Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-04-09)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1\. An apparatus for controlling haptic feedback, the apparatus comprising:
at least one memory; and
at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to:
obtain environmental information indicative of an environment of the apparatus from at least one sensor;
determine a context associated with the apparatus based on the environmental information; and
determine haptic feedback for output by the apparatus based on the context.

2\. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, to determine the haptic feedback of the apparatus based on the context, the at least one processor is configured to:
determine an amount of noise associated with the haptic feedback based on a surface in contact with the apparatus.

3\. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, to determine the haptic feedback of the apparatus based on the context, the at least one processor is configured to:
determine an amount of noise associated with haptic feedback that an application will emit during execution of the application.

4\. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the amount of noise associated with the haptic feedback that the application will emit is further based on at least one setting associated with the application.

5\. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:
identify applications that are configured to output notifications with haptic feedback;
and adjust haptic feedback associated with notifications of at least a portion of the applications.
6\. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the environmental information comprises at least one of ambient audio information of the environment, device information that identifies other wireless devices proximate to the apparatus, luminance information, information indicating that at least one person has entered or exited the environment, or at least one image.
7\. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, to determine the context, the at least one processor is configured to at least one of:
determine whether the ambient audio information is below a threshold for a period of time;
determine a quantity of acoustic devices for outputting audio within a particular distance of the apparatus;
determine a spectral quality of the ambient audio information;
determine a quantity of computing devices that are within a particular distance of the apparatus; or
determine a number of people that are within a particular distance of the apparatus.
8\. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:
obtain a location of the apparatus using a location sensor.
9\. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:
determine a maximum noise level associated with the haptic feedback based on the context associated with the apparatus.

10\. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is configured to decrease the haptic feedback of the apparatus to reduce noise associated with the haptic feedback to be less than the maximum noise level associated with the haptic feedback.

11\. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: determine a minimum noise level associated with the haptic feedback based on the context associated with the apparatus.

12\. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is configured to increase the haptic feedback of the apparatus to increase noise associated with the haptic feedback to be more than the minimum noise level associated with the haptic feedback.

13\. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:
adjust an audio volume output of an audio device based on the context and the haptic feedback.

14\. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:
based on a determination of the haptic feedback for output by the apparatus based on the context, obtain additional environmental information from the least one sensor indicating a change associated with the environment of the apparatus;
determine a second context associated with the apparatus based on the additional environmental information; and
determine a second haptic feedback for output by the apparatus based on the second context.

15\. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of feedback events, wherein a first feedback event of the plurality of feedback events comprises activating one or more haptic actuators based on a first parameter of the haptic feedback, and wherein a second feedback event of the plurality of feedback events comprises activating the one or more haptic actuators based on a second parameter of the haptic feedback.

16\. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured to at least one of:
modify the first parameter of the haptic feedback associated with the first feedback event based on the context; or modify the second parameter of the haptic feedback associated with the second feedback event based on the context.

17\. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first parameter of the haptic feedback is associated with at least one of a magnitude of the haptic feedback, a duty cycle of the haptic feedback, a duration of the haptic feedback, or a period of the haptic feedback.

18\. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the second parameter of the haptic feedback is associated with preventing actuation of at least one haptic actuator of the one or more haptic actuators.

19\. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a mobile device.

20\. A method for controlling haptic feedback, comprising:
obtaining environmental information indicative of an environment of a computing device from at least one sensor;
determining a context associated with the computing device based on the environmental information; and
determining haptic feedback for output by the computing device based on the context.

21\. The method of claim 20, wherein determining the haptic feedback of the computing device based on the context comprises:
determining an amount of noise associated with the haptic feedback based on a surface in contact with the computing device.

22\. The method of claim 20, wherein determining the haptic feedback of the computing device based on the context comprises:
determining an amount of noise associated with haptic feedback that an application will emit during execution of the application.

23\. The method of claim 20, further comprising:
identifying applications that are configured to output notifications with haptic feedback; and
adjusting haptic feedback associated with notifications of at least a portion of the applications.

24\. The method of claim 20, wherein the environmental information comprises at least one of ambient audio information of the environment, device information that identifies other wireless devices proximate to the computing device, luminance information, information indicating that at least one person has entered or exited the environment, or at least one image.

25\. The method of claim 24, wherein determining the context comprises at least one of:
determining whether the ambient audio information is below a threshold for a period of time;
determining a quantity of acoustic devices for outputting audio within a particular distance of the computing device;
determining a spectral quality of the ambient audio information;
determining a quantity of computing devices that are within a particular distance of the computing device; or
determining a number of people that are within a particular distance of the computing device.

26\. The method of claim 20, further comprising:
determining a maximum noise level associated with the haptic feedback based on the context associated with the computing device; and
decreasing the haptic feedback of the computing device to reduce noise associated with the haptic feedback to be less than the maximum noise level associated with the haptic feedback.

27\. The method of claim 20, further comprising:
determining a minimum noise level associated with the haptic feedback based on the context associated with the computing device; and
increasing the haptic feedback of the computing device to increase noise associated with the haptic feedback to be more than the minimum noise level associated with the haptic feedback.

28\. The method of claim 20, further comprising:
adjusting an audio volume output of an audio device based on the context and the haptic feedback.

29\. The method of claim 20, further comprising:
after determining the haptic feedback for output by the computing device based on the context, obtaining additional environmental information from the least one sensor indicating a change associated with the environment of the computing device;
determining a second context associated with the computing device based on the additional environmental information; and
determining a second haptic feedback for output by the computing device based on the second context.

30\. The method of claim 20, wherein the computing device includes a plurality of feedback events, wherein a first feedback event of the plurality of feedback events comprises activating one or more haptic actuators based on a first parameter of the haptic feedback, and wherein a second feedback event of the plurality of feedback events comprises activating the one or more haptic actuators based on a second parameter of the haptic feedback. 51 52 53 54 55 56

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1, 5, 8, 13, 19, 20, 23 and 28 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) or 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Aikin et al. (US 10,059,228).
Regarding claim 1:  Aikin discloses a haptic feedback system comprising: at least one memory (104); and at least one processor (102) coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: obtain environmental information (col. 10, lines 1-9) indicative of an environment of the apparatus from at least one sensor (obtained from vehicle sensors (218) and the external resources, 220)); determine a context associated with the apparatus based on the environmental information; and determine haptic feedback for output by the apparatus based on the context (col. 4, lines 34-59; col. 8, lines 4-11).
Regarding claim 5:  Aikin discloses the at least one processor is configured to: identify applications that are configured to output notifications with haptic feedback; and adjust haptic feedback associated with notifications of at least a portion of the applications (col. 5, line 25-col. 6, line 53; col. 8, lines 4-11).
Regarding claim 8:  Aikin discloses the location of the system (col. 4, lines 60-61).
Regarding claim 13:  Aikin discloses the output devices (110) include an audio output device of a speaker and a haptic output device (col. 3, lines 22-32).  Aikin also discloses the adjusting of the output devices (col. 5, line 25-col. 6, line 53; col. 8, lines 4-11).
Regarding claim 19:  Aikin discloses the mobile device (col. 2, lines 42-45; col. 5, lines 3-9).
Regarding claim 20:  See claim 1 above.
Regarding claim 23:  See claim 5 above.
Regarding claim 28:  See claim 13 above.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 2-4, 6-7, 9-12, 14-18, 21-22, 24-27 and 29-30 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
-Hada et al. (US 9,963,068) discloses a vehicle proximity condition detection and haptic notification system.
-Hada et al. (US 10,377,307) discloses a vehicle proximity condition detection and haptic notification system.
-Roche et al. (US 10,586,369) discloses using dialog and contextual data of a virtual reality environment to create metadata to drive avatar animation.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
The Non-Final Office Action dated April 9, 2024 (hereinafter "Office Action") has been carefully reviewed, and this Amendment is responsive thereto. With this response, claims 1, 7, 14, 20, 25, and 29 are amended, claims 6 and 24 are canceled, and new claims 31 and 32 are added. Accordingly, claims 1-5, 7-23, and 25-32 remain pending in the application.
No new matter has been introduced by the amendments or the new claims. Support for the amendments and the new claims can be found, for example, in at least the claims, specification, and figures of the application as originally filed.
Reconsideration and allowance of the application is respectfully requested in light of the amendments and the following remarks.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 2-4, 6, 7, 9-12, 14-18, 21, 22, 24-27, 29, and 30 were indicated as being allowable if rewritten in independent form, including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims. Applicant thanks Examiner Pham for indicating the allowability of these claims.
Applicant believes that the independent claims are allowable without amendments. Nevertheless, for purposes of expediting prosecution, and without conceding the propriety of the Office's rejections, independent claim 1 has been amended to incorporate subject matter of allowable claim 6 and independent claim 20 has been amended to incorporate subject matter of the allowable claim 24.
Accordingly, Applicant requests allowance of the claims.
Claim Rejections - 35 U.S.C. § 102
Claims 1, 5, 8, 13, 19, 20, 23, and 28 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 102 as allegedly being anticipated by U.S. Patent No. 10,059,228 to Aikin et al. (hereinafter "Aikin").
Applicant respectfully disagrees with the above rejections, and submits that the pending claims, without amendments, are allowable over Aikin. However, for purposes of expediting prosecution, and without conceding the propriety of the Office's rejections, Applicant has amended independent claim 1 to incorporate subject matter of allowable claim 6 and has amended independent claim 20 to incorporate subject matter of allowable claim 24.
Accordingly, Applicant submits that independent claims 1 and 20 are in condition for allowance.
The remaining claims are dependent either directly or indirectly from one of the independent claims discussed above. Applicant respectfully submits that pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 112(d), the dependent claims incorporate by reference all the limitations of the claim to which they refer and include their own patentable features, and are therefore in condition for allowance.
Furthermore, although Applicant has not discussed the specific rejections to all of the claims, Applicant does not necessarily agree with the characterizations of the prior art made by the Office. Moreover, because each dependent claim includes its own patentable features, individual consideration of each on its own merits is respectfully requested.
CONCLUSION

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-5, 7-23 and 25-32 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: The present invention is directed to haptic rendering or feedback for electronic devices.  The prior art fail to teach “obtain environmental information indicative of an environment of the apparatus from at least one sensor, wherein the environmental information comprises at least one of ambient audio information of the environment, device information that identifies other wireless devices proximate to the apparatus, luminance information, information indicating that at least one person has entered or exited the environment, or image data”.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US10059228B1: Claims:
A dynamic seating system, comprising: one or more vehicle sensors that output information describing one or more operating characteristics of a vehicle; one or more occupant sensors that output occupant information; a calculation unit configured to: determine a feedback level based on deviation of the one or more operating characteristics of the vehicle and deviation of the occupant information from predetermined states, select a haptic feedback type from predefined haptic feedback types, and adjust characteristics of the selected feedback type based on the feedback level; and a seating assembly configured to actuate based on the characteristics of the selected feedback type.
one or more vehicle sensors that output information describing one or more operating characteristics of a vehicle;
one or more occupant sensors that output occupant information;
a calculation unit configured to: determine a feedback level based on deviation of the one or more operating characteristics of the vehicle and deviation of the occupant information from predetermined states, select a haptic feedback type from predefined haptic feedback types, and adjust characteristics of the selected feedback type based on the feedback level; and
determine a feedback level based on deviation of the one or more operating characteristics of the vehicle and deviation of the occupant information from predetermined states,
select a haptic feedback type from predefined haptic feedback types, and
adjust characteristics of the selected feedback type based on the feedback level; and
a seating assembly configured to actuate based on the characteristics of the selected feedback type.
The dynamic seating system of claim 1 , wherein the seating assembly actuates by moving from a first position to a second position.
The dynamic seating system of claim 2 , wherein the first position corresponds to absence of feedback and the second position corresponds to presence of feedback and is determined by the characteristics of the selected feedback type.
The dynamic seating system of claim 3 , wherein the first position is a user-defined position.
The dynamic seating system of claim 2 , wherein: the seating assembly includes an adjusting mechanism that is operable to reposition at least a portion of the seating assembly during movement from the first position to the second position based on the characteristics of the selected feedback type.
the seating assembly includes an adjusting mechanism that is operable to reposition at least a portion of the seating assembly during movement from the first position to the second position based on the characteristics of the selected feedback type.
The dynamic seating system of claim 2 , wherein: the seating assembly includes an adjustable bolster that is operable to change a bolster level of the seating assembly during movement from the first position to the second position based on the characteristics of the selected feedback type.
the seating assembly includes an adjustable bolster that is operable to change a bolster level of the seating assembly during movement from the first position to the second position based on the characteristics of the selected feedback type.
The dynamic seating system of claim 2 , wherein the seating assembly includes a restraint and a restraint tensioner that is operable to change a tension level of the restraint during movement from the first position to the second position based on the characteristics of the selected feedback type.
The dynamic seating system of claim 2 , wherein the seating assembly includes a restraint and an inflation system that is operable to change a restraint inflation level of the restraint during movement from the first position to the second position based on the characteristics of the selected feedback type.
The dynamic seating system of claim 1 , wherein the seating assembly actuates by vibrating one or more components of the seating assembly, and an intensity level of the vibration is based on the feedback level.
The dynamic seating system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more operating characteristics of the vehicle include at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration, vehicle yaw rate, wheel slip, engine throttle state, or braking state.
The dynamic seating system of claim 1 , wherein: the seating assembly actuates by moving from a first position to a second position, the first position is a user-defined position that corresponds to absence of feedback and the second position corresponds to presence of feedback, the seating assembly includes an adjusting mechanism that is operable to reposition at least a portion of the seating assembly during movement from the first position to the second position, the seating assembly includes an adjustable bolster that is operable to change a bolster level of the seating assembly during movement from the first position to the second position, the seating assembly includes a restraint and a restraint tensioner that is operable to change a tension level of the restraint during movement from the first position to the second position, the seating assembly includes an inflation system that is operable to change a restraint inflation level of the restraint during movement from the first position to the second position, the one or more operating characteristics of the vehicle include at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration, vehicle yaw rate, wheel slip, engine throttle state, or braking state, and the occupant information includes at least one of an occupant age, reaction time, distraction level, drowsiness, gaze-direction, breathing rate, temperature, height, or weight.
the seating assembly actuates by moving from a first position to a second position,
the first position is a user-defined position that corresponds to absence of feedback and the second position corresponds to presence of feedback,
the seating assembly includes an adjusting mechanism that is operable to reposition at least a portion of the seating assembly during movement from the first position to the second position,
the seating assembly includes an adjustable bolster that is operable to change a bolster level of the seating assembly during movement from the first position to the second position,
the seating assembly includes a restraint and a restraint tensioner that is operable to change a tension level of the restraint during movement from the first position to the second position,
the seating assembly includes an inflation system that is operable to change a restraint inflation level of the restraint during movement from the first position to the second position,
the one or more operating characteristics of the vehicle include at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration, vehicle yaw rate, wheel slip, engine throttle state, or braking state, and
the occupant information includes at least one of an occupant age, reaction time, distraction level, drowsiness, gaze-direction, breathing rate, temperature, height, or weight.
A method for providing haptic feedback, comprising: receiving information describing one or more operating characteristics of a vehicle; receiving external information relating to conditions that are external to the vehicle; determining that feedback is to be applied based on based on the one or more operating characteristics of the vehicle and the external information; calculating a feedback level based on deviation of the one or more operating characteristics of the vehicle and deviation of the external information from a predetermined state; selecting a haptic feedback type from predefined haptic feedback types; adjusting characteristics of the selected feedback type based on the feedback level; and actuating a seating assembly based on the characteristics of the selected feedback type.
receiving information describing one or more operating characteristics of a vehicle;
receiving external information relating to conditions that are external to the vehicle;
determining that feedback is to be applied based on based on the one or more operating characteristics of the vehicle and the external information;
calculating a feedback level based on deviation of the one or more operating characteristics of the vehicle and deviation of the external information from a predetermined state;
selecting a haptic feedback type from predefined haptic feedback types;
adjusting characteristics of the selected feedback type based on the feedback level; and
actuating a seating assembly based on the characteristics of the selected feedback type.
The method of claim 12 , wherein the external information describes at least one of weather conditions, time of day, visibility, or road conditions.
The method of claim 12 , wherein the external information describes at least one of traffic information or crash information.
The method of claim 12 , wherein actuating the seating assembly comprises moving the seating assembly from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position corresponds to absence of feedback and the second position corresponds to presence of feedback and is determined by the characteristics of the selected feedback type.
The method of claim 12 , wherein the seating assembly actuates by vibrating one or more components of the seating assembly.
A method for controlling a seating system, comprising: receiving information describing one or more notifications; calculating a feedback command based on the one or more notifications; selecting a haptic feedback type from predefined haptic feedback types wherein each of the predefined haptic feedback types corresponds to a respective seat component; adjusting characteristics of the selected feedback type based on the feedback command; and actuating a seat component corresponding to the selected haptic feedback type based on the characteristics of the selected feedback type by transmitting the feedback command to the seat component.
receiving information describing one or more notifications; calculating a feedback command based on the one or more notifications; selecting a haptic feedback type from predefined haptic feedback types wherein each of the predefined haptic feedback types corresponds to a respective seat component; adjusting characteristics of the selected feedback type based on the feedback command; and actuating a seat component corresponding to the selected haptic feedback type based on the characteristics of the selected feedback type by transmitting the feedback command to the seat component.
calculating a feedback command based on the one or more notifications;
selecting a haptic feedback type from predefined haptic feedback types wherein each of the predefined haptic feedback types corresponds to a respective seat component;
adjusting characteristics of the selected feedback type based on the feedback command; and
actuating a seat component corresponding to the selected haptic feedback type based on the characteristics of the selected feedback type by transmitting the feedback command to the seat component.
The method of claim 17 , wherein the one or more notifications describe at least one of arrival at a destination, presence of a location of interest, an email message, a text message, or a phone call.
The method of claim 17 , wherein actuating the seat component causes movement of at least a portion of the seat component from a first position to a second position based on the feedback command, wherein the first position corresponds to absence of feedback and the second position corresponds to presence of feedback and is determined by the characteristics of the selected feedback type.
The method of claim 17 , wherein the seat component actuates by vibrating.
Ref US9963068B2: Claims:
A computing device for a vehicle proximity condition detection and haptic notification system, the device comprising: one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing device, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: enable a user to specify, operation of an active suspension system of an ego-vehicle so as to tilt one of a left or right side of the ego-vehicle upwardly relative to a side of the ego-vehicle opposite the one of the left or right side of the ego-vehicle upon detection of a first vehicle proximity condition, so as to provide a user-selected haptic response directed to informing an ego-vehicle occupant of the first vehicle proximity condition; and operate the active suspension system in accordance with the user's specification.
one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing device, and
a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to:
enable a user to specify, operation of an active suspension system of an ego-vehicle so as to tilt one of a left or right side of the ego-vehicle upwardly relative to a side of the ego-vehicle opposite the one of the left or right side of the ego-vehicle upon detection of a first vehicle proximity condition, so as to provide a user-selected haptic response directed to informing an ego-vehicle occupant of the first vehicle proximity condition; and
operate the active suspension system in accordance with the user's specification.
The computing device of claim 1 wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: enable a user to specify operation of a driver's seat of the ego-vehicle so as to tilt the seat independently of and simultaneously with the tilting of the one of the left or right side of the ego-vehicle upon detection of a second vehicle proximity condition, so as to provide a user-selected haptic response directed to informing an ego-vehicle occupant of the second vehicle proximity condition; and operate the driver's seat in accordance with the user's specification.
enable a user to specify operation of a driver's seat of the ego-vehicle so as to tilt the seat independently of and simultaneously with the tilting of the one of the left or right side of the ego-vehicle upon detection of a second vehicle proximity condition, so as to provide a user-selected haptic response directed to informing an ego-vehicle occupant of the second vehicle proximity condition; and
operate the driver's seat in accordance with the user's specification.
A vehicle comprising a computing device in accordance with claim 1 .
A method of operating at least a portion of an ego-vehicle responsive to the occurrence of a vehicle proximity condition, comprising steps of: enabling a user to specify operation of an active suspension system of the ego-vehicle so as to tilt the ego-vehicle to one of a left side of the ego-vehicle and a right side of the ego-vehicle responsive to the vehicle proximity condition, to provide a user selected haptic response directed to informing an-ego-vehicle occupant of the vehicle proximity condition; and operating the active suspension system in accordance with the user specification.
enabling a user to specify operation of an active suspension system of the ego-vehicle so as to tilt the ego-vehicle to one of a left side of the ego-vehicle and a right side of the ego-vehicle responsive to the vehicle proximity condition, to provide a user selected haptic response directed to informing an-ego-vehicle occupant of the vehicle proximity condition; and
operating the active suspension system in accordance with the user specification.
The method of claim 4 , further comprising steps of: enabling the user to specify a degree of tilt of the ego-vehicle to one of a left side of the ego-vehicle and a right side of the ego-vehicle responsive to the vehicle proximity condition, so as to provide a user-selected degree of the user-selected haptic response; and operating the ego-vehicle to provide the user-selected degree of tilt, responsive to the vehicle proximity condition.
enabling the user to specify a degree of tilt of the ego-vehicle to one of a left side of the ego-vehicle and a right side of the ego-vehicle responsive to the vehicle proximity condition, so as to provide a user-selected degree of the user-selected haptic response; and
operating the ego-vehicle to provide the user-selected degree of tilt, responsive to the vehicle proximity condition.
A computing device for a vehicle proximity condition detection and haptic notification system, the device comprising: one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing device, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: enable a user to specify operation of a driver's seat of an ego-vehicle so as to tilt the driver's seat in a direction of an adjacent lane next to the ego-vehicle as a haptic response to a safe lane change condition in which no other vehicle is detected in the adjacent lane within a predetermined distance from the front of the ego-vehicle and within a predetermined distance from the rear of the ego-vehicle, to provide a user-selected haptic response directed to informing an ego-vehicle occupant of the safe lane change condition, and directed to providing to an ego-vehicle occupant a prompt to select an ego-vehicle control command that is responsive to the safe lane change condition; and operate the active suspension system so as to tilt the entire ego-vehicle in accordance with the user specification.
enable a user to specify operation of a driver's seat of an ego-vehicle so as to tilt the driver's seat in a direction of an adjacent lane next to the ego-vehicle as a haptic response to a safe lane change condition in which no other vehicle is detected in the adjacent lane within a predetermined distance from the front of the ego-vehicle and within a predetermined distance from the rear of the ego-vehicle, to provide a user-selected haptic response directed to informing an ego-vehicle occupant of the safe lane change condition, and directed to providing to an ego-vehicle occupant a prompt to select an ego-vehicle control command that is responsive to the safe lane change condition; and
operate the active suspension system so as to tilt the entire ego-vehicle in accordance with the user specification.
The computing device of claim 6 wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: enable a vehicle occupant to choose, from among a menu of options, a haptic response to be provided by the ego-vehicle upon detection of a particular vehicle proximity condition; and operate the ego-vehicle to provide the chosen haptic response upon detection of the particular vehicle proximity condition.
enable a vehicle occupant to choose, from among a menu of options, a haptic response to be provided by the ego-vehicle upon detection of a particular vehicle proximity condition; and
operate the ego-vehicle to provide the chosen haptic response upon detection of the particular vehicle proximity condition.
The computing device of claim 7 wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: enable a vehicle occupant to specify a degree of the chosen haptic response to be provided by the ego-vehicle upon detection of the particular vehicle proximity condition, so as to provide a user-selected degree of the chosen haptic response; and operate the ego-vehicle to provide the user-selected degree of the chosen haptic response, upon detection of the particular vehicle proximity condition.
enable a vehicle occupant to specify a degree of the chosen haptic response to be provided by the ego-vehicle upon detection of the particular vehicle proximity condition, so as to provide a
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