Gesture Recognition Apparatus Using Distance Sensor and Air Jet Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gesture recognition systems for vehicles require additional buttons or defined motions, which can distract drivers and lead to erroneous inputs, especially when operating vehicle information devices while driving.
Innovation Solution
A gesture recognition apparatus that uses an imaging device, distance sensor, and feedback device to determine if a user's hand is at the correct start position, providing tactile feedback to ensure accurate gesture input without additional buttons or motions, by setting a gesture recognition region relative to the gearshift knob and using air jet devices for feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional buttons or defined motions are used to activate gesture recognition, then gesture recognition can be started, but driver distraction increases and operation convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when gesture recognition should be activated by monitoring hand position and vehicle vibration states, eliminating the need for drivers to press additional buttons or perform defined activation motions. The gesture recognition apparatus serves itself by autonomously determining activation timing based on contextual sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical activation methods (additional buttons, hand shaking motions) with sensor-based detection using imaging devices, distance sensors, and vibration sensors to automatically trigger gesture recognition mode without requiring physical driver actions.
2Ease of operation
If gesture recognition is activated without additional buttons, then ease of operation improves, but erroneous gestures may be input due to hand movements while driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides tactile feedback through air jet devices to inform drivers when gesture recognition is active and when gestures are successfully recognized. This feedback mechanism helps drivers understand system state without requiring additional buttons, while the multi-sensor verification system prevents erroneous activations.
Solution Approach 2:
Before accepting a gesture command, the system performs preliminary detection of hand position, approach velocity, and vehicle vibration state to verify the gesture is intentional. This preliminary verification phase filters out spurious gestures caused by normal driving hand movements.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect gesture start position, then gesture recognition accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (imaging device, distance sensor, vibration sensor) into a unified gesture recognition system that processes data from all sensors through a single controller. This merging approach achieves high detection accuracy while managing system complexity through integrated control architecture.
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 gesture recognition without additional buttons or motions, providing tactile feedback to ensure accurate input and reducing driver distraction by determining the correct gesture start position and recognition region, thus preventing erroneous inputs.
Implementation Method 1
The feedback device may include one or more air jet devices configured to jet (e.g., output) air toward the user's hand to provide tactile feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
A gesture recognition apparatus and method are provided. The gesture recognition apparatus includes an imaging device that is configured to photograph a gesture recognition region and generate image information and a distance sensor that is configured to sense a particular object that approaches a gesture start position. A controller is configured to enter a gesture input mode when the particular object is located at the gesture start position for a predetermined time and recognize a gesture by detecting the particular object based on the image information. Further, the controller is configured to provide feedback that indicates whether the particular object is located at the gesture start position and feedback that indicates whether the particular object is located in the gesture recognition region in the input mode.