Steering Wheel Keyboard for Safe Text Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of mobile communications devices for text entry while driving can lead to driver distraction, reducing attention on the road and increasing the risk of accidents due to the need to look at the device and remove hands from the steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard system integrated into the steering wheel with multiplexed keys and a toggle switch, allowing for alphanumeric input without removing hands from the wheel, featuring a scroll input element and tactile feedback for symbol selection, enabling drivers to type without taking their hands off the wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a driver uses a mobile communications device for text entry, then connectivity and information sharing are enhanced, but driver attention is diverted from the road and hands are removed from the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mobile communications device functionality with the vehicle's existing steering wheel and display system. The keyboard is integrated into the steering wheel, and the display is shown on the vehicle's existing display device, merging communication capabilities with the driving interface to maintain both connectivity and driving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that includes a keyboard integrated into the steering wheel and a display device showing the communication interface. This intermediary allows the driver to interact with the mobile communications device through the vehicle's existing controls and display, rather than directly using the mobile device, thereby maintaining connectivity while preserving driving attention
2Ease of operation
If a driver operates a keyboard-based mobile communications device, then text entry capability is enabled, but the driver must look at the keyboard and use hands to press keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the keyboard with the steering wheel structure, allowing the driver to access text entry functionality through the existing steering wheel controls. The display is integrated with the vehicle's existing display system, enabling the driver to view and interact with the communication interface without diverting attention from the road
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel is designed to serve multiple functions: traditional vehicle control and text entry operations. By integrating the keyboard into the steering wheel, the system enables the steering wheel to function as both a driving control interface and a text input device, eliminating the need for separate keyboard interaction
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus for selecting symbols based on actuation of one or more keys or switches associated with a vehicle. One or more processors may interpret signals generated from the one or more keys or switches to ascertain symbols associated with the same.