In-Vehicle Navigation Cues Using Peripheral Light and Steering Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems distract drivers by requiring them to look away from the road to read navigation information, and ambient conditions can lead to fatigue and increased accident risk.
Innovation Solution
A navigation assistance system using light sources placed at vehicle inner peripheral surfaces and haptic sensors on the steering wheel to provide navigation cues without direct visual attention, adjusting illumination and vibration patterns based on ambient light and navigation information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If navigation information is displayed on internal display unit or smart device screen, then navigation information is provided to driver, but driver distraction increases and accident probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual display mechanisms (screens) with haptic feedback mechanisms (vibration motors in steering wheel) and auditory feedback. The haptic sensors detect steering wheel rotations and provide corresponding vibrations to indicate navigation directions, eliminating the need for drivers to visually check screens while maintaining navigation information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces haptic sensors and vibration motors as intermediary elements between the navigation system and the driver. These intermediaries translate navigation information into tactile feedback through the steering wheel, allowing drivers to receive directional guidance without directly viewing the navigation screen.
2Ease of manufacture
If smart phone is placed in cup holder or difficult to reach area, then device is secured, but navigation information becomes difficult to read and driver struggles to access it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the navigation information delivery from a visual dimension (screen display requiring line-of-sight viewing) to a tactile dimension (haptic feedback through steering wheel). This dimensional shift allows drivers to access navigation information through touch and vibration sense while keeping hands on the steering wheel, eliminating the need to physically reach for or visually focus on a misplaced smartphone.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ambient light conditions vary, then environmental adaptability is needed, but driver fatigue increases and accident risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual display adaptation mechanisms with haptic feedback mechanisms that are independent of ambient light conditions. The vibration-based navigation cues provide consistent feedback regardless of whether it is day or night, bright or dim, eliminating the need for drivers to adjust visual settings or strain their eyes to see navigation information in varying light conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a technique for providing navigation assistance to both the driver as well as other vehicle occupants of the vehicle. The technique recites acquiring a placement information for a plurality of light sources and haptic sensors inside the vehicle such as to attract the attention of the driver only in the peripheral vision, without any requirement to take the eyes off the road. It also discloses a navigation unit and an ambient light sensing module configured to provide navigation information and the ambient light information respectively to the control unit. The control unit in turn processes this received information and control the functioning of both the light sources as well as the haptic sensors in order to update the driver and passengers about the upcoming navigation events.