Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle control interfaces. Particularly, the present invention relates to a steering wheel mounted touchpad control system for reducing driver distraction while interacting with in-car infotainment and vehicle control systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Modern vehicles increasingly feature advanced infotainment systems that allow drivers to control various functions such as music, navigation, and communication. These systems often integrate popular smartphone interfaces like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing a seamless connection between the driver's mobile device and the vehicle's onboard systems.
[0003] While these infotainment systems offer convenience and enhanced functionality, they also present challenges related to driver distraction. Many of these systems rely on touchscreen interfaces mounted on the vehicle's dashboard or center console. Interacting with these screens often requires drivers to take their eyes off the road and hands off the steering wheel, potentially compromising safety.
[0004] Traditional steering wheel controls have attempted to address this issue by providing buttons for basic functions such as volume adjustment and call handling. However, these controls are typically limited in their functionality and do not provide comprehensive interaction with the full range of infotainment features and vehicle settings available in modern automobiles.
[0005] The increasing complexity of in-vehicle systems, including the need to access information such as tire pressure, fuel efficiency, and climate control settings, further compounds the challenge of providing intuitive and safe controls for drivers. As vehicles become more technologically advanced, there is a growing need for control interfaces that allow drivers to access a wide range of functions without compromising their focus on the road.
[0006] Driver distraction remains a significant concern for road safety. The use of mobile devices and interaction with in-vehicle systems while driving has been identified as a contributing factor in many accidents. As such, there is an ongoing effort in the automotive industry to develop solutions that minimize driver distraction while still providing access to desired features and information.
[0007] Advancements in touch-sensitive technologies have opened up new possibilities for user interface design in various applications. These technologies offer potential for creating more intuitive and responsive control systems that could be integrated into vehicle environments to enhance both functionality and safety.
[0008] Human-machine interface design in automotive applications continues to evolve, with a focus on creating systems that are both feature-rich and user-friendly. The challenge lies in balancing the desire for advanced functionality with the paramount need for driver safety and minimal distraction.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system that may reduce driver distraction while interacting with in-car infotainment and vehicle control systems.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to enable intuitive and efficient control of various vehicle functions without requiring the driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel.
[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to integrate a compact touch-sensitive interface near the driver's thumb on the steering wheel, potentially improving ergonomics and ease of use.
[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to implement a capacitive sensor array that may detect a range of touch and swipe gestures, allowing for versatile input options.
[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to offer multi-touch gesture support, which may enhance the intuitiveness and functionality of the control system.
[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide customizable controls that may allow drivers to map specific gestures to frequently used commands, potentially improving user experience and efficiency.
[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to incorporate haptic feedback mechanism that may confirm successful interactions without requiring visual confirmation from the driver.
[0016] Yet another objective of the present invention is to seamlessly integrate with popular smartphone interfaces such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, potentially enhancing connectivity and functionality.
[0017] Yet another objective of the present invention is to facilitate access to vehicle control systems and information, such as tire pressure, fuel efficiency, and climate control settings, directly from the steering wheel.
[0018] Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, the aspects of the present invention are disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0019] FIG. 1 is a steering wheel layout diagram illustrating a touchpad control system.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a custom gesture configuration diagram for a car settings interface.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a workflow diagram depicting the process of changing music tracks using the touchpad control system.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a system architecture diagram of a steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention relates to a steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system comprising a compact touch-sensitive interface positioned near the driver's thumb on the steering wheel, a capacitive sensor array for detecting touch and swipe gestures, and integration with the vehicle's infotainment system and control systems. This system is designed to reduce driver distraction while interacting with in-car infotainment systems and vehicle controls.
[0024] The inventive features of this system include multi-touch gesture support for intuitive control of various functions, customizable controls allowing drivers to map specific gestures to frequently used commands, and haptic feedback mechanism for confirming successful interactions without visual confirmation. Additionally, the system offers seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as vehicle control systems for accessing car information and settings. These features combine to enhance driver safety by enabling hands-on control of essential functions without requiring the driver to divert attention from the road, thereby minimizing the risk of distraction-related accidents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The following detailed description and embodiments set forth herein below are merely exemplary out of the wide variety and arrangement of instructions which can be employed with the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. All the features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by similar other or alternative features performing similar or same or equivalent purposes. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, they all are within the scope of the present invention.
[0026] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0027] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.
[0028] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0029] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.
[0030] The present invention relates to a steering wheel mounted touchpad control system (100) designed to enhance driver safety and convenience. This system incorporates a touch-sensitive interface (102) directly into the steering wheel (104), allowing drivers to interact with in-car infotainment systems and vehicle controls (118) without removing their hands from the wheel or diverting their gaze from the road.
[0031] In an embodiment, the touchpad control system (100) may be positioned on the steering wheel spokes, within easy reach of the driver's thumbs. This strategic placement allows for intuitive operation of various vehicle functions, including but not limited to music playback control, navigation system interaction, and adjustment of vehicle settings.
[0032] The steering wheel integrated touchpad control system (100) may be compatible with popular infotainment platforms such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In an embodiment, the system may also interface with the vehicle's native control systems, providing access to functions like tire pressure monitoring, fuel information, and climate control settings.
[0033] By integrating these controls directly into the steering wheel (104), the system (100) aims to minimize the need for drivers to interact with dashboard-mounted touchscreens or other controls that may require taking their hands off the wheel. This approach may help reduce driver distraction and potentially improve overall road safety.
[0034] In an embodiment, the touchpad control system (100) may utilize various touch-sensitive technologies, such as capacitive touch, optical tracking, force-sensing, inductive touch, or piezoelectric touch. The specific technology implemented may vary depending on factors such as durability requirements, environmental conditions, and desired functionality.
[0035] In an embodiment, the system (100) may provide haptic feedback mechanism (114) to confirm user inputs, further reducing the need for visual confirmation and helping to keep the driver's attention on the road. This feedback may take the form of subtle vibrations or other tactile sensations delivered through the touchpad surface.
[0036] The steering wheel integrated touchpad control system (100) represents an innovative approach to in-vehicle control interfaces, designed to enhance both safety and convenience in modern automobiles.
[0037] The steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system (100) may be embedded within the steering wheel, as illustrated in Figure 1. The touchpad may be positioned on one of the steering wheel (102) spokes, allowing for easy access by the driver's thumb while maintaining a firm grip on the wheel.
[0038] In an embodiment, the touchpad may incorporate a capacitive sensor array (106) beneath its surface. This array (106) may detect various touch inputs, enabling the system (100) to recognize multiple gestures simultaneously. The multi-touch gesture support may allow for a wide range of intuitive controls, such as swiping to navigate menus or adjust volume, tapping to select options, and using two-finger gestures for more complex commands.
[0039] In another embodiment, the touchpad control system (100) may interface with the vehicle's infotainment system (118), allowing for control of functions such as music playback, navigation, and hands-free calling. The system may also communicate with various vehicle control systems/ electronic control units (ECUs) through a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus interface (112). This integration may enable the driver to access and adjust vehicle settings, such as climate control or tire pressure monitoring, directly from the steering wheel-mounted touchpad. This enables real-time updates and responses to user inputs, ensuring a seamless and responsive user experience.
[0040] By combining intuitive gesture controls, haptic feedback mechanism (114), and integration with vehicle systems, the steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system (100) may provide a comprehensive interface for managing both infotainment and vehicle functions. This approach may help minimize driver distraction by reducing the need to interact with dashboard-mounted controls or touchscreens while driving.
[0041] The steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system (100) may offer customizable controls (116), allowing drivers to map specific gestures to frequently used commands. This customization feature may enhance the user experience by providing a personalized interface tailored to individual preferences and needs.
[0042] As illustrated in Figure 2, the system may include a custom gesture configuration interface (118). This interface may allow drivers to assign specific actions to different touchpad gestures. In an embodiment, the interface may display a list of predefined gestures, such as single tap, double tap, swipe right, swipe up, and long press. Each of these gestures may be associated with a corresponding action that can be customized by the user.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, a single tap gesture may be mapped to play or pause music playback. A double tap gesture may be configured to check tire pressure. Swiping right on the touchpad may be set to skip to the next music track, while swiping up may be assigned to adjust the volume. A long press gesture may be used to select an item within a menu.
[0044] In an embodiment, the custom gesture configuration interface (116) may include options to apply the new settings, reset to default configurations, or save the current customized setup. This flexibility may allow drivers to experiment with different gesture mappings and easily revert to previous settings if desired.
[0045] The system may support a range of gestures for controlling various vehicle functions. For music control, gestures may be mapped to actions such as play, pause, skip track, and adjust volume. Call management may be facilitated through gestures for answering, declining, or ending calls. Additionally, gestures may be configured to access car information, such as checking tire pressure, fuel levels, or navigating through vehicle settings menus.
[0046] By providing this level of customization, the steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system (100) may accommodate different user preferences and potentially reduce driver distraction. Drivers may be able to perform common tasks without taking their hands off the steering wheel or diverting their attention from the road, as they can rely on familiar, personalized gestures to control various vehicle functions.
[0047] In an alternate embodiment, the steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system (100) is integrated with both a touch swipe and joystick-like interface to provide seamless interaction with car’s infotainment display, not limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This integration enhances driver convenience and safety by enabling hands-free, eyes-on-the-road control over essential in-car functionalities. As per this embodiment, the touchpad supports two primary modes of interaction: touch swipe gestures and joystick-like movements. These modes are mapped to specific commands within Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to navigate menus, select items, and control applications with ease.
[0048] Swipe Gestures used for interaction with the infotainment display, includes below configuration:
• Swiping Left/Right to navigate between different app screens or menu items.
• Swiping Up/Down to scroll through lists, adjust volume, or reveal additional options.
[0049] Joystick Movements used for interaction with the infotainment display, includes below configuration:
• Left/Right Tilt: Tilt the touchpad left/right to navigate between different app screens or menu items.
• Up/Down Tilt: Tilt the touchpad up/down to scroll through lists, adjust volume, or reveal additional options.
[0050] The infotainment display is also operated by Button Press Gestures, including below configuration:
• Single Press: Press down on the touchpad to select or confirm menu items, play/pause music, answer/hang up calls.
• Double Press: Press down twice for additional contextual commands (e.g., accessing app-specific menus).
• Long Press: Press and hold to activate voice control features like Siri or Google Assistant for hands-free operation.
[0051] The touchpad emulate both touch swipe gestures and joystick-like movements to provide versatile navigation across the car's infotainment display. For menu navigation, swipe gestures and/ or joystick movements navigate through menus and options, allowing drivers to effortlessly navigate and select options. Additionally, pressing gestures allow drivers to select and interact with various application elements, similar to using a central button on a phone.
[0052] The steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system (100) may provide an intuitive and efficient method for interacting with the vehicle's infotainment system, as illustrated in Figure 3. This workflow diagram (120) demonstrates the process of changing music tracks using the touchpad control system (100).
[0053] A method for controlling vehicle functions using a steering wheel-mounted touchpad, comprising:
a. detecting a touch and swipe gesture on a touch-sensitive interface (102) embedded in a steering wheel (104) of a vehicle;
b. interpreting the detected gesture to determine a corresponding command for a vehicle infotainment system or vehicle control system (118);
c. communicating the determined command to the corresponding system; and
d. providing haptic feedback mechanism (114) through the touch-sensitive interface to confirm successful interaction without requiring visual confirmation from the driver.
[0054] In an embodiment, the process may begin when the driver performs a swipe gesture on the touchpad. The swipe gesture may be a predefined motion, such as swiping right, to indicate the desire to skip to the next music track. The touchpad may detect this gesture through its touch-sensitive surface.
[0055] Upon detecting the swipe gesture, the touchpad control system may immediately provide haptic feedback mechanism (114) to the driver. This haptic feedback mechanism (114) may take the form of a subtle vibration or tactile sensation, confirming that the system has recognized the user's input. The haptic feedback mechanism (114) may serve to reduce the need for visual confirmation, potentially helping to keep the driver's attention focused on the road.
[0056] Following the haptic feedback mechanism (114), the touchpad control system may communicate the command to the vehicle's infotainment system (118). This communication may occur wirelessly or through a wired connection, depending on the specific implementation of the system. The infotainment system (118) may then process the command and execute the requested action, in this case, playing the next music track.
[0057] In an embodiment, the system (100) may incorporate context-aware adaptation to enhance safety while driving. This adaptation may restrict certain functions or modify the system's behavior based on the vehicle's current state. In an exemplary embodiment, while the vehicle is in motion, the system may limit complex interactions or disable features that could potentially distract the driver. The music track changing function, being a relatively simple and common action, may remain accessible during normal driving conditions.
[0058] The workflow (120) for changing music tracks using the touchpad control system (100) may demonstrate how the system can potentially reduce driver distraction by allowing control of infotainment features without removing hands from the steering wheel (104) or diverting attention from the road. By combining intuitive gestures, immediate haptic feedback mechanism (114), and seamless integration with the vehicle's infotainment system, the touchpad control system (100) may provide a user-friendly and safety-conscious interface for managing in-car entertainment.
[0059] The steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system (100) may be integrated into a comprehensive vehicle architecture (122), as illustrated in Figure 4. This system architecture diagram (122) depicts the relationship between the touchpad control system (100) and various vehicle components, showcasing how the system facilitates seamless interaction between the driver and the vehicle's systems.
[0060] In an embodiment, the system (100) architecture may comprise two primary components: the car's central computer and the steering wheel touchpad. The car's central computer may house the infotainment system, which may include functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the central computer may manage various vehicle control functions, such as tire pressure monitoring, fuel information, climate control, and other car settings.
[0061] The steering wheel touchpad may be connected to the car's central computer through both wireless and wired communication channels. This dual-communication capability may allow for flexible and reliable data transfer between the touchpad and the vehicle's systems.
[0062] The wireless communication capability of the touchpad may facilitate interaction with the infotainment system, potentially allowing for seamless control of functions such as music playback, navigation, and hands-free calling. This wireless connection may utilize protocols such as Bluetooth LE or Wi-Fi to ensure responsive and reliable communication.
[0063] In an embodiment, the system architecture may support over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates for the touchpad. This feature may allow for the touchpad's software to be updated remotely, potentially improving functionality, addressing bugs, or adding new features without requiring physical access to the device. OTA updates may help ensure that the touchpad control system remains compatible with evolving infotainment platforms and vehicle systems over time.
[0064] The integration of the touchpad control system (100) within this architecture may allow for a comprehensive and user-friendly interface for managing both infotainment and vehicle functions. By providing direct access to various systems through intuitive touch controls on the steering wheel, the architecture may help minimize driver distraction and enhance overall user experience.
[0065] In an embodiment, the steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system (100) may utilize various touch-sensitive technologies to enable functional interaction between system components. While capacitive touch technology may be employed as a primary implementation, alternative technologies such as optical trackpad, inductive touch, piezoelectric touch, and force-sensing touch may also be utilized to enhance the system's capabilities and adaptability to different environmental conditions.
[0066] The optical trackpad technology may employ an array of optical sensors to detect finger movements accurately. This technology may allow for precise tracking even in challenging conditions, such as when the driver is wearing gloves or when moisture is present on the touchpad surface. The optical sensors may communicate with the system's microcontroller to process and interpret the detected movements, translating them into specific commands for the vehicle's infotainment or control systems.
[0067] Inductive touch technology may utilize changes in an electromagnetic field to detect the presence of a finger or a specially designed stylus. This technology may offer high durability and may be particularly suitable for harsh automotive environments. The inductive sensors may interact with the system's processing unit to convert detected changes in the electromagnetic field into actionable inputs for controlling various vehicle functions.
[0068] Piezoelectric touch technology may leverage the piezoelectric effect to detect touch and pressure inputs. This technology may offer a high level of durability and may function effectively under various conditions, including when the driver is wearing gloves. The piezoelectric sensors may communicate with the system's central processing unit to interpret different levels of pressure and translate them into specific commands or gestures.
[0069] Force-sensing touch technology may incorporate force sensors to detect varying levels of pressure applied to the touchpad surface. This technology may enable nuanced control by distinguishing between light taps and harder presses. The force sensors may interact with the system's microcontroller to process the detected pressure levels and map them to different functions or menu navigation depths.
[0070] In an embodiment, the touchpad control system (100) may utilize both wireless and wired communication channels to enable real-time control and feedback. Wireless communication, such as Bluetooth LE or Wi-Fi, may be employed to interface with the vehicle's infotainment system, including platforms like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This wireless connection may allow for seamless control of music playback, navigation, and hands-free calling features.
[0071] Wired communication, often implemented through a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus interface (112), may be used to interact with various vehicle control systems. This wired connection may enable access to and adjustment of vehicle settings such as tire pressure monitoring, fuel information, and climate control. The use of a CAN bus (112) may ensure efficient and reliable communication between the touchpad control system and the vehicle's electronic control units (ECUs).
[0072] The combination of wireless and wired communication may allow for comprehensive integration of the touchpad control system with the vehicle's various functions. This integration may enable drivers to access and control a wide range of features without removing their hands from the steering wheel or diverting their attention from the road.
[0073] In an embodiment, the system may incorporate haptic feedback mechanism (114) to provide immediate tactile confirmation of user inputs. This feedback may be generated by high-definition haptic actuators integrated into the touchpad. The haptic feedback mechanism system (114) may communicate with the touchpad's processing unit to deliver precise vibration patterns corresponding to different user interactions or system responses.
[0074] The functional interaction between these components may result in a responsive and intuitive control system. In an exemplary embodiment, when a driver performs a gesture on the touchpad, the touch-sensitive technology (whether capacitive, optical, inductive, piezoelectric, or force-sensing) may detect the input. The system's microcontroller (108) may then process this input, potentially providing haptic feedback mechanism to confirm the gesture. Simultaneously, the processed command may be transmitted via wireless or wired communication to the appropriate vehicle system for execution.
[0075] This seamless interaction between the touchpad, processing unit, communication interfaces, and vehicle systems may enhance the driving experience by providing efficient control over various functions while minimizing potential distractions. The integration of multiple touch-sensitive technologies and communication methods may allow for a versatile and robust control system adaptable to different user preferences and driving conditions.
[0076] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. , Claims:A steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system (100), comprising:
a touch-sensitive interface (102) embedded in a steering wheel (104) of a vehicle;
a capacitive sensor array (106) configured to detect touch swipe and joystick gestures on the touch-sensitive interface (102); and
a microcontroller (108) connected to the touch-sensitive interface (102) and the capacitive sensor array (110) to receive input data through a CAN bus interface (112);
wherein,
a) the touch-sensitive interface (102) is positioned near a driver's thumb on the steering wheel (104), enabling hands-on control of vehicle functions without requiring the driver to remove hands from the steering wheel (102) and divert attention from the road;
b) the touch-sensitive interface (102) is configured to function as a touch swipe and joystick-like interface to provide interaction with a car's infotainment display.
2. The steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a haptic feedback mechanism (114) configured to provide tactile confirmation of user inputs on the touch-sensitive interface (102).
3. The steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the haptic feedback mechanism (114) comprises high-definition haptic actuators integrated into the touch-sensitive interface (102).
4. The steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (108) is configured to enable customization of gesture mappings (110), allowing a driver to assign specific actions to different touchpad gestures.
5. The steering wheel-mounted touchpad control system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the customizable gesture mappings (116) comprises: single tap, double tap, swipe right, swipe left, swipe up, swipe down, and long press gestures, wherein pressing gestures on the touch-sensitive interface (102) allow selection and interaction with a plurality of application elements on the infotainment display.
6. A method for controlling vehicle functions using a steering wheel-mounted touchpad (100), comprising:
• detecting a touch and swipe gesture on a touch-sensitive interface (102) embedded in a steering wheel (104) of a vehicle;
• interpreting the detected gesture to determine a corresponding command for a vehicle infotainment system and vehicle control system (118);
• communicating the determined command to the corresponding system; and
• providing haptic feedback mechanism (114) through the touch-sensitive interface (102) to confirm successful interaction without requiring visual confirmation from the driver.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the touch and swipe gesture is detected using a capacitive sensor array (106) embedded in the touch-sensitive interface (102).
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein interpreting the detected gesture comprises mapping the gesture to a predefined command based on a customizable gesture configuration (116).
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the customizable gesture configuration (116) allows a driver to assign specific actions to different touchpad gestures, including at least one of: single tap, double tap, swipe right, swipe left, swipe up, swipe down, and long press gestures.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the method comprises modifying system behavior based on the vehicle's current state to enhance safety while driving.