Steering Wheel Input Feedback Controller with Haptic and Sound Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users operating controls on a steering wheel, such as audio buttons or air conditioner switches, lack intuitive feedback on the functions they are activating, leading to repeated manipulation and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a sensor and controller that determines input operations like touch, press, or swipe, providing corresponding haptic or sound feedback to help users recognize their inputs, with options for amplifying sound feedback based on preset patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button or switch is mounted on a steering wheel for convenient operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the user does not receive intuitive feedback on the function operated, leading to repeated manipulation and potential malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by providing haptic feedback through a vibration generator and sound feedback through a speaker when a user manipulates a button or switch on the steering wheel. The controller generates vibration signals and sound signals based on the manipulation signal, giving the user tactile and auditory confirmation of their input, thereby preventing repeated manipulation and ensuring correct function activation.
2Loss of information
If haptic feedback is provided through a vibration generator, then the feedback intuitiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple feedback mechanisms (haptic feedback through vibration generator and sound feedback through speaker) under a single controller that receives manipulation signals from the steering wheel controls. This integrated approach provides comprehensive feedback while managing system complexity through centralized control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the steering wheel controls and the feedback mechanisms (vibration generator and speaker). It processes manipulation signals and generates appropriate feedback signals, mediating between user input and system response while simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Loss of information
If sound feedback is amplified for preset patterns, then the feedback clarity is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by amplifying sound feedback only for specific preset patterns (such as simultaneous manipulation of multiple buttons or specific swipe patterns) rather than all manipulations. The controller determines whether the manipulation signal matches preset patterns and selectively amplifies feedback only in those cases, conserving energy while maintaining clarity when needed.
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 users to intuitively recognize their input functions, reducing repeated operations and malfunctions by providing clear feedback, and allowing sound feedback amplification for specific patterns.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor senses a change in a quantity of electric charge at a plurality of touch films spaced apart from each other by the input
Implementation Method 2
the sensor senses a change in a distance between a plurality of touch films by the input
Data Source
AI summary
A device for providing feedback based on an input according to the present disclosure includes a sensor for sensing an input signal corresponding to the input of a user, and a controller that determines the input of the user as at least one of a touch operation, a press operation, or a swipe operation based on the input signal, and provides feedback corresponding to the determination result. The device may provide feedback using a haptic or sound output scheme based on the input of the user, thereby allowing the user to intuitively recognize an input function.