Steering Wheel LED Light Patterns for Automated Driving Mode Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle information presenting devices only notify drivers of automated driving stability without indicating necessary actions, failing to prepare drivers for switching to manual driving mode effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle information presenting device that changes the light-emitting state of LEDs embedded in the steering wheel based on the system state of automated driving, categorizing the state into four areas (notification, caution low, caution high, and warning) to inform drivers when to switch to manual driving, using different light patterns and intensities to alert the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional traveling state presenting device is used to notify drivers of automated driving stability, then drivers are informed of system status, but drivers are not provided with clear guidance on when to switch to manual driving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes in the light-emitting unit to convey different system states and required driver actions. Different colors indicate different levels of automated driving stability and corresponding actions needed, providing both information and clear guidance for mode switching decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the automated driving system state into multiple distinct regions (first region, second region, third region) based on stability levels. Each region triggers a specific light-emitting state, breaking down the continuous stability spectrum into discrete, actionable categories that guide driver behavior
2Loss of information
If only automated driving stability information is displayed, then the notification system remains simple, but the device cannot guide drivers on necessary actions to take
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting unit serves multiple functions: it indicates system state, communicates stability level, and guides driver action all through a single component. This multi-functionality adds action guidance capability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters of the light-emitting unit (emission state, color, intensity) to encode different system states and required actions. By varying these parameters, the system conveys rich information including both stability status and actionable guidance without adding complex separate notification systems
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
Effectively prepares drivers to switch from automated to manual driving by clearly indicating the system state through light patterns, ensuring a smooth transition and enhancing driver readiness.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting unit (11) installed inside of a steering wheel (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle information presenting device used for an automated driving vehicle that automatically performs traveling control of the vehicle based on a traveling state of the vehicle and information on an outside of the vehicle includes: a steering wheel; a light-emitting unit that is disposed in the steering wheel and emits light; and a light-emitting control unit that causes the light-emitting unit to emit light, wherein the light-emitting control unit changes a light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit to induce a driver to switch from automated driving to manual driving in accordance with a system state of the automated driving.