Steering Wheel Bimanual Input Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers must divert their attention and remove their hands from the steering wheel to interact with vehicle subsystems, compromising safety by reducing their ability to safely operate the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A bimanual input system that uses sensors on the steering wheel to detect finger locations and orientations, allowing users to modify vehicle parameters without taking their hands off the wheel by using left-hand controls to select and right-hand controls to specify modifications, ensuring accurate user intent through simultaneous or near-simultaneous input detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver removes hands from the steering wheel to control vehicle subsystems, then the ease of operation of subsystems is improved, but the safety of vehicle operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of vehicle subsystems with the steering wheel interface by integrating touch-sensitive sensors directly into the steering wheel structure. This allows the driver to control climate control, audio, and other subsystems through tactile interactions with the steering wheel itself, eliminating the need to remove hands from the wheel while maintaining full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces touch-sensitive sensors as an intermediary between the driver and vehicle subsystems. These sensors detect finger proximity and contact on the steering wheel surface, translating tactile gestures into control commands for various subsystems without requiring the driver to look away or remove hands from the steering wheel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control panels are provided for different subsystems, then the functionality of vehicle control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control interface where the steering wheel serves multiple functions beyond steering. The touch-sensitive sensors on the steering wheel enable control of climate systems, audio entertainment, navigation, and other vehicle subsystems, allowing a single interface to replace multiple dedicated control panels and switches located elsewhere in the vehicle.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure set forth a technique for modifying different vehicle parameters based on bimanual input. The technique includes acquiring sensor data associated with a first finger and a second finger of a user. The technique further includes analyzing the sensor data to determine a first location of the first finger and a second location of the second finger. The technique further includes selecting a first vehicle parameter based on the first location of the first finger, and modifying the first vehicle parameter based on the second location of the second finger.