18508491. STEERING CONTROL DEVICE simplified abstract (Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha)

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STEERING CONTROL DEVICE

Organization Name

Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha

Inventor(s)

Kotaro Okada of Kashiba-shi (JP)

Kazuki Itazuri of Toyota-shi (JP)

STEERING CONTROL DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18508491 titled 'STEERING CONTROL DEVICE

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a steering control device that can issue alarms to the driver of a vehicle and vibrate the steering wheel in a specific region when necessary.

  • The steering control device controls a steering device in a vehicle, including a steering wheel, a steering shaft, a turning wheel, and a motor.
  • The processor in the device executes an alarm information acquisition process to determine when an alarm needs to be issued to the driver.
  • The device also includes a vibration process that operates the motor to vibrate the steering wheel in a predetermined region where the turning angle of the turning wheel does not change.

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in various vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and buses, to enhance driver safety and alertness.

Problems Solved

This technology helps in alerting the driver to potential dangers or emergencies on the road, improving overall safety and reducing the risk of accidents.

Benefits

The device provides real-time alerts to the driver, increasing their awareness of critical situations and allowing them to react promptly.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology can be integrated into vehicles by automotive manufacturers to offer advanced safety features, attracting safety-conscious consumers.

Possible Prior Art

Similar technologies exist in the automotive industry, such as lane departure warning systems and collision avoidance systems, but this specific combination of alarm issuance and steering wheel vibration is unique.

Unanswered Questions

How does the device differentiate between different types of alarms that need to be issued to the driver?

The patent application does not specify how the device distinguishes between various types of alarms, such as collision warnings, lane departure alerts, or other emergency notifications.

What is the impact of the vibration process on the driver's steering behavior and overall driving experience?

The application does not address how the vibration of the steering wheel affects the driver's ability to control the vehicle or if it may cause distractions or discomfort.


Original Abstract Submitted

A steering control device is configured to control a steering device. The steering device includes a steering wheel, a steering shaft coupled to the steering wheel, a turning wheel of a vehicle, and a motor configured to rotate the steering shaft. The turning wheel is configured to turn along with rotation of the steering shaft. The steering control device includes a processor. The processor is configured to execute an alarm information acquisition process of acquiring information indicating that an alarm needs to be issued to a driver of the vehicle, and a vibration process of vibrating the steering wheel in a predetermined region by operating the motor, in a situation where the alarm needs to be issued. The predetermined region is a region where a turning angle of the turning wheel does not change even when the steering wheel rotates.