GB2583707A

GB2583707A - Steering control for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2583707A
Application number: GB1905735.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Kiran; Skinner Stephen; Nguyen Linh
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-24
Filing date: 2019-04-24
Publication date: 2020-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-24
Also published as: GB201905735D0; GB2583707B

Abstract

A steering control 100 for a vehicle has a cover 110 formed from flexible material applied over a supporting structure to provide a gripping surface for a user. Cover 110 has a plurality of electrically conductive surface regions 121, 122 that comprise electrically-conductive material, for example a conductive thread woven through a non-conductive material, and which are grippable by a user to provide a steering input. Conductive regions 121, 122 are laterally spaced apart about steering control 100 and are electrically isolated from one another. Non-conductive separators 131, 132 may be provided between conductive regions 121, 122. Conductive regions 121, 122 may each be split into isolated subregions either side of a plane bisecting a longitudinal axis of a gripping member of steering control 100, for example anterior and posterior or inner and outer.

Description

Steering Control for a Vehicle

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the invention relate to a steering control for a vehicle and a vehicle comprising a steering control.

BACKGROUND

There is a current trend towards providing apparatus capable of determining a physical state of a driver of a vehicle from biometric data of the driver. However existing vehicles lack the required means for obtaining the necessary biometric data of the driver.

It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more of the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a steering control for a vehicle. The steering control comprises a cover formed from flexible material applied over a supporting structure and the cover provides a gripping surface for a user. The cover comprises a plurality of electrically conductive surface regions comprising electrically-conductive material for, in use, gripping by a user to provide a steering input; and the plurality of electrically conductive surface regions are laterally spaced-apart about the steering control and electrically isolated from one-another.

The plurality of surface regions may be laterally spaced-apart about the steering control such that, in use, a first surface region may be positioned to be gripped by a first hand of the user and a second surface region may be positioned to be gripped by a second hand of the user.

The lateral spacing of the plurality of surface regions may be such that the spacing causes the plurality of surface regions to be is approximately the width of a human body. Advantageously, the plurality of surface regions are positioned in a convenient location for when the steering control is gripped by the user. As a result of this arrangement, if a user grips the wheel with two hands, each hand of the user grips only one surface region and each surface region is not gripped by more than one hand because the plurality of surface regions are laterally spaced-apart. When the user steers the vehicle and turns the steering control, the user's hands may move the across the surface of the cover. Advantageously, the surface regions are arranged such that wherever the user places their hands to grip the steering control, each hand may contact a different surface region. Therefore, an electrical system connected to the steering control may measure biometric data of the user from any of the plurality of surface regions which are arranged substantially across the entire surface of the cover.

The steering control may comprise a plurality of non-conductive separators arranged to electrically isolate the plurality of surface regions. The plurality of separators may be formed by at least one of plastic, veneer, leather or textile material. The plastic may be formed into plastic separators, such as plastic inserts.

Optionally, at least some of the plurality of surface regions may be divided into a first sub-region and a second sub-region, which are electrically isolated from one-another, on either side of a plane parallel to and bisecting a longitudinal axis of a gripping member of the steering control. The sub-regions may be positioned substantially adjacent to one-another with at least two of the plurality of non-conductive separators positioned between the sub-regions to electrically isolate them from one-another.

The at least some of the plurality of surface regions may be divided such that, in use, the first sub-region and the second sub-region are positioned to be gripped by a discrete portion of the user. The discrete portion of the user may be a finger, palm or hand and may be the same hand gripping the laterally spaced-apart surface regions. Advantageously, the plurality of sub-regions may be positioned in this way, such that an electrical system connected to the steering control may measure electrical signals indicative of biometric data relating to the discrete portion of the user gripping the wheel.

Optionally, at least some of the plurality of sub-regions may be divided on either side of a plane bisecting the steering control into anterior and posterior sections. A posterior sub-region may be located in the posterior section and an anterior sub-region may be located in the anterior section. The posterior and anterior sub-regions may be positioned substantially adjacent to one-another with one of the plurality of nonconductive separators positioned between the posterior and anterior sub-regions to electrically isolate them from one-another.

Optionally, at least some of the plurality of sub-regions may be divided on either side of a plane bisecting the steering control into inner and outer sections. An inner sub-region may be located in the inner section and an outer sub-region may be located in the outer section. The inner and outer sub-regions may be positioned substantially adjacent to one-another with one of the plurality of non-conductive separators positioned between the inner and outer sub-regions to electrically isolate them from one-another.

The steering control may comprise a plurality of electrical conductors each arranged to contact a respective one of the plurality of surface regions. The steering control may comprise a plurality of electrical conductors each arranged to contact a respective one of the plurality of sub-regions.

Optionally, each electrical conductor may be electrically connected to the respective surface region at a plurality of locations distributed about the surface region. The plurality of locations may be positioned along an elongate portion of the surface region and may take any path across the surface region. For example, the plurality of locations may contact the surface region in a straight line, a wiggle, a zig-zag or a curved path in any direction across the surface region. The plurality of electrical conductors may be formed of conductive adhesive. Advantageously, the use of an electrical conductor at a plurality of locations distributed about the surface region ensures that the distance between the electrical conductor and the discrete portion of the user, such as a hand or finger gripping the steering control, is minimised. Therefore, when the steering control is connected to an electrical system, the plurality of locations may be arranged to effectively minimise losses of the signal caused by resistance from the material of the surface regions.

Optionally, each electrical conductor may be electrically connected to the respective sub-region at a plurality of locations distributed about the sub-region. The plurality of locations may be positioned along an elongate portion of the sub-region and may take any path across the sub-region. For example, the plurality of locations may contact the sub-region in a straight line, a wiggle, a zig-zag or a curved path in any direction across the sub-region. The plurality of electrical conductors may be formed of conductive adhesive. Advantageously, the use of an electrical conductor at a plurality of locations distributed about the sub-region ensures that the distance between the electrical conductor and the discrete portion of the user, such as a hand or finger gripping the steering control, is minimised. Therefore, when the steering control is connected to an electrical system, the plurality of locations may be arranged to effectively minimise losses of the signal caused by resistance from the material of the sub-regions.

The plurality of locations may be arranged around at least a portion of a periphery of the respective surface region. The plurality of locations may be arranged along one or more edges of the respective surface region.

The plurality of locations may be arranged around at least a portion of a periphery of the respective sub-region. The plurality of locations may be arranged along one or more edges of the respective sub-region.

The electrical conductor optionally may be formed by a conductive thread stitched at the plurality of locations to the respective surface region of the cover. The electrical conductor optionally may be formed by a conductive thread stitched at the plurality of locations to the respective sub-region of the cover.

Optionally, the steering control may comprise at least one connector configured to be connected to an electrical system of a vehicle and the electrical conductors are electrically connected to the at least one connector.

The electrically-conductive material of the cover may be formed by at least one of a woven, non-woven or natural material. The woven material may be formed of an electrically-conductive material which is woven through a non-electrically conductive material. The electrically-conductive material may comprise a material which is coated with an electrical conductor. Advantageously, the cover provides a discrete or non-intrusive sensing capability.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a steering control for a vehicle. The steering control comprises a cover formed from flexible material applied over a supporting structure and the cover provides a gripping surface for a user. The cover comprises a plurality of electrically conductive surface regions comprising electrically-conductive material for, in use, gripping by a user to provide a steering input. The plurality of surface regions are electrically isolated from one-another and the plurality of surface regions are divided into a first sub-region and a second sub-region, which are electrically isolated from one-another, on either side of a plane parallel to and bisecting a longitudinal axis of a gripping member of the steering control.

The plurality of surface regions may be divided such that, in use, the first sub-region and the second sub-region are positioned to be gripped by a discrete portion of the user. The discrete portion of the user may be a finger, palm or hand. The first subregion and second sub-region may be positioned substantially adjacent to one-another with a non-conductive separator positioned between them to electrically isolate them from one-another. Advantageously, the plurality of sub-regions may be positioned in this way so an electrical system connected to the steering control may measure biometric data relating to the discrete portion of the user gripping the wheel.

Optionally, at least some of the plurality of sub-regions may be divided on either side of a plane bisecting the steering control into inner and outer sections. An inner subregion may be located in the inner section and an outer sub-region may be located in the outer section. The inner and outer sub-regions may be positioned substantially adjacent to one-another with one of the plurality of non-conductive separators positioned between the inner and outer sub-regions to electrically isolate them from one-another.

Optionally, wherein the plurality of surface regions may be further spaced apart laterally about the steering control and electrically isolated from one-another.

Optionally, a first surface region may be positioned to be gripped by a first hand of the user and a second surface region may be positioned to be gripped by a second hand of the user. The surface regions may be arranged such that, in use, a first hand and second hand of the user may each contact a different surface region which may be spaced apart by approximately the width of a human body. Advantageously, the plurality of surface regions are positioned in a convenient location for being gripped by the user.

When the user steers the vehicle and turns the steering control, the user's hands may move the across the surface of the cover. Advantageously, the surface regions are arranged such that wherever the user places their hands to grip the steering control, each hand may contact a different surface region. Therefore, an electrical system connected to the steering control may measure biometric data of the user from any of the plurality of surface regions which are arranged substantially across the entire surface of the cover.

The steering control may comprise a plurality of non-conductive separators arranged to electrically isolate the plurality of surface regions and the first sub-region and the second-sub region. The plurality of separators are formed of a non-conductive material which may comprise plastic, veneer, leather or textile material. The plastic may be formed into plastic separators, such as plastic inserts.

The steering control optionally may comprise a plurality of electrical conductors each arranged to contact a respective one of the plurality of surface regions. The steering control may comprise a plurality of electrical conductors each arranged to contact a respective one of the plurality of sub-regions.

Optionally, each electrical conductor may be electrically connected to the respective surface region at a plurality of locations distributed about the surface region. The plurality of locations may be positioned along an elongate portion of the surface region and may take any path across the surface region. For example, the plurality of locations may contact the surface region in a straight line, a wiggle, a zig-zag or a curved path in any direction across the surface region. The plurality of electrical conductors may be formed of conductive adhesive. Advantageously, the use of an electrical conductor at a plurality of locations distributed about the surface region minimizes the distance between the electrical conductor and a hand or finger gripping the steering control.

Therefore, when the steering control is connected to an electrical system, the plurality of locations may be arranged to effectively minimise losses of the signal caused by resistance from the surface regions.

Optionally, each electrical conductor may be electrically connected to the respective sub-region at a plurality of locations distributed about the sub-region. The plurality of locations may be positioned along an elongate portion of the sub-region and may take any path across the sub-region. For example, the plurality of locations may contact the sub-region in a straight line, a wiggle, a zig-zag or a curved path in any direction across the sub-region. The plurality of electrical conductors may be formed of conductive adhesive. Advantageously, the use of an electrical conductor at a plurality of locations distributed about the sub-region minimizes the distance between the electrical conductor and a hand or finger gripping the steering control. Therefore, when the steering control is connected to an electrical system, the plurality of locations may be arranged to effectively minimise losses of the signal caused by resistance from the sub-region.

In an embodiment, the electrical conductor may be formed by a conductive thread stitched at the plurality of locations to the respective surface region of the cover. In an embodiment, the electrical conductor may be formed by a conductive thread stitched at the plurality of locations to the respective sub-region of the cover.

In an embodiment, the electrically-conductive material of the cover may be formed by at least one of a woven, non-woven or natural material. The woven material may be formed of an electrically-conductive material which is woven through a non-electrically-conductive material i.e. an insulating material to form the conductive material. The electrically-conductive material may comprise a material which is coated with an electrical conductor. Advantageously, the cover provides a discrete or non-intrusive sensing capability.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a steering wheel according to a steering control as described herein.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is a provided a vehicle comprising a steering control as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a steering control for a vehicle comprising a cover according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a steering control for a vehicle comprising a cover according to an embodiment of the invention being gripped by hands of a user; Figure 3 shows a cross section of a steering control for a vehicle comprising a cover according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 shows a cross section of a steering control for a vehicle comprising a cover according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a surface region or sub-region according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows an image of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 7 shows an electrical system of a vehicle, comprising a steering control comprising a cover, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 illustrates a steering control 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The steering control 100 comprises a cover 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The steering control 100 may be a steering wheel, handlebars, W-shaped or any other type or shape of steering control for use to steer a vehicle. The steering control 100 may be disposed in a land-going vehicle, watercraft, railed vehicle or aircraft. It will be realised that embodiments of the invention are not limited in this respect and that the steering control may be useful in other vehicles.

The steering control 100 illustrated in Figure 1 is a steering wheel 100 shown from a view point of a user of the vehicle. The steering wheel 100 comprises a torus shaped supporting structure with a rim 101 and spokes 102 extending between a hub of the steering wheel 100 and the rim 101 and is arranged to rotate about a central longitudinal axis. The spokes 102 may support a user input panel 103 and a centre decorative panel 104. The rim 101 provides a gripping member for the user to grip in use to provide a steering input to the vehicle.

The cover 110 may be formed from a flexible material applied over a supporting structure (shown in Figure 3 by reference numeral 305) and may provide a gripping surface for a user. The cover 110 may provide a tactile gripping surface on the rim 101 of the steering wheel 100. The cover 110 comprises a plurality of electrically conductive surface regions 121, 122 which are formed of electrically-conductive material. The plurality of surface regions 121, 122 may be integrated as part of the cover 110 and/or formed into the cover 110 during manufacturing. The electrically-conductive material of the cover 110 may be formed by at least one of a woven, non-woven or natural material. The woven material may be formed of an electrically-conductive material, such as a thread, which is woven through a non-electrically-conductive material. The electrically-conductive material may comprise a material, such as a natural material e.g. leather, which is coated or treated with an electrical conductor and/or a conductive coating or treatment such a solution.

The plurality of surface regions 121, 122 are laterally spaced-apart about the steering control 100 and electrically isolated from one-another. The lateral spacing enables an electrical signal to be determined across a user's body, as will be explained. Although Figure 1 shows the steering wheel 100 having two laterally spaced-apart surface regions 121, 122, it will be appreciated that there may be any number of surface regions greater than two arranged laterally about the steering wheel 100. For example, the steering wheel 100 may comprise three or four surface regions, at least some of which are laterally spaced-apart. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the steering wheel 100 comprises a first surface region 121 and a second surface region 122. Axes in Figure 1 indicative of direction show the lateral spacing as a spacing in the y axis and a longitudinal axis from a front of the vehicle to a back of the vehicle which runs along the x axis according to the axes in Figure 1. References to "electrically conductive surface regions" and "surface regions" refer to the same features of the invention.

In some embodiments, for example as illustrated in Figure 1, the steering wheel 100 may comprise a plurality of non-conductive separators 131, 132 arranged to electrically isolate each of the plurality of laterally spaced-apart surface regions 121, 122 from one-another. The plurality of non-conductive separators 131, 132 may be integrated as part of the cover 110 and/or formed into the cover 110 during manufacturing.

Alternatively, the plurality of non-conductive separators 131, 132 may be located between the surface regions 121, 122 of the cover 110 as separate components. The cover 110 may be formed of alternating surface regions 121, 122 and non-conductive separators 131, 132 distributed around the surface of the rim 101. Although Figure 1 shows the steering wheel 100 having two non-conductive separators electrically isolating the plurality of laterally spaced-apart surface regions 121, 122, it will be appreciated that there may be as many non-conductive separators as required to electrically isolate each of the surface regions 121, 122 from one-another. For example, the steering wheel 100 may comprise three or four non-conductive separators electrically isolating the plurality of laterally spaced-apart surface regions.

It will be appreciated that a major part of the rim 101 may be occupied by the conductive regions 121, 122 and a minor part by the separators 131, 132. The plurality of non-conductive separators 131, 132 may be formed of a non-conductive material which may comprise plastic, veneer, leather or textile material. In one embodiment the separators 131, 132 are plastic inserts arranged between sections of the cover 110 forming the electrically conductive regions 121, 122.

In some embodiments, for example as illustrated in Figure 1, at least some of the plurality of surface regions 121, 122 each comprise a plurality of electrically conductive sub-regions 121a, 121b, 122a, 122b. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, each of the plurality of surface regions 121, 122 comprises two sub-regions 121a, 121b, 122a, 122b, although it will be appreciated that other numbers of sub-regions may be envisaged. The first surface region 121 comprises a first sub-region 121a and a second sub-region 121b. The second surface region 122 comprises a first sub-region 122a and a second sub-region 122b. Each of the sub-regions 121a, 122a, 121b, 122b are electrically isolated from one-another, such that independent electrical signals may be provided from each sub-region 121a, 122a, 121b, 122b. The sub-regions are divided such that, in use, a plurality of sub-regions of each region 121, 122 are simultaneously contacted by a discrete portion of the user i.e. the user's hand. That is, the user's hand contacts at least two sub-regions 122a, 121 b, 122b of one or more of the conductive regions 121, 122 of the steering control 100.

In an embodiment where the plurality of surface regions comprises of a third sub-region in conjunction with the first two sub-regions 121, 122, this third sub-region may reduce the noise component of the electrical signals, that are indicative of biometric data, being measured by an electrical system connected to the steering control.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, the first sub-regions 121a, 122a and the second subregions 122b, 122b are located on either side of a plane which is parallel to and bisecting a longitudinal axis 310, as shown in Figure 3, of the gripping member i.e. the rim 101 of the steering wheel 100.

Figure 3 illustrates the longitudinal axis 310 of the rim 101 of the supporting structure 305 forming the rim 101. The longitudinal axis 310 is an axis running through the centre of a cross section at point A of the rim 101 to form a tangent to the rim 101 of the steering wheel 100 at point A from which the cross section is taken.

Returning to Figure 1, although Figure 1 shows first sub-regions 121 a, 122a and second sub-regions 121b, 122b, it will be appreciated that the plurality of surface regions 121, 122 may be divided into any number of sub-regions greater than two. For example, the cover 110 may comprise surface regions 121, 122 which are also divided into a third sub-region and a fourth sub-regions. The number of sub-regions 121a, 121b, 1 22a, 122b for each surface region 121, 122 may be the same or different to the total number of surface regions 121, 122. For example, the cover 110 may comprise a first surface region 121 divided into three sub-regions and a second surface region 122 divided into three sub-regions.

Each of the first sub-regions 121a, 122a and second sub-regions 121b, 122b may be electrically isolated from one-another by respective non-conductive separators. Figure 1 illustrates a non-conductive separator 141. The non-conductive separator 141 may follow i.e. correspond to the shape of the rim 101. The separator is visible in Figure 1 on a front face of the steering wheel 100. The front face is the apex of an anterior section of the rim 101 of the steering wheel 100, where the anterior section of the steering wheel 100 is the face of the steering wheel 100 facing the user during normal use of the steering wheel 100. In other embodiments, at least some of the plurality of non-conductive separators between the sub-regions may be arranged along an inner edge and an outer edge of the steering wheel 100. The non-conductive separator 141 may be formed of the same material as the plurality of non-conductive separators 131, 132 separating the laterally spaced-apart surface regions 121, 122. Alternatively the material of the non-conductive separator 141 between the sub-regions may be different to the material of the plurality of non-conductive separators 131, 132 between the regions 121, 122. As illustrated a single separator 141 is arranged around a circumference of the rim 101 as a unitary separator, although in other embodiments each region 121, 122 may comprise individual separators between its respective sub-regions.

Although Figure 1 only shows only one non-conductive separator 141 electrically isolating the first sub-regions 121 a, 122a from the second sub-regions 121b, 122b, it will appreciated that in order for the sub-regions to be electrically isolated from one-another, there may be a second non-conductive separator electrically isolating the first sub-regions 121a, 122a from the second sub-regions 121b, 122b. Figure 1 does not show non-conductive separator 342 (shown in Figure 3) because it may be positioned on the posterior section of the steering wheel 100, where the posterior section of the steering wheel 100 is the face of the steering wheel 100 facing away from the user during normal use of the steering wheel 100. It will be appreciated that there may be as many non-conductive separators as required to electrically isolate the plurality of sub-regions 121a, 121b, 122a, 122b from one-another.

The plurality of non-conductive separators 131, 132 electrically isolating each of the laterally spaced-apart surface regions 121, 122 may be a different size, shape and/or material to the non-conductive separator 141, 342 electrically isolating the first surface regions 121a, 122a from the second sub-regions 121b, 122b. The plurality of nonconductive separators 131, 132 electrically isolating the plurality of laterally spaced-apart surface regions 121, 122 may be between 0.1 and 10cm in length, such as 1cm, 3cm, 5cm or 8cm in length i.e. length around the rim 101. The non-conductive separators 141, 342 electrically isolating the sub-regions 121a, 121b, 122a, 122b may be between 1mm and 10mm wide, such as 3mm, 5mm, 10mm wide i.e. width radially outward from the centre of the wheel 100. The plurality of non-conductive separators 131, 132 for the laterally spaced-apart surface regions 121, 122 may be larger than the non-conductive separators 141, 342 separating the first and second sub-regions 121a, 121b, 122a, 122b. Advantageously, the different sizes, shapes and/ or materials of the plurality of non-conductive separators allow an improved or convenient arrangement of the plurality of surface regions 121, 122 and the plurality of sub-regions 121a, 121b, 122a, 122b for receiving and conducting electrical signals from the user.

When the cover 110 is gripped by two discrete portions of the user, such as the user's hands, at least two of the plurality of surface regions 121, 122 may each be gripped by a different discrete portion of the user, i.e. by a different hand, to provide a steering input to the vehicle. Figure 2 illustrates the steering control of Figure 1 being gripped in use by two different discrete portions of a user. In this example, the user grips the steering control 100 with hands 201, 202. The labelling of the rim 101, spokes 102, user input panel 103 and decorative panel 104 from Figure 1 have been omitted from Figure 2 for clarity.

The plurality of surface regions 121, 122 are laterally spaced-apart about the steering control 100 such that, in use, a first surface region 121 is positioned to be gripped by a first-hand, such as a left-hand, 201 of the user and a second surface region 122 is positioned to be gripped by a second hand 202, such as a right-hand, of the user. It will be appreciated that for each hand 201, 202 to grip a surface region 121, 122, the user grips in some embodiments two or more of the sub-regions corresponding to the respective surface region. For example, as illustrated in Figure 2, the first hand 201 contacts both of the first sub-region 122a and the second sub-region 122b belonging to the first surface region 122 and the second hand 202 contacts both of the first subregion 122a and the second sub-region 122b belonging to the second surface region 122.

The lateral spacing of the plurality of surface regions 121, 122 may be such that the plurality of surface regions 121, 122 are positioned at approximately the width of the human body so that the plurality of surface regions 121, 122 are positioned in a convenient location for the steering wheel 100 to be gripped by the user's hands 201, 202 in use. As a result of this arrangement, each hand 201, 202 of the user may only grip one surface region 121, 122 and each surface region 121, 122 is not gripped by more than one hand 201, 202 due to the lateral spacing of the regions 121, 122.

When a user steers the vehicle and turns the steering wheel 100, the first and second hands 201, 202 of the user may move the across the cover 110. The plurality of surface regions 121, 122 are positioned such that, at various gripping positions of the hands 201, 202, at least a portion of each hand 201, 202 may be in contact with only one surface region 121, 122. In some embodiments the length of the separators may be chosen to prevent simultaneous contact of a hand with two of the surface regions 121, 122. The lateral spacing of the plurality of surface regions 121, 122 means that a substantially large surface area of the cover 110 may comprise the plurality of surface regions 121, 122 and as such, electrical signals indicative of biometric data may be conducted when the user contacts at least two of the plurality of surface regions 1 21, 122 with respective hands.

The plurality of surface regions 121, 122 may be configured to receive a signal from across the body a user gripping the steering control 100. For example, when the first hand 201 contacts surface region 121 and the second hand 202 contacts surface region 122, the signal may be conducted across the body of user and may be indicative of an electrical signal from the user's heart, such as heart rate. The signal may be used to output electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements for the user.

Figure 3 illustrates a cross section the point A of the cover 110 applied over the supporting structure 305 of the steering wheel 100 of Figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates the second surface region 122 which is divided into the first sub-region 122a and the second sub-region 122b. The first sub-region 122a and second sub-region 122b are separated by non-conductive separators 141, 342. The sub-regions 122a, 122b are spaced-apart about the cover 110 such that substantially a majority of the surface of the cross section of the rim 101 forming the gripping member of the steering wheel 100 corresponds to one of the sub-regions 122a, 122b i.e. the separators 131, 342 are a minor part of a circumference of the cross-section.

In the example shown in Figure 3, the first sub-region 122a and the second sub-region 122b are divided on either side of a plane 303 parallel to and bisecting the longitudinal axis 310 of the gripping member formed by the rim 101 of the steering wheel 100. The bisection of the gripping member 101 may be considered to be a division by a line extending from the non-conductive separator 141 to the non-conductive separator 342 which follows the shape of the non-conductive separators 1 41, 342, which in turn follow the shape of the rim 101, as illustrated by plane 303 in Figure 3.

The plane 303 may divide the gripping member 101 into an inner section 302 and an outer section 301, as shown such as in Figure 1. An outer sub-region 122a may be located in the outer section 301 and an inner sub-region 122b may be located in the inner section 302. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the inner sub-region may be the second sub-region 122b and the outer sub-region may be the first sub-region 122a.

The inner sub-region 122b and outer sub-region 122a may be positioned substantially adjacent to one-another with the non-conductive separators 141, 342 positioned between the inner sub-region 122b and outer sub-region 122a to electrically isolate them from one-another.

When the steering wheel 100 is in use, the user may grip the steering wheel 100 with one or more discrete portions, for example a finger 350, palm or hand and the discrete portion may be the same as one of the discrete portions of the user used to grip the laterally spaced-apart surface regions 121, 122. The inner sub-region 122b and outer sub-region 122a may be arranged such that the finger 350 is in contact with both of the inner sub-region 122b and the outer sub-region 122a. The arrangement of the first sub-region 122a and the second sub-region 122b is such that at least two sub-regions 122a, 122b are located in the expected vicinity of where the user would place their hand to grip the steering control 100.

Advantageously, the plurality of sub-regions 122a, 122b may be positioned in this way, such that an electrical system connected to the steering wheel 100 may measure electrical signals indicative of biometric data relating to the discrete portion of the user gripping the wheel. In particular, the electrical system connected to the steering wheel 100 may measure electrical signals indicative of biometric data relating only to the discrete portion, such as across the discrete portion of the user.

The first sub-region 122a and second sub-region 122b may be configured to conduct a signal locally across a surface of the user's finger 350 gripping or contacting the steering wheel 100. The signal may be indicative of the local skin resistance of the finger 350. The signal may be used to determine electrodermal activity (EDA) measurements.

In other embodiments of the invention, the sub-regions may be electrically isolated from one-another into the first sub-region and the second sub-region by a plurality of non-conductive separators arranged around the inner edge of the gripping member and the outer edge of a gripping member when viewed from the point of view of the user.

The first sub-region and the second sub-region may be divided on either side of a plane parallel to and bisecting the longitudinal axis of the gripping member of the steering control. The bisection of the gripping member may be considered to be a division by a line extending from the non-conductive separator around the inner edge of the gripping member to the non-conductive separator around the outer edge of the gripping member.

In this embodiment, the plane may divide the gripping member into an anterior section and a posterior section. The anterior section may be the section facing and closest to the user of the steering control and the posterior section may be the section facing away and furthest away from the user of the steering control. The plane may extend around the entire shape of the rim 101.

An anterior sub-region may be located in the anterior section and a posterior sub-region may be located in the posterior section. The anterior sub-region and posterior sub-region may be positioned substantially adjacent to one-another with the plurality of non-conductive separators positioned between the anterior sub-region and the posterior sub-region to electrically isolate them from one-another.

When the steering control is in use, the user may grip the steering control with one or more discrete portions, for example a finger, palm or hand and the discrete portion may be the same as one of the discrete portions of the user used to grip the laterally spaced-apart surface regions. The anterior sub-region and the posterior sub-region may be arranged such that the discrete portion of the user is in contact with both of the anterior sub-region and the posterior sub-region. The arrangement of the anterior subregion and posterior sub-region may be such that they are located in the expected vicinity of where the user would grip the steering control.

Figure 4 illustrates a cross section of a cover 401 applied over a supporting structure 405 of a steering control 400 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. The steering control 400 comprises a torus shaped supporting structure 405 with a rim 401. The rim 401 provides a gripping member for the user to grip in use to provide a steering input to the vehicle. Figure 4 illustrates a surface region 422, such as the second surface region 122, divided into more than two sub-regions 422a, 422b and 422c. In particular the region422 is divided into three sub-regions, namely a first subregion 422a, a second sub-region 422b and a third sub-region 422c. The plurality of sub-regions 422a, 422b, 422c are electrically isolated from one-another by a plurality of non-conductive separators 431, 432, 433. The first sub-region 422a and third sub-region 422c are on either side of a plane 403 parallel to and bisecting a longitudinal axis 310 of the gripping member 401 of the steering control 400.

The plane 403 may divide the gripping member 401 into an anterior section 402a and a posterior section 402p.The anterior section 402a may be the section closest to the user of the steering control 400 and the posterior section 402p may be the section furthest away from the user of the steering control 400.

As shown in Figure 4, the first sub-region 422a is an anterior sub-region and is located in the anterior section 402a, the third sub-region 422c is a posterior sub-region and is located in the posterior section 402p and the second sub-region 422b is an overlapping sub-region and overlaps the bisecting plane 403 to be in both the anterior section 402a and posterior section 402p. The anterior sub-region 422a and posterior sub-region 422c are substantially adjacent to one-another, with non-conductive separator 431 positioned between the anterior sub-region 422a and posterior sub-region 422c to electrically isolate them from one-another. The overlapping sub-region 422b is substantially adjacent to the anterior sub-region 422a, with non-conductive separator 432 positioned between the overlapping sub-region 422b and the anterior sub-region 422a to electrically isolate them from one-another. The overlapping sub-region 422b is substantially adjacent to the posterior sub-region 422c, with non-conductive separator 433 positioned between the overlapping sub-region 422b and the posterior sub-region 422c to electrically isolate them from one-another. The arrangement of the plurality of sub-regions 422a, 422b and 422c is such that at least two sub-regions from the surface region 422 are located in the expected vicinity of where the user would place their hand to grip the steering control 400.

When the steering control 400 is in use, the user may grip the steering control with one or more discrete portions, such as a finger 450. The anterior and overlapping sub-regions, 422a, 422b may be arranged such that one or more discrete portions of the user gripping the cover, for example finger 450, is in contact with both of the anterior sub-region 422a and the overlapping sub-region 422b. Similarly, the posterior and overlapping sub-regions, 422c, 422b may be arranged such that finger 450, is in contact with both of the posterior sub-region 422c and the overlapping sub-region 422b. Similarly, the anterior and posterior sub-regions, 422a, 422c may be arranged such that finger 450, is in contact with both of the anterior sub-region 422a and the posterior sub-region 422c.

The anterior, posterior and overlapping sub-regions 422a, 422b, 422c may be configured to conduct a signal locally across a surface of the finger 450 gripping the steering control. The signal may be indicative of the local skin resistance of the finger 450. The signal may be used to output electrodermal activity (EDA) measurements.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the cover 110, 401 may comprise a plurality of electrical conductors. Each of the electrical conductors may be arranged to contact a respective one of the plurality of surface regions 121, 122 or sub-regions 121a, 121b, 122a, 122b. Figure 5 illustrates, in plan view, material forming a surface region 520 of a cover 110, 401 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The material is illustrated as being laid out flat i.e. in plan view, whereas in use the material is wrapped at least partially around the supporting structure 305, 405.

An electrical conductor 540 is arranged to contact the surface region 520 at a plurality of locations, for example the plurality of locations 541, 542, 543, which are distributed around the surface region 520. The surface region 520 is depicted as having a rectangular shape, however the shape of the surface region 520 may be any shape, for example another polygon shape such as square, or having a rounded shaped. The shape of the region is not restrictive. Although Figure 5 is described as depicting a surface region 520, Figure 5 may also be considered to depict a sub-region of a cover according to an embodiment of the invention.

The plurality of locations 541, 542, 543 may be positioned along an elongate portion of the surface of the surface region 520, as shown in Figure 5. The plurality of locations 541, 542, 543 may form discrete point connections to the surface region 520, such as at a location at which the conductor is stitched to the material of the surface region 520, or may form a substantially continuous connection to the surface region 520. As illustrated in Figure 5, the conductor is arranged along one edge of the material of the region 520.

The conductor may be arranged about the surface region 520 to follow any shaped path, for example, the plurality of locations 541, 542, 543 may contact the surface region 520 in a straight line, as shown, or a wiggle, a zig-zag or a curved path in any direction across the surface region 520. In some embodiments, the plurality of locations 541, 542, 543 may be arranged around at least a portion of a periphery of the region 520. In some embodiments, the plurality of locations 541, 542, 543 may be arranged around a majority of the periphery of the material of the region 520 of the cover.

Advantageously, the use of an electrical conductor 540 contact the surface region 520 at a plurality of locations assists in ensuring that a distance between the electrical conductor 540 and a location at which the discrete portion of the user, such as a hand or finger, gripping the steering control is minimised. Furthermore, the shorter the distance between the electrical conductor 540 and the hand or finger gripping the steering control, the less resistance to an electrical signal from material of the region. Thus the electrical conductor 540 contacting the surface region 520 at a plurality of locations assists in improving an electrical signal from the user. The conductor 540 may extend from the surface region to be routed to an electrical connector 550.

The connector 550 may be configured to connect to an electrical system of a vehicle. The electrical conductor 540 may be attached to the connector 550 using a mechanical connection, such as crimping, or soldering. The connector 550 may be located on a posterior side of the steering wheel 100 for connection to the electrical system of the vehicle when the wheel is attached to the vehicle.

Advantageously, the cover is formed to feel and perform as it would do without the electrical signal sensing capability when the user touches the cover. Advantageously, a cover according to embodiments of the invention may reduce manufacturing complexity and improves robustness.

Figure 6 illustrates a vehicle 600 comprising a comprising a steering control according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 illustrates a portion of electrical system 700 of a vehicle. The electrical system 700 may be configured to be electrically connected to at least one connector 550 such as shown in Figure 5.

The electrical system 700 comprises a controller 710 having an electrical processor 720 and storage device 730 for storing data therein. The processor 720 may operatively execute computer-readable instructions which may be stored in the storage device 730 which may be in the form of a memory 730 formed by one or more memory devices. The memory 730 may store the computer readable instructions executable by the processor 720. The controller 710 may receive an input signal 740 indicative of biometric data of a user via an input means 745 of the controller 710. The input signal 740 may comprise signals from each of the regions 121, 122 in some embodiments or sub-regions 121a, 121b, 122a, 122b in other embodiments. From these signals a signal from across the body of the user or a signal conducted locally across the surface of the user may be determined by the controller 710. The signal from across the body of the user may be determined as a differential signal taken between signals from the regions 121, 122 of the steering control i.e. contacted by either hand of the user to represent a signal across the user's heart. A local signal may also be determined between signals from respective sub-regions 121a, 121b, 122a, 122b i.e. contacted by the same hand. The processor 720 may execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 730 to obtain an output signal 750 via output means 755 of the controller 710. The output signal 750 may comprise biometric data indicative of an ECG or EDA measurement.

Each electrical signal from the at least one connector 550 may be an input signal 740 to the controller 710. The controller 710 may be arranged to determine a strength and quality of each input signal and select signals from surface regions and/or sub-regions 15 to determine the ECG and EDA measurements.

In an embodiment where there may be a third or more sub-regions in addition to the first two 121, 122, the electrical signal detected at the third or more sub-region may be used by the controller 710 to reduce interference noise generate by the user by actively cancelling the interference.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be realised in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk or magnetic tape. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method as claimed in any preceding claim and a machine readable storage storing such a program. Still further, embodiments of the present invention may be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A steering control for a vehicle, the steering control comprising a cover formed from flexible material applied over a supporting structure, the cover providing a gripping surface for a user: wherein the cover comprises a plurality of electrically conductive surface regions comprising electrically-conductive material for, in use, gripping by a user to provide a steering input; and wherein the plurality of electrically conductive surface regions are spaced-apart about the steering control and electrically isolated from one-another.
2. The steering control of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrically conductive surface regions are laterally spaced-apart about the steering control.
3. The steering control of claim 2, wherein the plurality of surface regions are laterally spaced-apart about the steering control such that, in use, a first surface region is positioned to be gripped by a first hand of the user and a second surface region is positioned to be gripped by a second hand of the user.
4. The steering control of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of nonconductive separators arranged to electrically isolate the plurality of surface regions.
5. The steering control of any preceding claim, wherein at least some of the plurality of surface regions are divided into a first sub-region and a second subregion (121b, 122b), which are electrically isolated from one-another, on either side of a plane parallel to and bisecting a longitudinal axis of a gripping member of the steering control.
6. The steering control of claim 5, wherein the at least some of the plurality of surface regions are divided such that, in use, the first sub-region and the second sub-region are positioned to be gripped by a discrete portion of the user.
7. The steering control of claim 5 or 6, wherein the plane divides the gripping member into an anterior section and a posterior section or an inner section and an outer section.
8. The steering control of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of electrical conductors each arranged to contact a respective one of the plurality of surface regions.
9. The steering control of claim 8, wherein each electrical conductor is electrically connected to the respective surface region at a plurality of locations distributed about the surface region.
10. The steering control of claim 9, wherein the plurality of locations are arranged around at least a portion of a periphery of the respective surface region.
The steering control of claim 9 or 10, wherein the electrical conductor is formed by a conductive thread stitched at the plurality of locations to the respective surface region of the cover.
12. The steering control of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the steering control comprises at least one connector configured for connection to an electrical system of a vehicle and the electrical conductors are electrically connected to the at least one connector.
13. The steering control of any preceding claim, wherein the electrically-conductive material of the cover is formed by at least one of a woven, non-woven or natural material.
14. The steering control of any preceding claim, wherein the steering control is a steering wheel.
15. A vehicle comprising a steering control according to any preceding claim.