Gesture-Based Vehicle Component Control via Distance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems lack a seamless transition between user-controlled and automatic modes for operating components like sunroofs, windows, and air vents, often requiring manual full actuation and lacking intuitive gesture-based control.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the distance of a swipe gesture from a reference plane within the vehicle to initiate operations in either user-controlled or automatic modes, where the mode is based on the gesture's proximity to the surface, allowing proportional and directional control of vehicle components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual switch operation is used to control vehicle components, then the user can precisely control the movement distance, but the operation becomes complex and requires continuous user input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch operation with a gesture-based control system using camera imaging and image processing. The controller captures images, processes them to detect hand gestures, and translates these gestures into control commands for vehicle components, eliminating the need for physical switches and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the user's hand gestures and the vehicle component control. The camera and image processing algorithm act as mediators that translate natural hand movements into precise control signals, simplifying the user interface while maintaining control precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If a full actuation switch operation is used to control vehicle components, then the component reaches maximum movement, but the user cannot perform partial actuation easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables partial actuation by detecting the extent of the hand gesture within the field of view. The controller can interpret different gesture magnitudes, distances, or positions to command partial movement of components, allowing users to achieve intermediate positions without requiring full actuation switches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control where the actuation command is adjusted based on the real-time characteristics of the detected gesture. The system can modify the component's movement based on gesture velocity, amplitude, or trajectory, providing flexible and adaptive control for both partial and full actuation scenarios
3Ease of operation
If a gesture-based control system is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the measurement precision of gesture distance becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors gesture parameters and adjusts control commands based on detected gesture characteristics. The image processing system provides real-time feedback on hand position and movement, enabling precise control while maintaining ease of operation through natural gestures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multiple image processing parameters (such as hand position, gesture velocity, acceleration, and trajectory) to determine control commands. By analyzing changes in these parameters over time, the system can accurately interpret user intent and translate gestures into precise component control without requiring extremely precise single-point distance measurement
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for use in a vehicle, comprising determining a distance of a predetermined gesture from a reference location within a vehicle, and initiating an operation responsive to the gesture, wherein a mode of the operation is determined based upon the distance of the gesture from the reference location.