Wireless Haptic Alerts for Vehicle Occupants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle safety systems that use audio alerts are often annoying to occupants, ineffective for the hearing-impaired, and add complexity and cost when using haptic alerts, which can be complex to implement.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that wirelessly transmits alert signals to portable devices with haptic actuators, allowing them to generate vibratory movements that are physically disconnected from the vehicle but in contact with occupants, enabling customizable haptic alerts based on alert conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If audio alerts are used in vehicle safety systems, then the system complexity is low, but the alerts become annoying to occupants and ineffective for hearing-impaired individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic alert mechanism with a haptic alert mechanism. Instead of using speakers to generate sound waves, the system uses haptic actuators integrated into portable devices to generate tactile vibrations. This substitution eliminates the harmful acoustic effects (annoyance and ineffectiveness for hearing-impaired) while maintaining system simplicity, as the haptic actuators are already present in common portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces portable devices as an intermediary between the vehicle safety system and the occupant. The portable device receives wireless communication from the vehicle system and translates alert signals into haptic feedback through its built-in actuators. This intermediary approach allows the vehicle system to offload the alert generation function, avoiding direct integration of complex haptic systems in the vehicle while ensuring reliable and effective alerts.
2Reliability
If haptic actuators are integrated into the vehicle to provide haptic alerts, then alert effectiveness improves, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the self-service capability of portable devices by utilizing their existing haptic actuators for safety alert functions. The portable device's built-in vibration motor or haptic engine, originally designed for user interface feedback, is repurposed to deliver safety alerts. This eliminates the need for dedicated haptic actuators in the vehicle, as the occupant's personal device provides the haptic feedback service independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling portable devices to serve dual purposes: their original functions (communication, entertainment, etc.) plus vehicle safety alert generation. The haptic actuator in the portable device performs both user interface feedback and safety alert functions. This universal approach allows one component to fulfill multiple roles, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
3Measurement precision
If haptic alerts are used to communicate risk location, then localization accuracy improves, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using directional haptic feedback to indicate the specific location of detected risks. Different haptic actuators positioned at different locations on the portable device (or different vibration patterns) convey information about the direction and location of hazards. For example, vibrations on the left side of the device indicate risks to the left, providing localized spatial information without requiring complex multi-point actuation systems in the vehicle.
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
This approach provides effective and less annoying alerts that improve safety communication, are accessible for hearing-impaired individuals, and reduces the complexity and cost associated with traditional haptic alert systems by utilizing existing portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
The output signal is configured to activate the haptic actuator to cause a vibratory movement of the portable device
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for generating an alert to one or more occupants of a vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an input signal from a vehicle safety system. The input signal is indicative of an alert condition (e.g. an impending collision). The method further includes generating an output signal responsive to said input signal and wirelessly transmitting the output signal to the portable device. The portable device, such as a cellular communications device, has a haptic actuator and is configured to be mechanically disconnected from the vehicle while in physical contact with an occupant of the vehicle. The output signal, which may be transmitted directly to the portable device using short-range wireless communication protocols, is configured to activate the haptic actuator to cause a vibratory movement of the portable device and alert the vehicle occupant to the alert condition.