Vehicle Haptic Input Control for Multi-Function Knob Usability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face challenges in providing intuitive and efficient user input controls that allow for multiple functionalities while maintaining structural simplicity and usability, particularly due to the need for haptic feedback that adapts to user manipulations and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a user input device that selects a haptic feedback type based on detected manipulations and environmental conditions, using a data processing device to trigger appropriate feedback types, including variable resistance, local resistance peaks, and limitations, enhancing user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controls are provided for each functionality, then the adjustability of functionalities is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single control element (rotary knob) is designed to perform multiple functions by combining rotational movement for selecting between different functionalities and push movement for activating selected functions. This multi-functional design allows one control to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, thereby maintaining full adjustability of all functionalities while reducing overall device complexity
2Device complexity
If a single control is used for multiple functionalities, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts haptic feedback characteristics based on the current operational state and detected environmental conditions. The haptic feedback generator modifies resistance patterns, vibration frequencies, and feedback intensity in real-time to provide context-appropriate tactile guidance, making the single multi-functional control as intuitive and easy to operate as multiple dedicated controls would be
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements adaptive haptic feedback that responds to user manipulations and environmental conditions. By analyzing manipulation data and environmental sensor data, the system selects appropriate haptic feedback types (e.g., resistance patterns, vibration patterns) to guide users through different operational modes, thereby enhancing ease of operation despite the simplified control structure
3Ease of operation
If haptic feedback is adapted to environmental conditions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system dynamically adjusts its operational parameters (resistance level, vibration intensity, feedback frequency) based on detected environmental conditions such as vehicle motion state, ambient temperature, and road surface conditions. By adapting these parameters rather than maintaining constant high-intensity feedback, the system achieves improved ease of operation across different environments while managing energy consumption through selective and proportional activation of haptic effects
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for controlling a user input device (14) for a vehicle (10), wherein the user input device (14) can be manipulated by a user (16). The method comprises obtaining first data indicative of a manipulation of the user input device (14). Additionally or alternatively, the method comprises obtaining second data indicative of an environmental condition. Furthermore, the method comprises selecting a haptic feedback type for the user input device (14) out of a plurality of haptic feedback types based on the first data and/or based on the second data. Additionally, the method comprises triggering a haptic feedback of the selected haptic feedback type. Moreover, a data processing device (54) is explained. Further, a computer program (62) and a computer-readable storage medium (60) are presented. Additionally, a user input system (12) for a vehicle (10) is presented. Additionally, a vehicle (10) comprising a user input system (12) is explained.