Lane Change Interface Using Virtual Vehicle Icon
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing automatic driving systems face challenges in providing an intuitive and convenient method for drivers to instruct specific driving operations, such as traffic lane changes, due to non-intuitive switch operations and complex task selection, limiting the usability of automatic driving vehicles, especially for inexperienced or capability-reduced drivers.
Innovation Solution
A driving support device that includes an image output unit displaying the vehicle and traffic lanes, an operation signal input unit for user gestures, and a command output unit that translates user gestures into commands for the automatic driving control unit, allowing drivers to intuitively instruct lane changes by moving a vehicle icon on a display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional switch operations are used for each specific driving operation, then the automatic driving control can be implemented, but the operation becomes non-intuitive and complex for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the real-world traffic lane environment on the display unit. The own vehicle icon replicates the actual vehicle position and orientation, while virtual lane markings replicate the actual road structure. This allows users to intuitively understand the relationship between their input actions and vehicle responses without needing to memorize complex switch functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switch operations with touch-based or gesture-based input methods on a display interface. Instead of physically manipulating multiple switches for different driving operations, users can directly interact with the visual representation of the vehicle and lanes through touching or gesturing, making the operation more intuitive and reducing mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are provided for different driving operations, then various functions can be controlled, but selecting the correct instruction becomes a complex task requiring training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different visual properties and interaction methods to different regions of the display corresponding to different driving operations. Each traffic lane and operational area has distinct visual characteristics that indicate its specific function, allowing users to intuitively understand which area to interact with for their desired operation without needing to study a manual or receive training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the control interface by displaying the vehicle, lanes, and operational areas graphically rather than using traditional linear arrangements of switches. This spatial representation on the display unit allows users to understand the relationship between different driving operations and their effects in a more natural, intuitive way that mirrors the actual driving environment.
3Ease of operation
If a simplified interface is used for driving operations, then ease of operation improves, but the ability to provide specific driving operation instructions may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface where a single display unit and interaction method can handle multiple specific driving operations. By representing the vehicle environment graphically and allowing direct manipulation of the own vehicle icon or gestures toward specific lanes, the system provides both simplicity and specificity - users get intuitive control while maintaining the ability to execute various driving operations like lane changes, turns, and merges.
Data Source
AI summary
A driver can intuitively and conveniently perform an operation for instructing a traffic lane change to a vehicle. In a driving support device 10, an image output unit 14a outputs, to a display unit 31, an image containing an own vehicle object representing an own vehicle and a plurality of traffic lanes. An operation signal input unit 14b receives an operation of a user for moving the own vehicle object in the image displayed on the display unit 31 from a first traffic lane to a second traffic lane. A command output unit 14c outputs, to an automatic driving control unit 20 that controls automatic driving, a command for instructing the change of a traveling traffic lane of the own vehicle from the first traffic lane to the second traffic lane when the operation is received.