Claims:We claim:
1. A system (200) for providing a real time navigational alert and prompt for initiating a navigational action, to an operator of a vehicle, the system (200) comprising:
a navigation unit (212);
a steering wheel (206);
a sensor unit (202);
a controller unit (204); and
one or more of a haptic feedback unit (208) embedded in said steering wheel (206), said one or more of haptic feedback unit (208) is communicably connected to said controller unit (204), said controller unit (204) is communicably connected to said sensor unit (202), wherein said system (200) identifies the position of said steering wheel (206) with respect to a mean position (210) on a real time, creating a real time navigational alert for said operator of said vehicle, said real time navigational alert comprising a vibration of said steering wheel (206), wherein during said vibration of said steering wheel (206), the vibration frequency of one half of said steering wheel (206) is substantially higher in comparison to the vibration frequency of other half of said steering wheel (206), wherein the vibration frequency is related to a dynamic pre-set value.
2. The system (200) of claim 1, wherein said mean position (210) of said steering wheel is configured on a real time basis by said controller unit (204) in accordance to a signal received from said sensor unit (202).
3. The system (200) of claim 1, wherein said sensor unit (202) is adapted to sense at least one sensor input entity, measure said at least one sensor input entity and communicate said at least one sensor input entity to said controller unit (204).
4. The sensor input entity of claim 3 is at least one of a geographical information, a vehicle wheel rotation angle, a steering wheel angle and a steering column torque.
5. The system (200) of claim 1, wherein said one or more haptic feedback unit (208) comprises a vibratory module.
6. The system (200) of claim 1, wherein said steering wheel (206) comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED), wherein said controller unit actuate at least at least one light emitting diode (LED) based on the input received from said navigation unit.
7. The system (200) of claim 1, wherein said dynamic pre-set value is one of said wheel rotation angle, said steering angle and said steering column torque.
8. The system (200) of claim 1, wherein said steering wheel (206) is one of an electronic steering wheel or a mechanical steering wheel.
9. A method (100) for providing a real time navigational alert and prompt for initiating a navigational action, to an operator of a vehicle, the method (100) comprising:
receiving (102), by a controller unit (204), a path traversed by said vehicle from a navigation unit (212);
measuring (104), by a sensor unit (202), at least one sensor input entity from a steering and a wheel system (202 (a), (b), (c));
receiving (106), by said controller unit (204), a measure of said at least one sensor input entity from said sensor unit (202);
comparing (108), by said controller unit (204), said measure of at least one sensor input entity with respect to a dynamic pre-set value;
determining (110), by said controller unit (204), a mean position on a real time of a steering wheel (206) by the difference of measure of said at least one sensor input entity and said dynamic pre-set value;
instructing (112), by said controller unit (204), to actuate a one or more haptic feedback unit (208) with respect to said mean position on a real time of said steering wheel (206);
deactivating (114), by said controller unit (204), to deactivate said one or more haptic feedback unit (208) once said operator completes the navigational action as per the instructions provided by said navigation unit (212).
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said at least one sensor input entity is selected from at least one of a wheel rotation angle, a steering angle and a steering column torque.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein said wheel rotation angle, said steering angle and said steering column torque is measured by said sensor unit (202) from said steering and said wheel system (202 (a), (b), (c)).
12. The method of claim 9, wherein said navigation unit (212) is a Global Positioning System (GPS).
13. The method of claim 9, wherein said controller unit (204) actuate said one or more haptic feedback unit (208), which comprises a vibratory module, wherein said vibratory module provides a high frequency vibration and a intermittent vibrations.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein said controller unit (204) actuate one or more light emitting diode (LED) in said steering wheel (206) based on the input received from said navigation unit.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relates to a system and method for alerting the operator of a vehicle and more particularly, to a system and method for generating a vibro-tactile based alerting feature embedded in the steering wheel, which helps the operator to actively control the vehicle regardless of the holding gesture and the number of hands gripping the steering wheel.

BACKGROUND
[002] In current world, navigation has become a crucial part in transportation industry. Most of the vehicles are nowadays coming with inbuilt navigation systems which display maps and give direction for the pre-set destination whether on an infotainment screen or through a voice guide. The issue related to current systems is that it can distract operators while driving since the feedback to the operators it is mostly visual dependent, and it takes time for a person to process the feedback that is displayed on the screen. There are a lot of systems using a tactile feedback on steering wheel (the nearest component to a operator) to give clarity of the navigation path as to where the turns are, which the current system fail to capture all the driving conditions like single hand driving, cross hand driving and many more.
[003] Various vehicle systems may be configured to generate messages, alerts, etc. that may be provided to a vehicle operator. For example, a message or alert could be related to vehicle safety, e.g., a warning of a possible collision, of dangerous road conditions, etc. Unfortunately, present mechanisms for providing messages or alerts, including related to operator safety may distract a vehicle operator, e.g., by forcing the vehicle operator to view a display in the vehicle. Other mechanisms, such as a vibrating steering column, are insufficient for providing precise information to a vehicle operator concerning a vehicle condition or safety risk.
[004] Prior art patent application US10525986 discloses systems, devices and methods for steering wheel haptic notification and a method includes receiving a detected hand position relative to a steering wheel of a vehicle and detecting at least one object relative to the vehicle. Based on the hand position, actuation of at least one haptic notification element of the steering wheel may be controlled to indicate position of the object. In certain embodiments, hand position may be detected by capacitive sensing of the steering wheel. In other embodiments, the vehicle may include an imaging device facing the steering wheel to determine hand position. Object location may be mapped to the steering wheel based on hand position. The actuators of the steering wheel may increase the steering wheel thickness or raise at least a portion of the actuator area to indicate the direction of a detected object.
[005] Therefore, there exists a need for a system and a method for generating a vibro-tactile based alerting feature embedded in the steering wheel, which helps the operator to actively control the vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
[007] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a system for warning a operator of a vehicle with vibro-tactile based alerting feature which is embedded in the steering wheel, which brought the operator’s attention to control the vehicle.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a method of warning a operator of a vehicle with vibro-tactile based alerting feature which is embedded in the steering wheel, which brings the operator’s attention to control the vehicle.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a haptic feedback on a steering wheel, which providing a steering assist signals i.e. vibration and visual signal to the operator to actively control the vehicle.
[010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a haptic feedback on a steering wheel, which provides a steering assist signals i.e. vibration and visual navigational signals to the operator, by which the operator may not get distractions during the turnings.
[011] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a method for accurate navigational information to a operator, which can provide a left or right turning information to a operator.
[012] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a system for real time steering wheel mean position identification which make sure that the system provides a correct signal regarding the turns is given to the operator irrespective of the operator hand positioning.
[013] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
SUMMARY
[014] The haptic feedback is generally obtained by the action of a vibratory actuator fixed to the steering wheel surface and controlled by a control unit in order to vibrate the steering wheel surface in response to a contact. Several vibratory actuators can then be used to transmit a haptic feedback that can be felt on the entire touch surface. These actuators are controlled either simultaneously or individually
[015] The present invention discloses about a vibrated steering wheel which gives haptic feedback to operators while driving about various scenarios like turns, alert warnings etc. The present system lies in the real time steering wheel mean position change which make sure that the correct signal regarding turns is given to the operator irrespective of the operator hand positioning. The real time navigational system described as the steering wheel divided into two halves as shown in image and vibrates the right part for right turn and left part for left turn. The mean position that divides the steering wheel into two halves is based on real time rotated position of vehicle steering wheel. For eg, if the steering wheel is rotated 30 degree, then the mean position of the steering wheel is also be shifted by 30 degree making sure that irrespective of the steering wheel rotation and operator hand, accurate signal is transferred to the operator for navigation.
[016] Disclosed herein is a method (100) for providing a real time navigational haptic feedback to a operator in a vehicle consists receiving (102) by a controller unit a path traversed by the vehicle from a navigation unit; measuring (104) by a sensor at least one parameter from a steering and wheel system ; receiving (106) by the controller unit at least one parameter from the steering and wheel system; comparing (108) by the controller at least one parameter with respect to a dynamic pre-set values; determining (110) by the controller a mean position of a steering wheel by the difference of at least one parameter and dynamic preset values and instructing (112) by the controller unit to actuate at least one haptic feedback unit with respect to said mean position of a steering wheel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these embodiments.
[018] The present invention is method for providing a real time navigational haptic feedback to an operator will be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[019] Figure. 1 illustrates a method of real time navigational haptic feedback
[020] Figure. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a haptic steering wheel system.
[021] Figure. 3 illustrates a method to determining the mean position of steering wheel.
[022] Figure. 4 illustrates a graphical representation of haptic feedback while driving both hands on either side of steering wheel
[023] Figure. 5 illustrates a graphical representation of haptic feedback while driving with one hand on the right side of steering wheel when the turn also right side
[024] Figure. 6 illustrates a graphical representation of haptic feedback while driving with one hand on the right side of steering wheel when the turn is left side

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[025] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[026] The present invention relates generally to a system and method for alerting the operator of a vehicle and more particularly, to a system and method generating a vibro-tactile based alerting feature embedded in the steering wheel, which helps the operator to actively control the vehicle regardless of the holding gesture and the number of hands gripping the steering wheel and the system and method is be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[027] Figure. 1 illustrates a method for providing a real time navigational haptic feedback via a vehicle steering wheel. The system 200 includes a steering wheel 206, a one or more haptic feedback unit 208 is electronically connected to the steering wheel 206, and a controller unit 204 electronically connected to the one or more haptic feedback unit 208 and also to the sensors unit 202 of steering and wheel system (202 (a), (b), (c)). The method comprises the following steps, at step 102, receiving by a controller unit a path traversed by said vehicle from a navigation unit 212. At step 104, measuring by a sensor at least one parameter from a steering and wheel system i.e. (steering angle value, steering column torque value and wheel rotation value). At step 106, receiving by said controller unit said at least one parameter from said steering and wheel system i.e. (steering angle value, steering column torque value and wheel rotation value). At step 108, comparing by the controller unit said at least one parameter with respect to a dynamic pre-set value. At step 110, determining by the controller unit a mean position of a steering wheel by the difference of said at least one parameter and said dynamic preset values, the controller instructs 112 to actuate at least one haptic feedback unit with respect to said mean position of a steering wheel 204.
[028] At step 114, deactivating, by the controller unit, to deactivate the one or more haptic feedback unit once the operator completes the turn as per the instructions provided by the navigation unit
[029] Figure. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a haptic feedback steering wheel system. The haptic feedback steering wheel system 200 comprises a steering wheel 206, a steering and wheel sensors system 202 is electronically connected to a controller unit 204. The sensor unit 202 measures the steering angle value 202 (a), steering column torque value 202 (b) and the wheel/tire rotation 202(c) on regular intervals or before giving the haptic feedback information to the steering wheel 206. The controller unit 204 is connected electronically to haptic feedback unit 208 and to the steering and wheel sensor system 202. The haptic feedback unit 208 consists of plurality of haptic feedback elements, which are not shown in the figure and these haptic feedback elements are embedded in the steering wheel 206.
[030] Figure 3 illustrates the method of determining the mean position of a steering wheel, the method 300 includes, measuring the parameters by the sensor unit 202, i,e . steering angle sensor value 202 (a), torque experience on steering column shaft 202 (b) and wheel rotation 202 (c). In the step 302 includes, the measured parameter (202a,2022b,202c) received by the controller unit 204. The step 304 includes the controller unit 204 which compares the measured parameters (202a,2022b,202c) with respect to the dynamic preset stored values i.e. Previously measured parameters from the steering and wheel sensor system and which is stored and retrieved in the controller unit 204 on timely manner. The step 306 includes, obtaining the error value (degrees) by the controller unit 204 to shift the mean position of a steering i.e. the degree to which mean position of the steering wheel 206 to shift. For example, after analyzing the angle with which the steering wheel 206 has turned, say for example 45 degree, the mean position of steering wheel 206 is shifted by 45 degree through the controller unit 204. Which means from 45 degrees the steering wheel divided into two equal half i.e. left part and right part and as per the navigational directions haptic feedback unit starts vibrates with high and intermittent mode and also light emitting diode (LED) also start illuminated as per the direction to turn, by these system and method operator can get quick navigational alerts to which operator can turn the vehicle with out any distractions.
The system and method of real time haptic feedback steering wheel be explained in further below case studies.
[031] CASE 1: When operator is driving with both hands on either side of steering wheel.
[032] Figure. 4 illustrates a graphical representation of haptic feedback while driving both hands on either side of steering wheel. In this case 400 driving with both hands 412, the steering wheel 402 into two halves as shown in the image 400 and vibrate the right part 406 for right turn and left part 414 for left turn. The mean position 410 divides the steering wheel 402 into two halves is based on real time rotated position of vehicle steering wheel 402 and this mean position 410 is determined by the method 100 or 300 explained above, after getting the input from inbuilt navigation system 404, of which side the next turn is, for example if operator need to go right, the right side 406 of the steering wheel 402 starts vibrating at higher frequency 408 and the left side 412 of the steering wheel 402 starts blinking 418 . Vibration 408 means turn ‘that side’ and blinking 418 means ‘turn the other side’. Also, there is a visual LED feedback 416 to strengthen the operator decision.
[033] CASE 2: When operator is driving with one hand on the right side of steering wheel when the turn is also on the right side
[034] Figure. 5 illustrates graphical representation of haptic feedback while driving with one hand on the right side of steering wheel when the turn is also on the right side. In this case 500 driving with one hand 512, the steering wheel 502 into two halves as shown in the image 500 and vibrate the right part 506 for right turn and left part 514 for left turn. The mean position 510 divides the steering wheel 502 into two halves is based on real time rotated position of vehicle steering wheel 502 and this mean position 510 is determined by the method 100 or 300 explained above, after getting the input from inbuilt navigation system 504, of which side the next turn is, for example if operator need to go right, the right side 506 of the steering wheel 502 starts vibrating at higher frequency 516 and the left side 512 of the steering wheel 502 starts blink 518. Vibration 516 means turn ‘that side’ and blink 518 means ‘turn the other side’. Also, there is a visual LED feedback 508 to strengthen the operator decision.
[035] CASE 3: When operator is driving with one hand on the right side of steering wheel when the turn is on the left side
[036] Figure. 6 illustrates a graphical representation of haptic feedback while driving with one hand on the right side of steering wheel when the turn is on left side. In this case 600 driving with one hand 612 on right side of the steering wheel 602, the steering wheel 602 into two halves as shown in the image 600 and vibrate the right part 506 for right turn and left part 514 for left turn. The mean position 610 divides the steering wheel 602 into two halves is based on real time rotated position of vehicle steering wheel 602 and this mean position 610 is determined by the method 100 or 300 explained above, after getting the input from inbuilt navigation system 604, of which side the next turn is, for example if the user need to go left, the right side 614 of the steering wheel 602 starts blinking 618 and the left side 606 of the steering wheel 602 starts vibrating at high frequency 616. Vibration 616 means turn ‘that side’ and blink 618 means ‘turn the other side’. Also, there is a visual LED feedback 608 to strengthen the operator decision.
[037] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.
[038] It is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation. The exemplary embodiments described in this specification are intended merely to provide an understanding of various manners in which this embodiment may be used and to further enable the skilled person in the relevant art to practice this invention.
[039] Although, the embodiments presented in this disclosure have been described in terms of its preferred embodiments, the skilled person in the art would readily recognize that these embodiments can be applied with modifications possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in this specification by making innumerable changes, variations, modifications, alterations and/or integrations in terms of materials and method used to configure, manufacture and assemble various constituents, components, subassemblies and assemblies, in terms of their size, shapes, orientations and interrelationships without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[040] The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.
[041] Throughout this specification, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, shall be understood to imply including a described element, integer or method step, or group of elements, integers or method steps, however, does not imply excluding any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or method steps.
[042] The use of the expression “a”, “at least” or “at least one” shall imply using one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as used in the embodiment of the disclosure in order to achieve one or more of the intended objects or results of the present invention.
[043] The description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower”, “upper”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “above”, “below”, “up”, “down”, “top”, and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g. “horizontally”, “downwardly”, “upwardly” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion.
[044] These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the corresponding apparatus or device be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected”, refer to a relationship, wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
200 – System
202- Sensor unit
202(a) - Steering angle sensor
202(b) - Steering column sensor
202(c) - Wheel/tire rotation sensor
204- Controller unit
206- Steering wheel
208- Haptic feedback unit
212- Navigation unit
210- Mean position of a steering wheel