Vehicle Motion Sickness Mitigation Using Saccade-Based Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to effectively predict and mitigate motion sickness in vehicles by monitoring saccadic parameters and adjusting vehicle subsystems to minimize sensory conflict during visual tasks.

Innovation Solution

Monitoring saccadic parameters and head motion using cameras and sensors to predict motion sickness, and adjusting vehicle subsystems such as suspension and steering systems to minimize sensory conflict.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If saccadic parameters are monitored and vehicle subsystems are adjusted to mitigate motion sickness, then occupant comfort is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion sicknessVSAvoidvehicle subsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the motion sickness mitigation function into independent modules: eye tracking cameras for detection, separate processing units for analyzing saccadic parameters, and multiple adjustable vehicle subsystems (suspension, steering, propulsion, HVAC, lighting) that can be independently controlled. This modular segmentation allows the complex function to be distributed across manageable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and analysis of saccadic parameters to predict motion sickness onset before it fully develops. By monitoring eye movements and analyzing patterns such as saccade frequency and amplitude, the system can anticipate discomfort and adjust vehicle subsystems in advance, preventing rather than merely responding to motion sickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple vehicle subsystems are adjusted to minimize sensory conflict, then motion sickness mitigation effectiveness is improved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion sickness mitigation effectivenessVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system integrates multiple vehicle subsystems (suspension, steering, propulsion, HVAC, lighting, entertainment) under a unified control architecture that can adjust various subsystems based on a single set of eye movement measurements. This multi-functional approach allows one control system to manage diverse subsystems for the common goal of reducing sensory conflict and mitigating motion sickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring saccadic parameters in real-time and using this information to dynamically adjust vehicle subsystems. The feedback loop processes eye movement data, determines the likelihood and timing of motion sickness onset, and automatically modifies subsystem operations to minimize sensory conflict, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to occupant needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If eye motion is monitored during visual tasks, then predictive accuracy of motion sickness onset is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaccadic parameter detection accuracyVSAvoideye motion measurement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses cameras as intermediary devices to indirectly measure eye movements rather than requiring direct contact with the eye. The cameras capture images of the eye region, and processing algorithms extract saccadic parameters from these images. This intermediary approach simplifies measurement by using non-invasive optical capture combined with computational analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical eye tracking devices with optical cameras and computational algorithms. Instead of using mechanical sensors that physically interact with the eye, the system uses image capture and digital processing to detect saccadic movements, substituting mechanical measurement with optical and computational methods that are less intrusive and easier to implement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4142578B1Method and apparatus for motion sickness mitigation in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 CLEARMOTION INC
  • EP4142578B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4142578B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Various systems and methods are disclosed for predicting, detecting or mitigating motion sickness of one or more occupants of a vehicle. Also, disclosed are systems and methods for measuring aspects of head motion and characteristics of at least one eye an occupant of a vehicle and using that information mitigate motion sickness..