In-Vehicle Interface Device for Autonomous Travel Intention Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle interface devices for autonomous vehicles require drivers to learn the correspondence between LED lighting states and control states, making it difficult for drivers to correctly respond to inquiries from the vehicle during autonomous travel.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle interface device with a right operation switch, a left operation switch, and display devices, where the interface controller displays intention confirmation images with guide images and switch images, allowing drivers to intuitively understand the correspondence between switches and choices, eliminating the need for additional switches and preventing unintended shift changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If LED lighting states are used to notify control states, then the notification can be provided, but the driver needs to learn the correspondence between LED states and control states in advance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the steering wheel with switch images that correspond to actual paddle shift switches. The display shows a virtual steering wheel with switch positions that mirror the physical switch locations, allowing drivers to intuitively understand which physical switch to operate based on the displayed image, eliminating the need to memorize LED-state correspondences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a display device as an intermediary between the notification system and the driver. Instead of directly using LED lighting states to convey control information, the system uses a visual representation of the steering wheel with switch images that serves as a mediator, making the connection between notifications and required driver actions immediately apparent
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are added to the steering wheel for different functions, then more operations can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing paddle shift switches universal by enabling them to perform multiple functions. The same right and left paddle shift switches used for gear shifting are also used for confirming driver intention during autonomous travel. The display device provides contextual information that helps drivers understand which switch to operate for the current task, eliminating the need for additional dedicated switches
Solution Approach 2:
The existing paddle shift switches on the steering wheel are made to serve the additional function of autonomous travel confirmation without requiring new hardware. The system leverages the already-present switches and uses software/display control to guide their appropriate use, allowing the existing components to serve multiple purposes
Data Source
AI summary
An interface device to be mounted on an autonomous vehicle includes: a right operation switch and a left operation switch provided on a steering wheel; a display device disposed ahead of the steering wheel; and an IF controller configured to control the display device, the controller being configured to cause the display device to display an intention confirmation image when it is necessary to confirm a driver's intention regarding autonomous travel. The intention confirmation image includes an inquiry image, a right guide image displayed on the right side of a horizontal center of the inquiry image, the right guide image indicating a choice selectable with the right operation switch, and a left guide image displayed on the left side of the horizontal center of the inquiry image, the left guide image indicating a choice selectable with the left operation switch.