Steering Wheel Input Device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a steering wheel input device and, in particular, a gear shift device for a steering assembly. Aspects of the present disclosure are particularly relevant to automotive paddle shifters and automotive input devices for a steering wheel group. A steering wheel input device includes an input actuator for location adjacent to a steering wheel and includes a one or two input regions, each being moveable around an axis of the steering wheel and being pressable by one of the driver's hands on the steering wheel for registering inputs. A tracking input receives tracking data, and a controller moves the input regions based on this. The tracking data may include hand tracking data for determining the location of the driver's hands on the steering wheel, where the controller is operable to move the input regions in line with movement of the driver's hands around the steering wheel.

Claims

1. A steering wheel input device comprising: an input actuator for location adjacent to a steering wheel and comprising a first input region being moveable around an axis of the steering wheel and operable by a driver's first hand on the steering wheel for registering a first input; a tracking input for receiving tracking data of an interior of a vehicle; and a controller for moving the first input region based on the tracking data.

2. The steering wheel input device according to claim 1, wherein the tracking data includes steering wheel rotation data for determining a rotational position on the steering wheel, and wherein the controller is operable to move the first input region in line with rotation of the steering wheel.

3. The steering wheel input device according to claim 1, wherein the tracking data includes hand tracking data for determining a location of the driver's first hand on the steering wheel, and wherein the controller is operable to move the first input region in line with movement of the driver's first hand around the steering wheel.

4. The steering wheel input device according to claim 1, wherein the input actuator further comprises a second input region being moveable around the axis of the steering wheel and pressable by a driver's second hand on the steering wheel for receiving a second input.

5. The steering wheel input device according to claim 4, wherein the controller is operable to move the second input region in line with rotation of the steering wheel based on steering wheel rotation tracking data.

6. The steering wheel input device according to claim 4, wherein the controller is operable to move the second input region in line with movement of the driver's second hand around the steering wheel based on hand tracking data.

7. The steering wheel input device according to claim 6, wherein the hand tracking data is further for determining a location of the driver's second hand on the steering wheel.

8. The steering wheel input device according to claim 1, wherein the steering wheel input device is a gear shift device and the first input region is a gear shift input for actuating a gear change.

9. The steering wheel input device according to claim 1, wherein the input actuator comprises a ring member for location coaxial to the steering wheel, and wherein the first input region is moveable circumferentially around the ring member.

10. The steering wheel input device according to claim 9, further comprising: a mount for mounting the ring member behind the steering wheel, the mount forming a tiltable coupling with the ring member.

11. The steering wheel input device according to claim 9, further comprising: a tilt detector for detecting a radial direction of tilt of the ring member, wherein the controller is configured to register a first input when a detected radial direction of tilt is in line with the first input region.

12. The steering wheel input device according to claim 9, further comprising: an indicator provided on the ring member for indicating a current circumferential position of the first input region on the ring member.

13. The steering wheel input device according to claim 1, wherein the input actuator includes a first paddle defining the first input region at its end.

14. The steering wheel input device according to claim 13, wherein the steering wheel input device further includes: a mount for moveably supporting the first paddle, and a rotor for rotating the mount to move the first paddle around the axis of the steering wheel.

15. The steering wheel input device according to claim 14, wherein the first paddle is tiltably coupled to the mount.

16. The steering wheel input device according to claim 13, wherein the steering wheel input device further includes a tilt detector for detecting a tilt of the first paddle, and wherein the controller is configured to register a first input when the first paddle is tilted.

17. The steering wheel input device according to claim 13, wherein the input actuator further includes a second paddle defining a second input region at its end, and wherein the steering wheel input device further includes a mount for moveably supporting the second paddle, and a rotor for rotating the mount for moving the second paddle around the axis of the steering wheel.

18. The steering wheel input device according to claim 1, wherein the tracking input is configured to receive hand tracking data from a video feed of the interior of the vehicle for determining a location of the driver's first hand on the steering wheel.

19. The steering wheel input device according to claim 18, wherein the tracking input comprises a camera for receiving images of the interior of the vehicle.

20. The steering wheel input device according to claim 19, wherein the camera is mountable within a hub of the steering wheel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Illustrative embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a steering wheel input device according to a first embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the steering wheel input device of the first embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of the field of view of the camera forming part of the device of the first embodiment;

[0027] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show a schematic front view of the steering wheel input device of the first embodiment when operating in hybrid mode with both driver's hands on the wheel;

[0028] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a schematic front view of the steering wheel input device of the first embodiment when operating in hybrid mode with only one of the driver's hands on the wheel;

[0029] FIG. 6 shows a schematic front view of the steering wheel input device of the first embodiment when operating in hybrid mode when both driver's hands are close together on the wheel;

[0030] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a schematic front view of the steering wheel input device of the first embodiment when operating in wheel mode;

[0031] FIGS. 8A and 8B show a schematic front view of the steering wheel input device of the first embodiment when operating in column mode;

[0032] FIG. 9 shows a steering wheel input device according to a second embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the steering wheel input device of the second embodiment;

[0034] FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C show a schematic front view of the steering wheel input device of the second embodiment when operating in hybrid mode with both driver's hands on the wheel;

[0035] FIGS. 12A and 12B show a schematic front view of the steering wheel input device of the second embodiment when operating in hybrid mode with only one of the driver's hands on the wheel;

[0036] FIG. 13 shows a schematic front view of the steering wheel input device of the second embodiment when operating in hybrid mode when both driver's hands are close together on the wheel;

[0037] FIGS. 14A and 14B show a schematic front view of the steering wheel input device of the second embodiment when operating in wheel mode; and

[0038] FIGS. 15A and 15B show a schematic front view of the steering wheel input device of the second embodiment when operating in column mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present disclosure relates to a steering wheel input device and, in particular, a gear shift device for a steering assembly. Aspects of the present disclosure are particularly relevant to automotive paddle shifters and automotive input devices for a steering wheel group.

[0040] A steering wheel input device 1 according to a first embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The device 1 functions as a gear shift device and is incorporated into an automotive steering group which includes a steering column 4 and a steering wheel 2 which rotates round a longitudinal axis defined by the steering column 4.

[0041] The device 1 includes a ring member 3 which is mounted by arms to the steering column 4, behind the steering wheel. As shown in FIG. 2, the mount 35 is provided as a non-rotating uni-ball joint which forms a tiltable coupling between the steering column 4 and the ring member 3. As such, the ring member 4 may be pulled by a driver's hand toward the steering wheel 2 in one direction at a time. A spring member (not shown) within the mount 35 biases the ring member 3 back to its non-tilted position, perpendicular to the steering column 4. As such, once a user releases the ring member 3 after pressing it toward the steering wheel 2, it springs back into its non-tilted position.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, a set of two potentiometers 34 are further provided at a 90-degree offset around steering column. As shown in FIG. 2, each potentiometer 34 is connected to the ring member 3 by a linkage 33. A controller 9 receives the measured readings from the potentiometers 34 and uses these in combination to determine the tilt direction of the ring member 3 in use. As such, the ring member 3 can function as an input actuator for registering inputs by a driver for effecting upshift and downshift actions, as is described in further detail below.

[0043] The ring member 3 further includes an LED array forming an indicator for identifying regions or zones of the ring 3 for actuation by the driver's hands. The LED array is lit under the control of the controller 8 to identify two input regions 31, 32 around the ring circumference that are respectively associated with the upshift and downshift inputs. In this embodiment, the controller drives the LEDs within each input region to illuminate a different colour. As such, the two regions can be easily identified as different coloured zones on the ring 3. It will be understood that in other embodiments, other indicators may be used.

[0044] In this embodiment, the device 1 is further provided with a camera 6 mounted into the central hub 6 of the steering wheel 2. FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of the field of view of the camera 5. As show, the camera 5 has a wide field of view for allowing accurate detection of the angular position of driver hands on, or in vicinity of, the steering wheel 2, as well allowing differentiation between the driver's left and right hands. The camera generates a video feed of the interior of the vehicle facing the driver as they hold the steering wheel. The controller 9 receives the video feed and, using image processing, tracks the position of the driver's hands on the wheel and the rotational position of the wheel as it is rotated. It will however be understood that in other embodiments, other sensors may be used for generating tracking data. For example, an interior camera mounted elsewhere, such as in the dashboard or in the rear-view mirror unit, may be used to provide a video feed. Equally, in other embodiments, an angular sensor may be used to track the rotational position of the steering wheel 2.

[0045] In use, a driver may register an input by pulling the ring member 3 toward the steering wheel 4 in a direction corresponding to one of the two input regions 31, 32. The controller 9 determines the direction of the movement based on the combined potentiometer readings 34. As such, the driver may effect a downshift operation by pressing the ring in a direction corresponding to the first input region 31, and conversely may effect a upshift operation by pressing the ring in a direction corresponding to the second input region 32. At the same time, the controller 9 is operable in different modes for varying the position of the first and second input regions 31, 32 based on a driver's preferences, as described below.

[0046] In this connection, a hybrid operating mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, and 5B. In the hybrid mode, the input regions 31, 32 are moved dynamically to always be positioned behind the driver's hands. This is achieved by using the tracking data from camera 5 to track the position of the driver's hands 7, 8 and associating each hand with one of the two input regions 31, 32. In this embodiment, the upshift region 32 is associated with the driver's right hand 8 and the downshift region 31 is associated with the driver's left hand 7 (or vice-versa, depending on user preference). As shown in FIG. 4A, when the driver is holding the wheel 2 straight, the upshift and downshift regions 31, 32 are provided opposite one another around the circumference of the ring member 3. As shown in FIGS. 4B and C, as the driver's hands move over the steering wheel 2, the relative positions of the upshift and downshift regions 31, 32 may move closer together. It will be understood that the absolute positions of the regions 31, 32 on the ring member 3 itself also move dynamically with rotation the wheel 2.

[0047] If the driver moves one of their hands away from the wheel, the controller 9 is configured by default to display the input region associated with the respective hand at its furthest most lateral position. For example, where a user's left hand 7 is removed, the downshift region 31 may be automatically positioned to the furthest most left-hand side position (see FIG. 5A). Conversely, where a user's right hand 8 is removed, the upshift region 32 may be automatically positioned to the furthest most right-hand side position (see FIG. 5B).

[0048] FIG. 6 shows a scenario where both driver's hands are moved sufficiently close together on the steering wheel that the input regions 31, 32 overlap. In this situation, the controller 9 is configured by default to ignore registering inputs in the downshift region 31. That is, the downshift region 31 is effectively covered by upshift area so that downshift operations are prevented, thereby avoiding the risk of over-revving the engine, or inadvertently putting the vehicle into neutral or reverse gear.

[0049] An alternative, wheel operating mode is described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. In this mode, the controller 9 uses the tracking data of the steering wheel rotation such that the input regions 31, 32 follow the wheel angle. As such, the device may mimic the functionality of wheel-mounted gearshift paddles.

[0050] A further alternative, column operating mode is described with reference to FIGS. 8A and B. In this mode, the controller 9 maintains the input regions 31, 32 in static positions, with each in an opposing furthest most lateral position. As such, the downshift region 31 is maintained in the furthest most left-hand side position and the upshift region 32 is maintained in the furthest most right-hand side position, irrespective of the current rotational position of the steering wheel 2. As such, the device 1 may mimic the functionality of column-mounted gearshift paddles.

[0051] A steering wheel input device 1 according to a second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. This second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, but rather than implement the input actuator using a ring member with an indicator designating the two input regions 31, 32, the actuator 3 includes two moveable paddles which function as the two input regions 31, 32.

[0052] In this connection, as shown in FIG. 10, the paddles 31, 32 are mounted to the steering column 4 by radially extending arms. As such, the distal ends of the paddles 31, 32 sit behind the steering wheel 2. The mount 35 in this embodiment provided as two rotors 37, 38. The bearing for each of the rotors 37, 38 includes a geared section which is engaged by a stepper motor 36 which can be driven under the control of the controller to rotate each paddle 31, 32 individually to any desired angle around steering column 4. At the same time, a pivotable coupling is provided between each rotor 37, 38 and its respective paddle 31, 32 for allowing the paddle to be pulled toward the steering wheel 2 by a driver's hand A spring member (not shown) within each rotor again biases the paddle back to its non-tilted position, perpendicular to the steering column 4. Each rotor 37, 38 is further provided with a tilt detection switch 34 which activates when the respective paddle 31, 32 is pulled toward the steering wheel 2. The controller 9 receives the activation signal generated by the detection switches 34 for registering an input associated with the respective paddle 31, 32. Unlike the first embodiment, an indicator for identifying the input regions is not provided in the second embodiment. However, because the paddles 31, 32 are physical bodies, they can nevertheless be easily located by the driver.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 12A, 12B, 13, 14A, 14B, 15A, and 15B, the second embodiment may implement the same hybrid, wheel, and column operating modes described above in relation to the first embodiment, except that the paddles 31, 32 function as the input regions, and with the paddles themselves being physically moved to the required positions under the mode.

[0054] In this connection, in the hybrid mode shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 12A, 12B, and 13 for example, the rotors 37, 38 are rotated under the control of the controller 9 based on hand tracking data from camera 5 such that the positions of the first and second paddles 31, 32 follow the driver's left and right hands 7, 8. As with the scenario shown in FIG. 6 above, in the scenario shown in FIG. 13 where both driver's hands are moved sufficiently close together that the paddles 31, 32 overlap, inputs to the downshift paddle 31 are ignored. In this embodiment, this is achieved in part because the rotors 37, 38 are arranged so that the downshift paddle 31 is covered by the upshift paddle 32 when they are at the same angle. In addition, the controller 9 is also configured to ignore registering inputs via the switch 34 on the downshift panel 31 when the paddles overlap. This again avoids the risk of over-revving the engine, or inadvertently putting the vehicle into neutral or reverse gear.

[0055] With the second embodiment, the wheel operating mode shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B operates in the same way as the first, with the controller 9 using the tracking data of the steering wheel rotation such that the paddles 31, 32 follow the movements of the steering wheel. Equally, in the column operating mode shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the controller 9 again simply sets the paddles 31, 32 in static further most lateral positions, irrespective of steering wheel 2 rotation.

[0056] With the above embodiments, a steering wheel input device is thereby provided which can be set to implement different operating modes based on driver preference. The device can operate in the same way as both steering wheel mounted and steering column mounted shifter paddles, as well as provide a new hybrid mode where the driver's hands are always within reach of the gear shift inputs, irrespective of where the driver is currently gripping the steering wheel. As such, gear changes may be effected more quickly and safely.

[0057] It will be understood that the embodiments illustrated above shows an application only for the purposes of illustration. In practice, embodiments may be applied to many different configurations, the detailed embodiments being straightforward for those skilled in the art to implement.

[0058] For example, although the above illustrative examples are described in the context of a gear shift input device, it will be understood that the inputs may be used for other automotive controls.

[0059] Unless context dictates otherwise, use herein of the word “or” may be considered use of an “inclusive or,” or a term that permits inclusion or application of one or more items that are linked by the word “or” (e.g., a phrase “A or B” may be interpreted as permitting just “A,” as permitting just “B,” or as permitting both “A” and “B”). Also, as used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. For instance, “at least one of a, b, or c” can cover a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (e.g., a-a, a-a-a, a-a-b, a-a-c, a-b-b, a-c-c, b-b, b-b-b, b-b-c, c-c, and c-c-c, or any other ordering of a, b, and c). Further, items represented in the accompanying figures and terms discussed herein may be indicative of one or more items or terms, and thus reference may be made interchangeably to single or plural forms of the items and terms in this written description.