Steering Wheel Interface for Automated Driving Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user interfaces for selecting and setting driving automation levels in motor vehicles are complex and space-intensive, making it difficult for drivers to efficiently switch between manual, partially automated, highly automated, and autonomous driving modes, especially in limited spaces like a steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
A user interface device with a switching device for selecting driving automation levels and a selection device for configuring parameters, using a simple and space-saving design with two input types, allowing 'blind' operation and integration on a steering wheel spoke, featuring a keypad with distinct buttons for automation levels and a multi-dimensional switch for parameter settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of input elements are provided to enable selection of various driving automation levels and their settings, then the completeness of mode selection is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The selection device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can select between different driving automation levels (manual, partially automated, highly automated, autonomous) and also configure parameters within each selected mode. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate controls for mode selection and parameter configuration, reducing the total number of input elements while maintaining complete adaptability across all automation levels and their settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the switching device for selecting driving automation levels and the selection device for configuring parameters into a single integrated control unit on the steering wheel. By merging these functions into one compact interface, the system reduces space requirements and input element count while preserving the ability to access all automation modes and their respective settings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input elements are arranged on the steering wheel for mode selection, then the functionality is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to limited space and driver attention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control unit on the steering wheel provides universal access to both automation level selection and parameter configuration functions through a single interface. This allows the driver to perform all mode-related operations from one location without needing to reach for multiple separate controls, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a display device that automatically shows available options and current settings, guiding the driver through the selection process. The interface self-adapts to the selected automation level, dynamically displaying relevant parameters and options, which reduces the cognitive load on the driver and makes operation more intuitive despite the complexity of available functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex interfaces with multiple controls are used for selecting and configuring driving automation levels, then the adaptability is improved, but the safety is worsened due to driver distraction
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all mode selection and configuration controls into a single integrated unit on the steering wheel, the system ensures that all interactions occur within the driver's natural reach zone. This eliminates the need for the driver to shift attention to other parts of the vehicle interior, reducing distraction while maintaining full adaptability through the unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device provides immediate visual feedback to confirm the driver's selections and show the current automation level and parameters. This feedback mechanism reduces the need for trial-and-error operation and minimizes the time the driver needs to spend interacting with the controls, thereby enhancing safety while preserving comprehensive configuration options.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a user interface device for selecting an operating mode for an automated drive in a motor vehicle. The user interface device has a switching device for switching over between different driving automation stages of a motor vehicle, a selection device for determining at least one driving parameter in order to configure the driving automation stage selected by the switching device, and a display device which interacts with the selection device in order to display available selection possibilities for the at least one driving parameter when configuring the selected driving automation stage. It is thus possible to select and configure one of multiple driving automation stages of the motor vehicle even in the event of a plurality of such stages and configuration possibilities for the stages using a simple and space-saving operating design with only two different input types, namely the switch-over between the driving automation stages and the configuration process using the selection device.