Steering Wheel Input Preview to Prevent Wrong Switch Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle input devices with multiple operation sections close together increase the likelihood of erroneous input, as occupants may struggle to accurately operate the correct switch without significantly shifting their gaze while driving.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle input device that includes an operation detection section, a preliminary action detection section, and a notification section, which detects input to an onboard unit allocated to one operation section, detects preliminary actions prior to operation, and notifies the occupant of relevant information, allowing them to identify the correct operation section without diverting their gaze.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple operation sections are disposed close together on the steering wheel, then the ease of operation is improved (occupant can operate while keeping gaze directed toward front), but the reliability deteriorates (likelihood of erroneous input increases)
Solution Approach 1:
The notification section provides preliminary information about the function of each operation section before the occupant operates it. By displaying the function information in advance on the display section, the occupant can identify the correct operation section without needing to shift their gaze to read labels or indicators on the steering wheel, thus preventing erroneous input while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification section acts as an intermediary between the operation sections and the occupant. Instead of relying on direct visual contact with the operation sections themselves, the notification section provides indirect information about their functions through the display section, allowing the occupant to make informed decisions about which operation section to activate.
2Measurement precision
If the occupant shifts gaze toward the operation section to identify its function, then the measurement precision of operation selection is improved (correct operation section can be identified), but the productivity deteriorates (driving attention is diverted)
Solution Approach 1:
The function information is moved from the spatial dimension (physical labels on the steering wheel) to the temporal dimension (displayed information that appears and disappears). The notification section displays function information temporarily based on detection of preliminary actions, allowing the occupant to obtain accurate information without permanent visual markers that would require continuous gaze shifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification section provides feedback about the function of operation sections based on detection of preliminary actions. When the operation detection section detects a preliminary action, the notification section displays relevant function information, creating a feedback loop that guides the occupant's operation without requiring them to actively search for information.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle input device comprises an operation detection section configured to detect input to an onboard unit allocated to one operation section of plural of operation sections provided in a vicinity of a driving seat due to the one operation section being operated, a preliminary action detection section configured to detect a preliminary action directly prior to the one operation section being operated, and a notification section configured to notify an occupant of information relating to the onboard unit allocated to the one operation section in a case in which the preliminary action has been detected by the preliminary action detection section.