Method for sensing the readiness of a driver to steer
First Claim
1. Method for sensing the readiness to steer or the steering behavior of a motor vehicle driver, comprising supplying an electrical signal when at least one pressure and/or contact sensor is touched and/or pressure is exerted, the at least one sensor being integrated into a steering wheel of a motor vehicle or mounted on the steering wheel and is provided with a multiplicity of one of sensor elements and sensor segments arranged along the circumference of the steering wheel, and detecting whether the driver'"'"'s hand grasps the steering wheel from inside, outside, top or bottom thereof via each of the sensor elements or sensor segments which has, in the cross-section of a rim of the steering wheel, contact-sensitive zones.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for sensing the readiness to steer or the steering behavior of the driver of a motor vehicle, at least one pressure and/or contact sensor which supplies an electrical signal when it is touched and/or pressure is exerted being integrated into the steering wheel or mounted on the steering wheel. The pressure sensor and/or contact sensor has a multiplicity of sensor elements or segments arranged along the circumference of the steering wheel. Each of the sensor elements or sensor segments has, in the cross section of the steering wheel rim, a multiplicity of pressure-sensitive and/or contact-sensitive zones so that it is possible to detect whether the driver'"'"'s hand grasps the steering wheel from the inside, outside, top or bottom. A signal which represents the readiness to steer can be used to generate in an evaluation unit, for example, an audible, optical, haptic or similar warning to the driver as a function of the travel situation at a particular time or the events on the road detected around the vehicle.
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Citations
12 Claims
- 1. Method for sensing the readiness to steer or the steering behavior of a motor vehicle driver, comprising supplying an electrical signal when at least one pressure and/or contact sensor is touched and/or pressure is exerted, the at least one sensor being integrated into a steering wheel of a motor vehicle or mounted on the steering wheel and is provided with a multiplicity of one of sensor elements and sensor segments arranged along the circumference of the steering wheel, and detecting whether the driver'"'"'s hand grasps the steering wheel from inside, outside, top or bottom thereof via each of the sensor elements or sensor segments which has, in the cross-section of a rim of the steering wheel, contact-sensitive zones.
Specification