HAPTIC LANGUAGE THROUGH A STEERING MECHANISM

摘要

A system, and method for communicating navigation information to a vehicle operator through actuators in a steering mechanism for a vehicle. The steering mechanism can include multiple actuators along or in a surface a vehicle operator touches to steer the vehicle. Different numbers of actuators can be actuated under an operator's hand to communicate the severity of an upcoming turn. Alternatively, an actuator can be actuated by different amounts to communicate the severity of an upcoming turn. Proximity of an upcoming turn can be communicated by cycling actuators at different rates for different turns. By actuating actuators under an operator's left hand or the left portion of a hand, a left-hand turn can be communicated. Conversely, by actuating actuators under an operator's right hand or the right portion of a hand, a right-hand turn can be communicated.

主权项

1. A system for communicating steering inputs, the system comprising:
a plurality of actuators arranged relative to a steering mechanism for a vehicle; at least one sensor configured to detect a position of at least one hand of the vehicle operator on the steering mechanism; a controller configured to send actuation signals to the plurality of actuators, wherein, in response to receiving an indication of a required steering input, the controller communicates at least one aspect of the required steering input to the operator by actuating at least one of the plurality of actuators that is at least partially positioned beneath the detected hand position.