Infrared Gesture Input Device for In-Vehicle Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-vehicle operation input devices face challenges with gesture detection accuracy due to sunlight interference and require multiple cameras, increasing cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

An operation input device that uses infrared LEDs and a single camera capable of detecting infrared, with an infrared transmission filter, to capture hand gestures while adjusting infrared irradiation intensity based on luminance differences to maintain optimal detection accuracy and reduce environmental interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an infrared camera is used for gesture detection, then gesture detection can be performed at night, but gesture detection accuracy deteriorates due to sunlight disturbance in the daytime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenighttime operation capabilityVSAvoidgesture detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically switches between infrared camera and visible light camera based on environmental conditions (daytime/nighttime). The system adapts its detection method according to the time of day and lighting conditions, using infrared camera at night and visible light camera during daytime to maintain high gesture detection accuracy while ensuring nighttime operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If both infrared camera and visible light camera are used to cover all lighting conditions, then gesture detection accuracy is maintained, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegesture detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of cameras

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a dynamic switching mechanism that selects between infrared camera and visible light camera based on environmental conditions. This allows the system to maintain high gesture detection accuracy across all lighting conditions while using only one camera at a time, thereby reducing the need for multiple cameras and lowering device cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If a visible light camera is used during daytime, then gesture detection accuracy is maintained, but the system cannot operate effectively at night

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegesture detection accuracyVSAvoidnighttime operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic camera selection based on time of day and lighting conditions. During daytime, the visible light camera is used for accurate gesture detection. At night, the system switches to the infrared camera, enabling effective nighttime operation while maintaining gesture detection accuracy in both conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If infrared irradiation intensity is increased to improve detection in bright conditions, then detection accuracy improves, but sunlight interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegesture detection accuracyVSAvoidsunlight interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts infrared irradiation intensity based on ambient lighting conditions. In bright daytime conditions, the infrared irradiation intensity is reduced or turned off to minimize sunlight interference. In darker nighttime conditions, the infrared irradiation intensity is increased to ensure sufficient signal for accurate gesture detection, thereby optimizing detection accuracy while minimizing interference in each condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enhances gesture detection accuracy by minimizing sunlight interference and reducing costs by eliminating the need for dual cameras, while maintaining reliable operation in various lighting conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared irradiation unit configured to radiate infrared

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a capturing unit configured to detect the infrared to capture an image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

a camera capable of detecting infrared, with an infrared transmission filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS9807320B2Operation input device, operation input method, and computer-readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 JVC KENWOOD CORP

AI summary

An operation input device includes an infrared irradiation unit radiates infrared, a capturing unit detects the infrared to capture an image, an luminance calculating unit calculates, in a captured image, a luminance difference between a luminance of a first area irradiated with the infrared by the infrared irradiation unit and a luminance of a second area arranged outside the first area, an infrared control unit adjusts an irradiation intensity of the infrared to be radiated from the infrared irradiation unit so that the luminance difference calculated by the luminance calculating unit becomes a predetermined target value, an image processing unit detects a shape of an indication object from the captured image, a determination unit determines an operation by the indication object from the shape detected by the image processing unit, and a command unit makes a device to be operated perform a function corresponding to the determined operation determined.