Illuminated Steering Wheel for Autonomous Driving Takeover Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous vehicles, drivers face challenges in recognizing a large amount of information provided through a small cluster, making it difficult to respond appropriately in urgent situations, and existing solutions do not effectively address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel with an illumination unit that includes multiple light-emitting devices around the grip and hub, controlled by a unit to display various patterns and colors to induce driver action and convey vehicle information, such as hold induction and notification patterns, warning signals, and mode changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If information is concentrated in a small cluster, then information density is improved, but driver recognition ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions information display from a two-dimensional cluster screen to a three-dimensional spatial distribution around the steering wheel. Multiple illumination units are positioned at different locations (left side, right side, upper side, lower side of the steering wheel) to create a spatial information field that the driver can perceive from multiple angles, effectively adding a spatial dimension to information presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The information display is segmented into multiple independent illumination units positioned at different locations around the steering wheel. Each illumination unit can display specific information independently, allowing the driver to scan information at their own pace and focus on critical alerts without being overwhelmed by a dense cluster of information.
2Extent of automation
If autonomous driving is implemented, then driver workload is reduced, but driver response in urgent situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously providing visual cues through illumination units even during autonomous driving. The illumination units display system status and prepare the driver for potential takeovers by maintaining visual engagement, ensuring the driver remains alert and ready to respond when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination units provide continuous visual feedback to the driver about the autonomous system's status, detected objects, and system confidence levels. This feedback loop keeps the driver informed and engaged, maintaining their situational awareness and readiness to intervene when necessary.
3Loss of information
If multiple illumination units are added to the steering wheel, then information transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each illumination unit is designed as a multi-functional component that can display various types of information (alerts, status indicators, directional cues) depending on the situation. The same hardware structure serves multiple purposes: providing visual information, indicating system status, guiding driver attention, and maintaining aesthetic appearance, thereby reducing the need for separate components for each function.
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 illumination system enhances driver awareness and response by providing clear visual information, increasing driver engagement and safety by preemptively indicating vehicle states and situations, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination unit provided in each of a left portion and a right portion of the grip unit in a circumferential direction of the grip unit and configured to light up in a predetermined pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel is provided. A steering wheel of a vehicle capable of autonomous driving includes a grip unit having a rim shape and held by a driver to steer the vehicle, an illumination unit provided in each of a left portion and a right portion of the grip unit in a circumferential direction of the grip unit, and a control unit configured to control the illumination unit to light up in a hold induction pattern for inducing holding by the driver according to a situation of the vehicle and a vehicle state pattern for guiding the driver through a state of the vehicle.