Resistive Yarn Steering Wheel Input for Drowsiness Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Driver fatigue leading to drowsiness and decreased concentration during prolonged operation of high-speed vehicles increases the risk of accidents, as existing solutions primarily rely on visual monitoring and bio-potential signal analysis, which are not effective in preventing drowsiness-related errors.
Innovation Solution
A movement input apparatus integrated with a steering apparatus using resistive conductive yarn to detect finger contact movements, estimate operator status, and output haptic signals to prevent drowsiness, comprising a detector, estimator, and display unit that converts physical deformations into electric signals for real-time monitoring and warning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual monitoring and bio-potential signal analysis are used to monitor driver drowsiness, then driver status can be monitored, but the monitoring effectiveness is insufficient to prevent drowsiness-related errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual monitoring and bio-potential signal analysis with a mechanical sensing system that detects finger contact movements on the steering wheel. The detector uses mechanical sensors to measure the position, pressure, and movement patterns of finger contacts, providing more reliable data for assessing driver alertness and preventing drowsiness-related errors.
2Measurement precision
If finger contact movement detection is implemented on the steering apparatus, then operator status can be accurately monitored, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the steering apparatus by combining the detector, estimator, and display unit into a single system. The detector not only monitors finger contact movements for drowsiness detection but also provides tactile feedback through the display unit, allowing the same system to perform both monitoring and alerting functions, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection, analysis, and feedback components into an integrated system. The detector embedded in the steering wheel surface combines position sensing and pressure detection capabilities, while the estimator and display unit work together to process and respond to the detected movements, creating a unified system that reduces complexity compared to separate independent components.
3Reliability
If haptic feedback signals are provided through the steering apparatus, then driver alertness can be enhanced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements haptic feedback through periodic vibration signals generated by the display unit. Instead of continuous energy-consuming alerts, the system provides periodic tactile feedback based on detected finger contact movements, maintaining driver alertness while minimizing energy consumption by activating the feedback mechanism 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
The system effectively monitors and prevents driver drowsiness by providing haptic warnings through finger contact, enhancing operator safety and convenience by converting physical interactions into controllable signals for vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
A movement input apparatus integrated with a steering apparatus using resistive conductive yarn to detect finger contact movements
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a movement input apparatus applied to a steering apparatus and a mobile control system using the same. In detail, the steering apparatus performing steering or adjusting functions includes: a movement input apparatus including a signal detector that is attached or embedded in a surface of a steering apparatus and uses a resistive conductive yarn to detect finger contact signals; an estimator that receives the finger contact signals detected in the signal detector to estimate a status of an operator; and a display unit that converts and displays the estimated movement of the operator into signals of a type able to be sensed by a user; an extractor that analyzes the status information transmitted from the transmitter to extract the operational signals of the user; a controller that generates and transmits control signals for external devices according to the extracted operational signals of the user.