In-Cabin Navigation Cues Using Peripheral Light and Steering Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional navigation systems distract drivers by requiring them to look at screens for navigational information, and ambient conditions can make it difficult to read navigation details, increasing the risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
A navigation assistance system using a combination of light sources placed at inner peripheral vehicle surfaces and haptic sensors on the steering wheel, which provide navigation information through peripheral illumination and vibration feedback, adjusting intensity and pattern based on ambient light and navigation data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If navigation information is displayed on internal display units or smart devices, then navigation information can be provided to the driver, but the driver's attention is distracted from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual display mechanisms (screens) with haptic feedback mechanisms (vibration motors in steering wheel) and optical signaling (LED lights on vehicle periphery). This substitution allows navigation information to be transmitted through non-visual channels, eliminating the need for drivers to look at screens while maintaining information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements (LED lights on vehicle periphery, haptic feedback through steering wheel) that act as mediators between the navigation system and the driver. These intermediaries convey navigation information through indirect channels (peripheral vision, tactile sensation) rather than requiring direct visual engagement with screens.
2Stability of the object's composition
If smart phone is placed in difficult to reach areas like cup holder, then device can be securely positioned, but navigation information becomes difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the navigation information display function from the smartphone screen and relocates it to the vehicle's peripheral structures (LED lights on windscreen rail, sun visor, dashboard, A-pillars). This extraction allows the information to be displayed in multiple accessible locations around the driver's periphery without requiring the driver to physically access or reposition the smartphone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions navigation information from a two-dimensional screen display to a three-dimensional spatial distribution of LED indicators around the vehicle periphery. This dimensional change allows information to be accessed through peripheral vision from multiple angles and positions, eliminating the need for the driver to lean forward or adjust device position.
3Illumination intensity
If light sources are used to illuminate navigation information, then visibility can be improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or event-driven illumination of LED light sources rather than continuous illumination. The LEDs are activated only when navigation events occur or when ambient light conditions change, significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining visibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the illumination parameters (intensity, color) of the LED light sources based on ambient light conditions detected by sensors. This adaptive parameter adjustment optimizes visibility across different lighting environments while minimizing energy consumption by using higher intensity only when necessary.
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
Enables drivers to receive navigation information without taking their eyes off the road, reducing distractions and improving safety by providing navigation cues in a non-intrusive manner.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light sources placed at one or more inner peripheral surfaces of the vehicle to illuminate in a pre-defined pattern
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of haptic sensors placed on a steering wheel of the vehicle to generate haptic feedback, in a predefined pattern
Implementation Method 3
an ambient light sensing module configured to measure light conditions of an environment of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
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 (102). The technique recites acquiring a placement information for a plurality of light sources (208) and haptic sensors (210) 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 (202) and an ambient light sensing module (204) configured to provide navigation information and the ambient light information respectively to the control unit (206). The control unit (206) in turn processes this received information and control the functioning of both the light sources (208) as well as the haptic sensors (210) in order to update the driver and passengers about the upcoming navigation events.