Optical Touchpad Steering Wheel Gesture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel touchpad systems lack flexibility and require electronics and cabled connections, making them impractical for road safety and increasing costs due to the need for expensive 3D cameras for precise gesture detection.
Innovation Solution
A system using an interface pad with a movable plate and an elastic deformable seal, illuminated by a near-infrared light source, detected by an imaging sensor to capture changes in optical path geometry, allowing for reliable detection of finger gestures without electronics in the steering wheel or cabled connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a 3D camera is used to detect finger gestures with precise depth measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex 3D camera system with a simple 2D camera combined with mechanical/optical elements (transparent pad with inclined facets, light source). The mechanical deformation of the pad under finger pressure modifies the optical path, and this modification is detected by the simple 2D camera, achieving precise gesture detection without expensive 3D imaging technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent pad with inclined facets acts as an intermediary between the finger gesture and the camera. It converts the mechanical pressure into optical path modifications that can be detected by a simple 2D camera, serving as a mediator that translates physical gesture into detectable optical signals without requiring complex imaging technology.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated control buttons are placed in the steering wheel spokes, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent pad serves multiple functions: it acts as a touch-sensitive interface for various gestures (pressing, sliding, tapping), maintains the aesthetic and functional integrity of the steering wheel design, and can be integrated into different steering wheel configurations. This single element replaces multiple dedicated buttons, providing universal control capability across different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static dedicated buttons to a dynamic, multi-functional transparent pad that can detect various types of finger interactions (pressing depth, sliding direction, tapping patterns). The interface adapts to different gesture types and can be programmed for different control functions, providing dynamic versatility rather than fixed functionality.
3Reliability
If electronics are integrated inside the steering wheel with cabled connections, then reliability of signal transmission is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronics from the rotating steering wheel and places them in the stationary dashboard. Only the passive optical elements (transparent pad, light source, mirror) remain in the steering wheel, which rotates freely without electrical connections. The camera and signal processing electronics are located in the dashboard, eliminating the need for complex rotating cable assemblies while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements (transparent pad with facets, light source, mirror) serve as intermediaries that transmit mechanical gesture information optically from the rotating steering wheel to the stationary camera in the dashboard. This optical mediation eliminates the need for direct electrical connections through the rotating interface, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable data transmission.
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 reliable detection of gesture strength and type, such as pseudo clicks, with high reliability and safety, allowing drivers to control vehicle functions while keeping hands on the wheel, using conventional or 3D video cameras.
Implementation Method 1
an optical path passing via the first inclined facet is proportionally modified by the deformation of the elastic deformable seal under the effect of the movement of the movable plate and the modification of the optical path is detectable by the imaging sensor
Implementation Method 2
at least one light source that emits an optical beam mainly in the near-infrared band toward the interface pad
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for detecting command gestures made by a finger of a driver of a motor vehicle, including an interface pad, a light source that emits an optical beam in the infrared band toward the interface pad, an imaging sensor, for capturing images steered by the interface pad away from the driver, with a base frame and a movable plate, an optical zone of interest seen by the imaging sensor being defined at the interface between the base frame and the movable plate, the interface pad including an elastic deformable seal interposed between the base frame and the movable plate, the deformable seal including a first inclined facet, so that an optical path passing via the first inclined facet is proportionally modified by the deformation of the seal under the effect of the movement of the movable pad.