Infrared Touch Detection on Curved Vehicle Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for receiving user input on a vehicle window are hindered by regulatory requirements for clear areas, durability and cost challenges with physical touchpads, and the curvature of windows, which complicates the implementation of non-physical input mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A touch overlay system using infrared (IR) light energy to detect user input on a vehicle window, eliminating the need for physical hardware connections, with carefully positioned IR emitters and receivers to accommodate the curved surface and provide haptic and audio feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical touchpad is attached to a window, then user input capability is provided, but it violates clear area requirements and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical touchpad system with an optical detection system using infrared light. The infrared emitter projects light across the window surface, and the receiver detects interruptions in the light path caused by user touches, eliminating the need for physical attachments while maintaining user input capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared light as an intermediary between the user and the detection system. The infrared emitter and receiver use light energy as a mediator to detect user input without requiring direct physical contact or attachment to the window surface.
2Ease of operation
If a physical touchpad is mounted on a window, then user input is accepted, but durability and cost issues arise due to window movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical connection between the touchpad and window by using infrared light projection. The emitter and receiver remain stationary while detecting touches through optical means, eliminating wear and durability issues associated with physical attachments on moving windows.
3Ease of manufacture
If a non-physical input mechanism is implemented on a curved window, then clear area requirements are met, but the curvature complicates implementation and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accounts for the curved surface of the window by positioning the infrared emitter and receiver to project and detect light across the curved surface. The system is designed to work with the window's curvature rather than requiring a flat surface, maintaining effectiveness on curved geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the infrared emitter and receiver at specific locations optimized for the curved window surface. The system uses localized light projection and detection zones that adapt to the local geometry of the curved surface, ensuring accurate touch detection throughout the input area.
4Measurement precision
If IR emitters and receivers are positioned to detect touches on a curved surface, then touch detection accuracy is maintained, but the positioning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the emitter and receiver positioning to match the curved geometry of the window. The light projection and detection paths are configured to follow the curvature, maintaining accurate touch detection by accounting for the spherical or curved surface geometry rather than attempting to flatten it.
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 user input detection on a vehicle window without physical attachments, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining functionality across various window curvatures and operational states, including when the window is open or obstructed.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared light (IR) emitter (20) and at least one infrared receiver (22) arranged with respect to one another such that infrared light energy (30) emitted by the IR emitter (20) passes across a curved surface (16) to the receiver (22)
Implementation Method 2
a user's finger can interrupt and thereby deflect, projected IR beams of light energy, whereupon a user's input, in this example touching a key of a touchpad, can be detected
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a curved window and a light energy emitter arranged exterior to the curved window. The system includes a light energy receiver arranged exterior to the curved window and arranged to detect light energy emitted by the light energy emitter. The light energy passes over a touchpad provided on the curved window. A touch on the touchpad may be detected by the system.