Ultrasonic haptic control system
First Claim
1. An ultrasonic haptic control system for a motor vehicle, comprising:
- a steering wheel assembly comprising a ring-shaped member rotatable about a central axis to steer the vehicle; and
a plurality of ultrasound emitters associated with the steering wheel and configured to focus ultrasound waves within a central region about which the ring-shaped member circumferentially extends and/or radially outside of and adjacent to the ring-shaped member to form one or more haptic control surfaces, wherein the plurality of ultrasound emitters emit ultrasound waves having a tangential component.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An ultrasonic haptic control system for a motor vehicle is provided. The system includes a steering wheel assembly comprising a ring-shaped member configured to be held by an occupant of the vehicle, and rotated about a central axis in order to steer the vehicle; and a plurality of ultrasound emitters associated with the steering wheel. The ultrasound emitters are configured to focus ultrasound waves within a central region about which the ring-shaped member circumferentially extends and/or radially outside of and adjacent to the ring-shaped member. The focused ultrasound waves are configured to form one or more haptic control surfaces. A method of operating a haptic control system is also provided.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An ultrasonic haptic control system for a motor vehicle, comprising:
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a steering wheel assembly comprising a ring-shaped member rotatable about a central axis to steer the vehicle; and a plurality of ultrasound emitters associated with the steering wheel and configured to focus ultrasound waves within a central region about which the ring-shaped member circumferentially extends and/or radially outside of and adjacent to the ring-shaped member to form one or more haptic control surfaces, wherein the plurality of ultrasound emitters emit ultrasound waves having a tangential component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of operating a haptic control system for a motor vehicle, comprising:
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providing a steering wheel comprising a ring-shaped member configured to be held by an occupant of the vehicle; providing a plurality of ultrasound emitters associated with the steering wheel; and focusing ultrasound waves from the ultrasound emitters to produce one or more haptic control surfaces within or adjacent to the ring-shaped member, wherein the plurality of ultrasound emitters emit ultrasound waves having a tangential component. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification