Gesture-Controlled Vehicle Climate Zone Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air conditioning systems require multiple control elements to set different zone-specific operating parameters, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A device with a single control element, an IR camera, and an image evaluation unit that captures the passenger compartment to determine zone-specific settings through gesture recognition, eliminating the need for separate temperature and sun sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control elements are used for different zones, then zone-specific temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single control element is designed to serve multiple zones through gesture-based differentiation. The control element can adjust temperature for different zones (driver side, passenger side, rear zones) depending on which zone the user gestures toward, making one component perform the function of multiple dedicated controls.
Solution Approach 2:
A camera-based gesture recognition system acts as an intermediary between the user and the control element. The camera detects hand gestures and determines which zone the user intends to control, translating physical gestures into zone-specific control commands without requiring multiple physical control elements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple control elements are used for different zones, then zone-specific control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single control element combined with gesture recognition provides zone-specific control precision equivalent to multiple control elements, while reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for multiple identical control components and their associated wiring and mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical copying through camera imaging to create a digital representation of the user's gesture direction. This optical information is then processed to determine the intended zone, replacing the need for multiple physical control elements with a single control point that derives zone information from gesture copying.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gesture recognition is added to identify zones, then single control element functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is designed to serve multiple functions: it captures images for gesture recognition, determines zone selection, and can potentially be used for other driver assistance functions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by making the camera an essential component for both control and safety features.
Solution Approach 2:
The image evaluation unit automatically processes camera images to detect gestures and determine the intended zone without requiring additional user input or complex manual intervention. The system self-services by autonomously interpreting gesture data and translating it into appropriate control commands for the desired zone.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective zone-specific temperature control and ventilation management by using an IR camera to detect thermal radiation, reducing the number of components and wiring while providing precise control over interior temperatures and ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
the image evaluation unit can use moving surfaces emitting thermal radiation to determine for which zone of the passenger compartment the operating parameter is being set
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The device has a control element (26) for selectively adjusting an operation parameter of one of zones such as driver side (18) and a passenger side (20), of a passenger area (16). A camera i.e. infrared camera (22), for detecting a portion of the passenger area, where the portion comprises a part of the zones of the passenger area. An image evaluation unit (36) is connected with the camera for determining adjustment of an operation parameter by gesture evaluation at a zone of the passenger area by actuation of the operation parameter by a passenger.