Gesture Detection Unit for In-Vehicle Display Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle device actuation systems, such as those using head-up displays (HUDs), can hinder driving operations due to constant menu displays and require dedicated devices, increasing costs and complexity, and voice-operated systems are cumbersome due to processing delays and driver distraction.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device with a gesture detection unit that recognizes user gestures to control the display of selection candidates, allowing for intuitive operation without diverting attention from driving, and integrates voice recognition and switch operation for flexible input methods, with a driving burden estimation unit to manage display and input based on driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a menu for actuation is always displayed upon the HUD, then the driver can perform actuation while looking at the display, but some hindrance to driving operation may be created
Solution Approach 1:
The menu display is activated periodically or on-demand based on gesture detection rather than being continuously displayed. When the driver performs a specific gesture (e.g., hand raising), the menu appears; when the gesture ceases, the menu disappears. This periodic activation reduces visual distraction while maintaining operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects driver intent through gesture recognition and activates the menu without requiring the driver to manually interact with controls. The gesture detection unit monitors for specific hand movements, and upon detection, the output information control unit automatically displays the menu, allowing the driver to initiate the interaction process passively.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated device for actuation is installed, then actuation can be performed, but the cost increases and installation constraints arise
Solution Approach 1:
The gesture detection unit serves multiple functions: it detects hand raising to activate the menu, recognizes specific gestures for selection operations, and can potentially control other vehicle functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated actuation devices while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical controls (buttons, switches, dedicated actuation devices) with a gesture recognition system that uses optical or sensor-based detection. The gesture detection unit captures hand movements and translates them into control signals, substituting mechanical interaction with non-contact sensing.
3Ease of operation
If voice recognition is used for actuation, then hands-free operation is possible, but processing time is required for recognition and reading out, deteriorating ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The gesture-based selection method allows the driver to quickly select menu items by performing simple hand gestures rather than waiting for voice processing. The gesture recognition provides immediate response, skipping the lengthy voice recognition and text-to-speech processing delays inherent in voice-based systems.
4Ease of operation
If the gesture detection unit detects hand raising, then the menu can be activated, but the driver's attention may be diverted
Solution Approach 1:
The menu display is activated periodically or on-demand based on gesture detection rather than being continuously displayed. When the driver performs a specific gesture (e.g., hand raising), the menu appears; when the gesture ceases, the menu disappears. This periodic activation reduces visual distraction while maintaining operational accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device, includes: a gesture detection unit that recognizes gestures by a user; an output information control unit that controls output information to a display unit; and a device control unit, wherein: if the gesture detection unit has detected that the user has raised a hand for a certain time period, then the output information control unit displays upon the display unit a plurality of candidates for selection in association with gestures for operation; and if the gesture detection unit has detected a predetermined gesture by the user, the device control unit considers that, among the candidates for selection displayed upon the display unit, a candidate corresponding to the gesture that has been detected has been selected.