Camera-Tracked Vehicle Interior Knob for Unified Function Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle interior control systems are cluttered and complex due to multiple human-machine interfaces and electrical connections, which can be difficult for users to navigate and poses safety risks due to mental overload.

Innovation Solution

A control system featuring a display screen and a mechanically linked physical element, such as a rotary button or cursor, that is not electrically connected to the screen, utilizing an image sensor to detect the element's position and an electronic control unit to determine and execute associated actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated human-machine interfaces are installed in the vehicle passenger compartment, then each interface can control specific functionalities, but the footprint and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single display screen serves as a universal interface for controlling multiple vehicle functionalities (temperature, light, ventilation, etc.), replacing the need for multiple dedicated interfaces. The screen can display different controls and information based on user interaction, making one device perform the functions of many.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple control functions and interfaces are merged into a single integrated display screen. The screen combines various control capabilities (climate control, lighting, ventilation) and information display into one unified interface, reducing the number of separate devices needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interfaces are installed at the dashboard level, then comprehensive control is achieved, but the electrical connections and wiring complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol coverageVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single display screen provides universal control access for all vehicle functionalities, eliminating the need for multiple separately wired interfaces. One screen replaces many control units, significantly reducing the electrical wiring required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If gesture controls with cameras are used to reduce clutter, then the visual appearance is improved, but the ease of operation decreases and mental load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual simplicityVSAvoiduser friendliness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex gesture recognition systems with a simpler mechanical interaction - a physical button that the user can press. This mechanical input is detected by the image sensor, combining the visual simplicity of a camera-based system with the ease of use of a physical button.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interfaces are provided for comprehensive control, then functionality coverage is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to navigation difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality coverageVSAvoidnavigation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single display screen provides universal access to all vehicle control functions through a unified interface. Users interact with one screen rather than navigating between multiple separate interfaces, making operation easier while maintaining comprehensive functionality coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies the control system by reducing the number of interfaces and electrical connections, making it easier and more intuitive for users to control vehicle features while minimizing mental workload and safety risks.

Implementation Method 1

at least one image sensor configured to capture images of the physical element and of at least a portion of the display screen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage capture: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP4545337A1System for controlling at least one functionality among a set of functionalities in a vehicle interior, associated method and computer program

Publication Date: 2025.04.30 FAURECIA SERVICES GRP

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AI summary

This control system comprises a display screen (8), at least one image sensor (12), and a physical element (10) mechanically linked to said display screen and movable by a user between at least two distinct positions, said physical element (10) not being electrically connected to said display screen (8), said at least one image sensor (12) being configured to capture images of said physical element (10) and of at least a portion of the display screen (8). The system includes an electronic control unit configured to: - assign a function to said physical element, - detect, in at least one image captured by said sensor (12), a position of said physical element following manipulation by the user, - determine an action associated with said function, the action being variable depending on the position of the physical element, and - command the implementation of the action corresponding to the position of the physical element.