Joystick Infotelematic Control with Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infotelematic systems in vehicles are not ergonomically designed for easy and intuitive control, requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road and undergo a long learning process due to the use of multiple pushbuttons.
Innovation Solution
A joystick-type control device with a haptic actuator and sensors that allows for intuitive movement and force feedback, enabling users to select options on a liquid-crystal display without needing to look away from the road, and an adaptive haptic actuator that restricts movements to match the displayed options, minimizing hand movement and effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pushbuttons are used for controlling infotelematic system functions, then the system can provide comprehensive control capabilities, but the driver must take eyes off the road and undergo a long learning process
Solution Approach 1:
The control device integrates multiple control functions into a single joystick unit. The joystick can navigate through menu options in different directions (up, down, left, right) and confirm selections with a push button, replacing the need for multiple dedicated pushbuttons for different infotelematic functions while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines navigation and selection functions into one unified control device. The joystick merges the navigation capability (moving the selection cursor through menu options) and the selection capability (confirming the chosen option) into a single integrated control mechanism, reducing the number of separate controls the driver must learn and operate
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pushbuttons are arranged around the liquid-crystal display, then various functions can be controlled, but the control device becomes inconvenient to use and awkward to learn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential control functions from the complex array of multiple pushbuttons and consolidates them into a single joystick control device. This extraction process removes the unnecessary complexity of having numerous separate buttons while retaining the core functionality of navigating and selecting infotelematic system options
Solution Approach 2:
The joystick serves as a universal control device that can perform multiple functions: navigating up through menu options, navigating down, moving left, moving right, and confirming selections. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple single-function pushbuttons, simplifying the overall control device structure
3Loss of information
If traditional pushbutton control is used, then the system can display various information, but the driver requires excessive distraction from driving to access desired information
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick enables the driver to quickly navigate through menu options and access desired information faster than with traditional pushbuttons. The unified control mechanism allows for more efficient navigation through the infotelematic system's information hierarchy, reducing the time required to locate and access specific information while minimizing driver distraction
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 solution provides an ergonomic and intuitive control method that reduces driver distraction and simplifies the learning process, allowing for efficient navigation of infotelematic system functions without requiring the driver to look away from the road.
Implementation Method 1
a control device (8) of the joystick type and comprising a haptic actuator (16) for generating a feedback force to the joystick (9)
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for control of an infotelematic system (1) for a road vehicle for choosing from amongst a number of selectable options (18); the control method presenting the steps of: displaying on a display (7) a set of selectable options (18) ordered so as to form a vertical list; detecting the position of a bar (9) of a control device (8) of the joystick type for determining the option (18) selected by the user; identifying a central position in the list of the selectable options (18); dividing the selectable options (18) into a top halflist set above the central position and a bottom halflist set below the central position; and governing a haptic actuator (16) coupled to the bar (9) to allow the bar (9) to perform only vertical movements downwards and upwards starting from a central position of the bar (9), and dividing each arc of movement of the bar (9) downwards or upwards into a plurality of positions of selection, which are set at an angular distance from one another and each of which corresponds to a respective selectable option (18) of a respective bottom or top halflist.