Steering Wheel Light Strip Dimming for Automated Driving Mode Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices for automated driving systems in vehicles can disturb drivers during long journeys by continuously emitting light, especially when they engage in other activities, reducing the effectiveness of the display's notification function.
Innovation Solution
A display device for automated driving systems that adjusts the light intensity of the steering wheel's luminous strip based on ambient brightness, driver gaze direction, and activity, dimming the light after a predefined time or distance to minimize distraction while maintaining visibility for important notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the steering wheel rim continuously emits light to indicate automated driving mode activation, then the notification function is effective, but the driver is disturbed during long journeys and other activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by switching the luminous strip from continuous emission to intermittent blinking mode after a predefined time or distance. The luminous strip blinks at specific intervals to attract driver attention only when necessary (e.g., for important notifications or mode changes), rather than emitting light continuously. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining notification effectiveness through periodic visual signals while eliminating constant driver distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light emission characteristics adjustable and adaptive based on driving conditions, time, and distance. The control unit dynamically modifies the luminous strip's behavior (continuous vs. intermittent, brightness levels) according to predefined criteria such as journey duration, ambient light conditions, and system events. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain effective notifications while reducing distraction during extended automated driving periods.
2Illumination intensity
If the lighting unit emits light with high intensity to ensure visibility of driving mode status, then the display function is effective, but the driver's other activities are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the luminous intensity, color, and emission pattern of the lighting unit based on ambient conditions, time of day, and system state. The control unit modifies these parameters to ensure adequate visibility in different lighting environments (day/night, tunnel, open road) while minimizing disruption to driver activities. For example, the system may use lower intensity during daytime and higher intensity during nighttime, or switch to blinking patterns for critical alerts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by directing the luminous output specifically to the steering wheel rim area where it is most needed for driver awareness, rather than illuminating the entire cockpit. The lighting unit is positioned and configured to provide localized illumination that enhances visibility of driving mode status without creating excessive ambient light that would disrupt other cockpit displays or driver activities elsewhere in the vehicle.
3Loss of information
If the luminous strip structure is continuously active to indicate automated driving mode, then the system state is clearly communicated, but energy is wasted during extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by deactivating or dimming the luminous strip during extended automated driving periods when no critical notifications are pending, and reactivating it only when system state changes or important alerts need communication. The control unit monitors driving duration and system events, switching the luminous strip to intermittent or off states during stable automated operation, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective system state communication when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements extraction by separating the continuous indication function from the alert/notification function. The luminous strip is extracted from constant operation and instead activated only for specific purposes: initial mode activation confirmation, critical alerts, mode changes, or periodic reminders. This extraction allows the system to communicate essential information while eliminating unnecessary continuous energy consumption during stable automated driving periods.
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
Reduces driver distraction by adjusting light intensity dynamically, ensuring effective notification without disrupting the driver's activities, and enhances the system's responsiveness to mode changes or takeover requests.
Implementation Method 1
a luminous strip structure, wherein the lighting unit corresponds to the luminous strip structure
Implementation Method 2
the control device is furthermore configured to control the driving mode display in such a way that after the activation of the first automated driving mode, with the first driving mode still active, the lighting unit is operated in a dimmed luminous state in comparison with the first luminous state, with a reduced light intensity relative to the light intensity of the first luminous state
Data Source
AI summary
For automated driving, a driving system can be operated at least in a first automated driving mode with automated longitudinal and/or transverse guidance. A display device includes a driving mode display with a lighting unit. The driving mode display corresponds to a steering wheel display with a light strip structure for the steering wheel rim that can be lit up. A control device coupled to the display is also provided, for controlling the display. The control device is designed to control the driving mode display such that, upon activation of the first automated driving mode, the lighting unit lights up in a first lighting state with a specific luminous intensity, so as to indicate the activation of the first automated driving mode to the driver. The driving mode display is controlled such that, following the activation of the first automated driving mode, with the first driving mode still active, the lighting unit is operated in a dimmed lighting state as compared to the first lighting state, with a reduced luminous intensity in relation to the luminous intensity of the first lighting state.