Camera-Based Image Selection for EV Charging Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing advertising systems on displays or screens often rely on passive methods, limiting interactive engagement and making it difficult to assess viewer reactions, which hinders personalized and targeted advertising.

Innovation Solution

A device, such as a charging station for electric vehicles, equipped with a display unit, recording unit, image processing unit, and controller, allows for the selection of images on a screen without the need for an input device by using camera-based interaction, such as head or eye orientation, to determine viewer preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If passive broadcast advertising is used, then device complexity is reduced, but interactivity and viewer feedback capability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinteractivityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical input devices (mouse, keyboard, touch screen) with an optical recognition system. The recording unit captures images of the viewer, and the image processing unit analyzes facial expressions, eye movements, and head orientation to detect interaction intentions, substituting physical contact-based input with non-contact optical detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system between the viewer and the display. The recording unit and image processing unit act as intermediaries that translate physical viewer actions (looking direction, facial expressions) into digital signals that control the display output, enabling indirect interaction without direct contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If input devices are required for image selection, then selection precision is improved, but accessibility is reduced for viewers without input devices

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidselection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the viewer to interact with the display using their natural behaviors (looking direction, facial expressions, head movements) without requiring external input devices. The viewer's own body movements and physiological responses serve as the input signal, making the system self-sufficient and universally accessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If camera-based interaction is implemented, then interactivity without input devices is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback loop where the recording unit continuously captures viewer images, the image processing unit analyzes these images to detect interaction patterns, and the controller adjusts the display output accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables automated adaptation to viewer preferences and behaviors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4535131A1Apparatus for selecting an image
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 ADVERCHARGE GMBH
  • EP4535131A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4535131A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4535131A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device, in particular a charging device, e.g., for charging an electric vehicle, for selecting an image. The device comprises a display unit, a recording unit, an image processing unit, and a controller. The display unit is configured to display at least two images. The recording unit is arranged and configured to capture data within its field of view, in particular in front of the display unit. The image processing unit is configured to receive the data from the recording unit and to determine at least one feature based on changes in the data within the recording unit's field of view. The controller is connected to the display unit, the recording unit, and the image processing unit and is configured to select an image displayed on the display unit based on the at least one feature.