Steering Wheel Input Preview via HUD to Prevent Wrong Presses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle input devices with closely spaced operation sections increase the likelihood of erroneous inputs due to the need to shift gaze during operation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle input device that detects preliminary actions on operation sections and provides visual notifications on a display section, allowing occupants to identify the function of the section they are about to operate without diverting their gaze, using a head-up display to project information onto the windshield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple operation sections are disposed close together to reduce the number of switches, then device complexity is reduced, but the likelihood of erroneous input increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects a preliminary action (touching) of an operation section before the final pressing action occurs. When a preliminary action is detected, the notification section activates to display information about the touched operation section on the display unit, allowing the occupant to confirm the selected function before final activation. This preliminary notification step prevents erroneous inputs by providing feedback before the operation is committed.
2Ease of operation
If multiple switches are provided at the steering wheel for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the likelihood of erroneous input increases due to closely spaced switches
Solution Approach 1:
The notification section provides visual feedback by displaying information about the touched operation section on the display unit. This feedback mechanism allows the occupant to confirm which operation section is being activated before the final pressing action occurs, reducing erroneous inputs while maintaining ease of operation with closely spaced switches.
3Ease of operation
If operation sections are placed near the driving seat for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but gaze shifting is required increasing distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit acts as an intermediary between the operation sections and the occupant's visual attention. Instead of requiring the occupant to look directly at the operation sections on the steering wheel, the notification displays information on the display unit (which can be positioned in the vehicle's visual periphery or instrument panel), allowing the occupant to confirm the selected function with minimal gaze shifting from the road.
Data Source
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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.