Intuitive Vehicle Control via Touch-Sensitive Sensor Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle control systems are not intuitive and require users to spend time learning new interfaces, which can be distracting and annoying, especially in unfamiliar vehicles, lacking customization options.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system utilizing a sensor unit and controller to detect touch commands and generate control signals for altering vehicle components, allowing for intuitive and customizable control through touch-sensitive sensors and drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical buttons and switches are used for vehicle control, then the control system is simple and reliable, but the interface is not intuitive and requires significant user learning time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical buttons and switches with a touch-sensitive sensor unit that detects touch commands through capacitive or resistive sensing. This substitution enables intuitive control where the sensor unit can detect various touch gestures (tap, swipe, press duration) to control vehicle components, eliminating the need for users to learn complex mechanical interface operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed control interfaces are used, then the system is simple to manufacture, but the interface cannot be customized for different users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control interface where the controller can be configured to recognize multiple different touch commands on the same sensor unit. The system allows customization by programming the controller to interpret various touch gestures (different durations, positions, or patterns) to control different vehicle components, enabling the interface to adapt to different user preferences and needs.
3Ease of operation
If touch-sensitive sensor units are implemented, then intuitive control is achieved, but the system complexity increases compared to mechanical switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor unit and controller combination to serve multiple functions. The same sensor unit can control different vehicle components (windows, mirrors, lights) through different touch commands, and the controller can be programmed to handle various gesture types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate controls for each function, offsetting the increased complexity through consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a system for intuitive control of a vehicle component is disclosed. The vehicle may include the vehicle component, a sensor unit associated with the vehicle component that is configured to detect a touch command applied to the sensor unit by a user, a controller, and a drive. The controller may be operatively coupled to the sensor unit and the drive may be coupled to the vehicle component. The controller may generate a control signal based on the touch command applied to the sensor unit and may cause the drive to alter a condition of the vehicle component in response to the control signal.