Haptic Steering Wheel Maneuver Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semi-automated driving systems burden drivers with visually presented options, diverting their gaze from the environment and overloading the visual channel, which can lead to distraction and increased risk of incorrect decision-making.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a situation analyzing unit, a haptic display unit, and a selection input unit to convey maneuver or behavior options through non-visual, haptic feedback, allowing drivers to select options without visual distraction, using ultrasonic elements to stimulate the driver's senses and enabling intuitive gesture-based selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If maneuver options are presented visually to the driver, then the driver is informed about available options, but the driver's gaze is diverted from the environment causing distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual display mechanisms with a haptic feedback system using ultrasonic elements. Instead of presenting maneuver options through visual interfaces that require driver gaze diversion, the system uses ultrasonic vibrations to create tactile sensations on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to perceive and select options through touch while maintaining visual attention on the road environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the steering wheel as an intermediary device that can both transmit haptic feedback and be operated through gesture recognition. The ultrasonic elements embedded in the steering wheel serve as intermediaries to convey maneuver options through tactile patterns, while the steering wheel itself becomes the interface for selection through natural driving gestures, eliminating the need for separate visual displays.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple maneuver options are presented to the driver, then the driver can choose from available options, but the visual channel becomes overloaded increasing risk of incorrect decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the presentation of maneuver options by assigning each option a distinct tactile pattern or vibration frequency through ultrasonic elements. Instead of overwhelming the driver with multiple visual indicators simultaneously, the system divides the information into separable tactile signals that can be perceived and differentiated through touch, reducing cognitive load while maintaining option diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the information presentation from the visual dimension to the tactile dimension. By encoding maneuver options in haptic feedback patterns that can be perceived through touch on the steering wheel, the system adds a new sensory dimension for information reception, freeing up the visual channel and reducing overall information overload on the driver.
3Loss of information
If a visual display interface is used for maneuver selection, then the driver receives detailed option information, but the system complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the steering wheel a multi-functional device that simultaneously serves as the primary control interface for vehicle operation, the display medium for maneuver options through haptic feedback, and the selection mechanism through gesture recognition. This eliminates the need for separate visual display screens and control interfaces, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive information delivery capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of information presentation and control operation into a single integrated system. The ultrasonic elements embedded in the steering wheel combine the display function (through tactile feedback patterns) with the control function (through gesture-based selection), eliminating the need for separate visual displays and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
The system reduces driver distraction by conveying information through haptic feedback, allowing for intuitive selection of available maneuvers or behaviors without visual attention, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the likelihood of incorrect decisions in dynamic traffic situations.
Implementation Method 1
using ultrasonic elements to stimulate the driver's senses
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention regards a system for automated execution of a maneuver or behavior selected by an operator of a system and a respective method for automated execution. At first a situation is determined in which the system currently is based on environment sensing (S1). Then, based on the determined situation, maneuver options and/or behavior options are determined (S2). Such options are maneuvers or behaviors which potentially can be executed by the system in the determined situation. Then information on at least one of the determined maneuver options or behavior options are output using a haptic display (S5). The system receives an input (S6) selecting one of the options from a user. On the basis of the selected option then the selected option or maneuver is executed in an automated fashion (S8).