Vehicle Information Output Stabilization via Virtual Emotion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information providing devices for vehicles often lead to frequent switching between information output and non-output based on changing driving load levels, causing user discomfort due to inconsistent information presentation.

Innovation Solution

An information providing device and method that includes a traveling state detection unit, emotion determination unit, and output control unit to determine the virtual emotion of a vehicle based on sustained traveling states, allowing for tailored content and output mode adjustments to alleviate user discomfort and align with driving load conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If information output is controlled based on real-time driving load level changes, then information is provided according to driving conditions, but frequent switching between information output and non-output occurs causing user discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptability to driving load conditionsVSAvoidStability of information output
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of driving load levels into multiple tiers (first through fourth levels) with predetermined information output policies. By pre-establishing these classification thresholds and corresponding output strategies, the system avoids frequent real-time decision switching, thereby maintaining output stability while still adapting to varying driving conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hierarchical parameter structure for driving load assessment, dividing the continuous driving load spectrum into discrete levels (first to fourth levels) with specific thresholds. This parameter transformation converts continuous real-time variations into discrete stable states, reducing frequent switching between information output modes while preserving adaptability to actual driving conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If information is withheld during high driving load periods, then driver attention is not hindered, but user discomfort arises from inconsistent information presentation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDriver attention maintenanceVSAvoidUser discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic information output strategies that adapt to driving load levels. During high driving load periods (third and fourth levels), the system dynamically adjusts output by selecting more appropriate information types and delivery methods rather than complete suppression. This dynamic adaptation maintains driver attention while reducing user discomfort through consistent and context-appropriate information presentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different information output qualities to different driving load levels. Instead of uniform information suppression during high load, the system selectively withholds only certain information types while maintaining others, and uses varied output modes (visual, auditory, haptic) appropriate to each load level. This localized quality adjustment preserves driver attention while minimizing user discomfort through nuanced information delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10929652B2Information providing device and information providing method
Publication Date: 2021.02.23 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • US10929652B2 patent drawing
  • US10929652B2 patent drawing
  • US10929652B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information providing device and an information providing method capable of providing information according to a driving load while alleviating or eliminating a sense of discomfort of a user of a vehicle is provided. An information providing device includes an emotion determination unit that determines virtual emotion of a vehicle, and an output control unit that determines one or both of content and an output mode of the information that the output unit is caused to output according to the virtual emotion of the vehicle. The emotion determination unit determines predetermined emotion to be the virtual emotion of the vehicle when a condition that a period in which the traveling state of the vehicle detected by the traveling state detection unit is a predetermined traveling state has continued for a predetermined period or longer is satisfied.