Augmented Reality Interface for Vehicle Feature Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle control systems, such as ADAS and infotainment systems, often come with limited features based on the trim level, restricting drivers from accessing advanced functionalities without hardware upgrades, which can be costly and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality system that includes an AR headset and gloves, communicating with an AR manager via a wireless network, enables drivers to experience enhanced ADAS and infotainment features virtually, effectively increasing the vehicle's trim level by providing virtual control elements and haptic feedback, allowing access to new functionalities through a Software as a Service model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware upgrades are implemented to provide advanced vehicle features, then vehicle functionality is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical control elements and features through augmented reality. Virtual control elements are projected into the driver's field of view, allowing access to advanced features without physical hardware. This copying approach enables feature access while avoiding hardware complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical hardware systems with software-based virtual representations. Instead of physical buttons, knobs, or displays for advanced features, the system uses AR-projected virtual elements that respond to gesture recognition and tracking, substituting mechanical interaction with optical and computational systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware upgrades are implemented to provide advanced vehicle features, then vehicle functionality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical control elements and features through augmented reality. Virtual control elements are projected into the driver's field of view, allowing access to advanced features without physical hardware. This copying approach enables feature access while avoiding hardware complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of feature access from physical hardware-dependent to software-controlled virtual access. By modifying the parameter of feature availability from fixed (hardware-based) to dynamic (software-based), the system enables cost-effective access to premium features through subscription or trial models.
3Ease of operation
If virtual control elements are projected into the driver's field of view, then ease of operation is improved, but safety concerns arise from driver distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions virtual control elements at the same visual plane as the road, using the windshield or dashboard surface as the projection medium. This equipotential positioning ensures that drivers can interact with controls without changing focal distance, maintaining visual attention on the road while accessing controls through augmented reality overlays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the windshield or dashboard as an intermediary medium between the driver and virtual control elements. This intermediary provides a stable reference plane that anchors virtual elements in the driver's peripheral vision, reducing cognitive load and maintaining situational awareness while enabling control access.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure includes embodiments for providing a virtual feature to a vehicle including an augmented reality (“AR”) headset and an AR glove. A method according to some embodiments includes causing the AR headset to display the virtual object which includes a three-dimensional image of a control element operable to control the virtual feature. The method includes monitoring a motion of the AR glove relative to a space in a real-world that appears to the driver to be occupied by the three-dimensional image of the control element when the driver views the space through the AR headset. The method includes providing, using the AR glove, haptic feedback so that the driver feels the control element upon touching the space that appears to include the control element. The method includes providing the virtual feature in accordance with the motion of the AR glove relative to the control element.