Gesture Interface Module with Proximity Zone Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interface modules for vehicle control, such as navigation assistants and interior lighting, are limited in their functionality as gestures detected by gesture sensors often have a single command value independent of execution position, leading to redundant commands and conflicts between gesture and pressure sensor inputs.

Innovation Solution

An interface module that combines a gesture sensor with a proximity sensor, allowing the detection space to be divided into multiple zones by adjusting gesture and proximity boundaries based on sensor states, enabling more precise command execution and conflict resolution through adaptive control unit operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gesture sensor is used to detect gestures in a detection space, then gesture control functionality is enabled, but the command value is single and independent of execution position leading to redundant commands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture control functionalityVSAvoidposition information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The detection space is segmented into multiple zones (first gesture zone, second gesture zone, third gesture zone) based on distance from the interface module. Each zone corresponds to different gesture types and command values, allowing the system to distinguish between gestures performed at different positions and assign appropriate commands, thereby eliminating redundant commands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If gesture sensor and pressure sensor are combined in the same interface module, then the number of controlled functions is increased, but conflicts occur between gesture and pressure sensor inputs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of controlled functionsVSAvoidsensor input conflict
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection using the proximity sensor to determine whether a hand is approaching the interface module before the gesture sensor fully processes gesture commands. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for potential pressure sensor activation and prevent conflicts by establishing a clear sequence of sensor activation based on distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the detection space is divided into multiple zones using simple equipment, then zone detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezone detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The proximity sensor serves multiple functions: it detects both the presence of a hand for zone determination and triggers the activation of the gesture sensor and pressure sensor. This multi-functionality allows the system to create multiple detection zones without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one sensor (proximity sensor) performs several critical roles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Speed

If sensors operate continuously to provide timely detection, then detection responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection responsivenessVSAvoidsensor energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The proximity sensor operates continuously to periodically assess hand presence, while the gesture sensor and pressure sensor are activated only when needed (when hand presence is detected). This periodic activation pattern maintains detection responsiveness by keeping the proximity sensor running while significantly reducing overall energy consumption by keeping other sensors in standby mode during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2936284B1Interface module making it possible to detect a gesture
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 DAV
  • EP2936284B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP2936284B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c
  • EP2936284B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an interface module, comprising:- a gesture sensor (7), able to detect and interpret the execution of a gesture by a user in a detection space (E), - a control unit (11) configured to execute at least one command as a function of the gesture detected and interpreted, - a proximity sensor (9), configured to determine whether the gesture is performed in a proximal position with respect to a second predefined distance, defining a boundary of proximity (F3) between a zone of proximal position (zpp) and a zone of distal position (zpd).