Vehicle Interior Display Control With Camera-Tracked Physical Slider

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle interior control systems require extensive space and complex electrical connectivity for multiple man-machine interfaces, leading to user complexity and safety risks due to unnatural gesture-based controls.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a display screen, a physical element mechanically linked to the screen but not electrically connected, and an image sensor to capture user interactions, with an electronic control unit assigning functions and determining actions based on the physical element's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated man-machine interfaces are installed in the vehicle cabin, then each function can be controlled independently, but the space requirement and electrical wiring complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction control capabilityVSAvoidinterface quantity and wiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single display screen serves as a universal interface for controlling multiple vehicle functions including climate control, lighting, ventilation, and audio systems. The physical element acts as a multi-functional control device that can navigate through different function menus and adjust various parameters, replacing the need for multiple dedicated interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple control functions that were previously distributed across separate interfaces are merged into a single integrated system consisting of one display screen and one physical element. This consolidation reduces the number of interface units and their corresponding electrical connections while maintaining comprehensive control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If gesture-based controls with cameras are used to reduce space requirements, then the number of interface elements is reduced, but the control becomes unnatural and requires learning multiple gestures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface element quantityVSAvoidcontrol intuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex gesture recognition systems with a simpler optical detection system. Instead of requiring users to perform specific hand gestures that need to be learned, the system uses an image sensor to detect the position of a physical element (such as a slider or button) that users can manipulate with natural, intuitive motions. The image sensor captures images to determine the physical element's position, translating physical movement into control signals without requiring gesture learning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If gesture-based controls are implemented, then space requirements are reduced, but the mental burden on the driver increases and safety risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface space requirementVSAvoiddriver safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces cognitively demanding gesture recognition with intuitive physical element manipulation. Users can naturally slide a physical element up, down, left, or right to control different functions, which requires minimal mental processing. The image sensor detects these simple positional changes and translates them into control commands, significantly reducing the mental burden on drivers compared to learning and executing complex gesture sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 space requirements and electrical wiring while providing an intuitive and user-friendly interface, reducing mental burden on drivers and enhancing safety.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage capture: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS20250138720A1System for controlling at least one of a set of functions in a vehicle interior, associated method and computer program

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 FAURECIA SERVICES GRP

AI summary

A control system having a display screen, at least one image sensor, and a physical element mechanically linked to the display screen and movable by a user between at least two distinct positions. The physical element is not electrically connected to the display screen. The image sensor is configured to capture images of the physical element and of at least part of the display screen. The system includes an electronic control unit configured for assigning a function to the physical element; detect in at least one image captured by the sensor, a position of the physical element following a manipulation by the user; determine an action associated with the function, the action being variable depending on the position of the physical element; and control the implementation of the action corresponding to the position of the physical element.