs in a dynamic and adaptive manner, particularly in terms of haptic contact, which limits the flexibility and safety of partially automated driving experiences.
Innovation Solution
A device with an actuating element that interprets driver actions based on the degree of haptic contact, allowing for variable interpretation modes that adjust the vehicle's steering angle and movement in response to driver input, using a controller unit that decouples actuating actions and implements them based on predetermined conditions and data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle uses a fixed transfer function between driver input and wheel angle in manual mode, then the control is simple and reliable, but it lacks adaptability to different driving situations and driver intentions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic interpretation of driver inputs by detecting haptic contact characteristics (pressure, duration, position) on the steering wheel and adapting the control response in real-time. The system transitions from static fixed transfer functions to dynamic adaptive control that adjusts wheel angle response based on detected contact patterns, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through intelligent sensing and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes control parameters (wheel angle, steering assistance level) based on detected haptic contact parameters (force, position, duration). By monitoring changes in contact pressure and duration, the system dynamically adjusts the transfer function between driver input and steering response, enabling adaptive control without requiring complete system redesign.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle implements full automated lateral guidance, then driver workload is reduced, but the driver loses direct control and connection to vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic control spectrum where the system can operate in manual mode, automated mode, or any intermediate level based on detected haptic contact characteristics. When light contact is detected, the system provides more automated assistance while maintaining driver connection; when firm contact is detected, it provides more direct control. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between reduced workload and maintained control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors haptic contact feedback from the driver and adjusts the level of automated assistance accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal balance between automation and driver control, adjusting in real-time based on driver needs without requiring explicit mode switching.
3Loss of information
If the system directly implements driver steering inputs without interpretation, then the response is immediate and simple, but it cannot distinguish between different driver intentions or contexts
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of haptic contact characteristics (pressure, position, duration) before implementing steering control. By pre-processing and interpreting contact patterns to infer driver intention, the system extracts meaningful information from raw inputs without requiring extensive post-processing, thus minimizing information loss while keeping processing time acceptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling between steering wheel and wheels with an electronic interpretation system that analyzes haptic contact patterns. This substitution allows the system to extract rich information about driver intention from subtle contact variations without adding significant processing delay, as the interpretation is performed through efficient sensor processing rather than mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for operating a vehicle which can be driven in an at least partly automated manner, the device includes an actuating element which can be operated by a driver for controlling at least the lateral control of the vehicle, and includes a wheel angle adjuster which, when actuated by the actuating element of the driver and/or by an electronic control unit controlling the automated lateral control of the vehicle, controls a steering angle at the steerable wheels of the vehicle. The device is characterized in that the device has at least one so-called interpretation operating mode which differs from a substantially manual operating mode in that one or more operation action(s) initiated by the driver at the actuating element are suitably interpreted in accordance with the degree of haptic contact between the driver and the actuating element.