Steering Wheel Visual Interface for Automated Driving State Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated driving systems face challenges in effectively communicating their state to drivers, leading to complex visual interfaces that can cause inappropriate and potentially dangerous reactions.
Innovation Solution
An automated driving system with a visual communication interface that includes a head-up display capable of projecting light signals onto the windshield, in addition to a light indicator on the steering wheel, to provide instant and reliable information about the system's state, using different colors, patterns, and frequencies to convey mode transitions and alert the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple indicator lights and dashboard displays are used to communicate system state, then information completeness is improved, but visual interface complexity increases causing driver confusion and inappropriate reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple visual indicators (steering wheel indicator lights and dashboard displays) into a unified communication system that works together to convey system state information, reducing overall complexity while maintaining information completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator lights on the steering wheel serve multiple functions: they provide system state information, communicate with the driver, and integrate with the automated driving system control, eliminating the need for separate communication devices
2Loss of information
If dashboard displays and multiple indicator lights are used, then system state information is provided, but driver attention is diverted from the road causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel acts as an intermediary device between the automated driving system and the driver, presenting information directly at the driver's natural gaze point without requiring attention diversion to dashboard displays
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator lights on the steering wheel are positioned at the same visual level as the driver's natural field of view, creating an equipotential communication interface that does not require additional eye movement or attention allocation
3Ease of operation
If fully automated driving mode is implemented, then driver workload is reduced, but driver awareness of system state decreases requiring more frequent dashboard checks
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator lights on the steering wheel provide continuous feedback about automated driving system state directly to the driver through the steering wheel interface, eliminating the need for active dashboard monitoring while maintaining awareness
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
Enhances driver awareness and reliability of system state information, reducing the need for frequent dashboard checks and minimizing distractions, while ensuring timely driver intervention during mode transitions.
Implementation Method 1
a head-up display capable of displaying other light signals in the driver's field of vision beyond the windshield of said vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a light indicator capable of emitting light signals on the steering wheel of said vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an automated driving system for a motor vehicle including a visual communication interface (30) intended for informing the driver about the state of said driving system and comprising a luminous indicator (31A, 31B) capable of emitting luminous signals on the steering wheel of said vehicle; characterised in that said visual communication interface (30) also includes a head-up display capable of displaying other luminous signals (33) in the field of view of the driver beyond the dashboard of said vehicle.