Haptic Steering Feedback for Lane Keeping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lane keep support systems often cause driver discomfort due to mismatched steering operations and control methods, leading to conflicting support information that disconcerts the driver.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a steering input device, a steering input detector, a reaction force device capable of switching between normal and haptic operation modes, and a turning output device, controlled by a running state detecting device to provide appropriate feedback and corrections for maintaining lane position, reducing driver discomfort by coordinating steering reactions and wheel turns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the support device provides support information via steering reaction force, then the driver receives lane position feedback, but the steering operation by the driver and control by the support device may not match, causing driver discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport information accuracyVSAvoiddriver comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two control modes: a first control mode where the reaction force device operates in normal operation mode, and a second control mode where the reaction force device operates in haptic operation mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to adjust its support information delivery method based on current driving conditions, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable support information and maintaining driver comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reaction force device changes its operational parameters by switching between normal operation mode and haptic operation mode. In haptic operation mode, the device provides enhanced tactile feedback with higher reaction forces to clearly communicate lane position information, while in normal operation mode, it provides subtler feedback that doesn't interfere with driver intent. This parameter change allows the system to maintain reliability while adapting to different driving situations to preserve driver comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If the reaction force device operates in haptic operation mode to provide notification, then driver awareness of lane position is improved, but the steering operation may conflict with driver intention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelane position awarenessVSAvoidsteering operation smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between first control mode (normal operation) and second control mode (haptic operation) based on detected driving conditions and driver behavior. The switching logic ensures that haptic operation mode is activated only when lane position awareness is needed and when it will not conflict with driver intention, thus resolving the contradiction between information delivery and operational smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors steering operations and driving conditions to determine when to activate haptic operation mode. By using feedback from steering input detection and running state detection, the system can identify situations where strong tactile feedback is appropriate versus situations where it would conflict with driver intent, thereby maintaining both awareness and smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2017162B1In-lane running support system, automobile and in-lane running support method
Publication Date: 2013.06.12 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2017162B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2017162B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2017162B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The in-lane running support system includes a steering input device and a steering input detector. The in-lane running support system further comprises a reaction force device that changes a condition of the steering input device between a normal operation mode that provides a normal reaction force to the driver, and a haptic operation mode that performs a notification operation to the driver, a turning output device that is in a state mechanically disconnected from the steering input device and that turns steerable wheels, and a turning output controller. A running state detecting device acquires information of a running state of the vehicle with respect to a lane. An in-lane running support device controls the turning output device and the haptic device based on the information of the running state such that the vehicle runs in the lane, and has a first control mode that controls the turning output control device and causes the reaction force device to operate in the normal operation mode, and a second control mode that controls the turning output control device and causes the reaction force device to operate in the haptic operation mode.