Remote Vehicle Control Device Using Synthetic Images and Impact Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote vehicle control technologies lack convenience and operability, as users face difficulties in efficiently controlling vehicles over distance due to cumbersome interfaces and lack of intuitive control methods.

Innovation Solution

A remote vehicle control system that includes a communication unit for receiving synthetic images from multiple onboard cameras, a display unit for showing these images, an operation unit for controlling the vehicle, and a sensor unit for detecting impacts, allowing for intuitive control through gestures, numeric inputs, and automatic stopping when necessary, with authentication features to ensure safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional remote vehicle control interfaces are used, then basic control functionality is achieved, but convenience and operability are not satisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience and operabilityVSAvoidcontrol interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (physical buttons, switches, and levers) with voice recognition and gesture recognition systems. The voice recognition unit processes spoken commands to control vehicle functions, while the gesture recognition unit interprets hand movements for intuitive control, eliminating the need for complex physical control panels and significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture images of the driver's face and hand gestures. The image processing unit then analyzes these captured images to recognize facial expressions and gesture types, translating them into control signals. This intermediary system bridges the gap between natural human communication and machine control, enhancing operability without increasing perceived complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If remote vehicle control is implemented without safety features, then operability is improved, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control operabilityVSAvoidcontrol safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary authentication through face recognition before allowing remote vehicle control operations. The authentication unit verifies the driver's identity by comparing captured facial features with stored data, ensuring only authorized users can operate the vehicle remotely. This preliminary safety check prevents unauthorized access and misuse, maintaining reliability while enabling convenient remote control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where the image processing unit continuously monitors the driver's facial expressions and gesture validity. When an unrecognized or potentially unsafe gesture is detected, the system provides feedback by rejecting the control signal or requesting clarification, preventing erroneous operations and enhancing overall control safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If comprehensive authentication and safety features are added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol safetyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a camera that serves multiple functions: capturing facial images for authentication, capturing hand gesture images for control input, and potentially monitoring the driving environment. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate sensors and cameras, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety and authentication features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the authentication unit and gesture recognition unit into an integrated control system that processes images through a common image processing unit. By merging these functions into a unified architecture rather than separate independent systems, the patent reduces redundancy and simplifies the overall system structure while preserving all necessary safety and reliability features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11181909B2Remote vehicle control device, remote vehicle control system, and remote vehicle control method
Publication Date: 2021.11.23 DENSO TEN LTD
  • US11181909B2 patent drawing
  • US11181909B2 patent drawing
  • US11181909B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A remote vehicle control device includes: a communication unit configured to receive synthetic images which show a surrounding area of a vehicle as seen from virtual viewpoints and each of which is generated on the basis of plural images acquired by plural on-board cameras mounted on the vehicle, respectively; a display unit configured to display the synthetic images; an operation unit configured for controlling the vehicle; a signal generating unit configured to generate control signals for the vehicle, based on operations on the operation unit; and a sensor unit configured to detect impacts. The control signals are transmitted to the vehicle via the communication unit, and when the sensor unit detects an impact, a control signal for stopping is transmitted to the vehicle.