Vehicle Haptic Steering Wheel Sound Direction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle operators may not notice important external sounds, such as car horns or emergency vehicle sirens, due to distractions or hearing impairments, necessitating an additional alert system beyond visual cues.
Innovation Solution
A sound direction detection system using microphones within the vehicle to detect predefined sounds and provide haptic cues on the steering wheel, indicating the sound direction through haptic devices associated with the microphone detecting the highest amplitude signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual cues are used to alert operators of external sounds, then the alert system can be provided, but the immediacy of reaction is reduced compared to audio cues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces haptic feedback devices as an intermediary between the audio detection system and the driver. Microphones detect external sounds, and the haptic devices translate these acoustic signals into tactile vibrations on the steering wheel, creating a new communication channel that preserves the immediacy of audio alerts while providing a alternative sensory pathway for drivers who may not hear external sounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the auditory alert mechanism with a haptic feedback mechanism. Instead of relying on the driver's hearing sense, the system uses mechanical vibration through haptic devices mounted on the steering wheel to convey sound direction and presence information, substituting one sensory modality (acoustic) with another (tactile).
2Reliability
If microphones are positioned to detect sounds from all directions, then complete sound coverage is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sound detection task into multiple segments by positioning microphones at different locations within the vehicle cabin (e.g., near the driver's seat, dashboard, door panels). Each microphone is responsible for detecting sounds from specific directions, and the system processes signals from each microphone independently to determine sound origin, thereby achieving comprehensive coverage through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different pick-up sensitivity characteristics to microphones based on their locations. Microphones positioned at different points in the cabin are configured with directional sensitivities optimized for their specific positions, allowing each microphone to excel at detecting sounds from its optimal direction while the collective array provides omnidirectional coverage.
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 effectively alerts operators to external sounds by providing tactile feedback, ensuring timely reaction to driving events, even when auditory cues are ineffective, and can be tailored for specific sound frequencies and hearing-impaired drivers.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of microphones positioned in a vehicle cabin and configured to have pick-up sensitivity in select directions
Implementation Method 2
a cue generator configured to provide a haptic cue on the steering wheel in response to a sound detected by the plurality of microphones
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is provided comprising a cabin area, a steering wheel, a plurality of microphones positioned in the cabin area and configured to have pick-up sensitivity in select directions, and a cue generator configured to provide a haptic cue on the steering wheel in response to a sound detected by the plurality of microphones. Also provided are systems and methods for indicating a detected sound direction in a vehicle. A plurality of microphones are positioned in a vehicle cabin and configured to have pick-up sensitivity in select directions. A comparator is configured to compare the detected audio signals to identify a highest amplitude signal. And a cue generator is configured to provide haptic feedback at a vehicle cabin location associated with the microphone detecting the highest amplitude signal.