Honda motor co., ltd. (20240326906). GRIP DETERMINING SYSTEM simplified abstract
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GRIP DETERMINING SYSTEM
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
GRIP DETERMINING SYSTEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240326906 titled 'GRIP DETERMINING SYSTEM
Simplified Explanation:
The patent application describes a system that can determine if a driver is gripping the steering wheel of a vehicle based on the capacitance of a contact sensor and the output value of a steering torque sensor.
- The system includes a contact sensor in the steering wheel that detects the driver's contact position.
- A steering torque sensor measures the torque applied by the driver during steering.
- A controller uses the data from these sensors to determine if the driver is gripping the steering wheel.
- The controller estimates the contact position of the driver and sets a threshold based on this estimation.
- If the output value of the steering torque sensor exceeds the threshold, the system determines that the driver is gripping the steering wheel.
Key Features and Innovation:
- Contact sensor in the steering wheel for detecting driver's contact position.
- Steering torque sensor for measuring torque applied during steering.
- Controller to determine if the driver is gripping the steering wheel based on sensor data.
- Estimation of contact position and setting of threshold for accurate grip detection.
Potential Applications:
This technology can be used in vehicles to enhance safety by ensuring that the driver maintains a proper grip on the steering wheel at all times. It can also be applied in driver monitoring systems to alert the driver if their grip is insufficient.
Problems Solved:
This technology addresses the issue of drivers not maintaining a proper grip on the steering wheel, which can lead to accidents or loss of control while driving.
Benefits:
- Improved safety by ensuring drivers maintain a proper grip on the steering wheel.
- Real-time monitoring of driver behavior for enhanced safety measures.
- Early detection of potential driver fatigue or distraction.
Commercial Applications:
The technology can be integrated into vehicles as part of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to improve safety standards. It can also be utilized in commercial fleets to monitor driver behavior and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Prior Art:
Prior art related to this technology may include patents or research on driver monitoring systems, steering wheel sensors, and grip detection technologies in vehicles.
Frequently Updated Research:
Researchers may be exploring ways to enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of grip detection systems in vehicles. Updates on advancements in sensor technology and driver monitoring systems could be relevant to this technology.
Questions about Grip Determining System:
1. How does the system differentiate between intentional grip changes and accidental variations in grip pressure?
The system uses the output value of the steering torque sensor to determine if the grip change is intentional or accidental. If the torque exceeds the threshold, it indicates an intentional grip change.
2. Can the system adapt to different driving conditions and driver preferences for grip strength?
The system can be calibrated to account for different driving conditions and driver preferences by adjusting the threshold based on the estimated contact position of the driver.
Original Abstract Submitted
a grip determining system includes a contact sensor provided in a steering operation member of a vehicle and configured such that capacitance of the contact sensor varies according to a contact position of a driver on the steering operation member, a steering torque sensor configured to output an output value according to steering torque generated by a steering operation by the driver, and a controller configured to determine whether the driver is gripping the steering operation member. the controller is configured to estimate the contact position of the driver on the steering operation member based on the capacitance of the contact sensor, set a threshold according to the estimated contact position of the driver, and determine that the driver is gripping the steering operation member in a case where the output value of the steering torque sensor is equal to or more than the threshold.
