Steering Wheel Gesture Control via Optical Proximity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel user interfaces require drivers to be aware of the absolute position on the wheel for function activation, limiting hands-free and eyes-free operation.
Innovation Solution
A light-based proximity sensor system integrated into the steering wheel rim, allowing for gestures to be performed without looking at the wheel, using polar angle detection and illumination for guiding subsequent gestures, independent of wheel rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional steering wheel controls are used, then drivers can operate vehicle systems, but they must be aware of the absolute position on the wheel which limits hands-free and eyes-free operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical position-dependent controls with an optical sensing system that uses light-based proximity sensors to detect gestures. This substitution allows the system to sense user intent through gesture recognition rather than requiring the driver to know the absolute position of controls on the steering wheel, enabling true hands-free and eyes-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates illumination elements that provide visual feedback to guide subsequent gestures. The illumination indicates where gestures should be performed and provides feedback about the system state, allowing drivers to operate vehicle systems without looking at the wheel while still receiving necessary guidance through light-based cues.
2Ease of operation
If light-based proximity sensors are integrated into the steering wheel rim, then gestures can be performed without looking at the wheel, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the steering wheel structure itself. The light-based proximity sensors and illumination elements are integrated directly into the steering wheel rim, combining sensing, actuation, and guidance functions into a single unified system rather than requiring separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel is transformed into a multi-functional device that simultaneously serves as a structural component, a gesture sensing platform, and a visual feedback interface. The same steering wheel structure houses both the proximity sensors for detecting gestures and the illumination elements for providing guidance, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control systems.
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 robust, hands-free and eyes-free operation of vehicle systems by allowing drivers to perform gestures confidently without looking at the wheel, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an array of light-based proximity sensors, mounted in the gripping element, that projects light beams through the notch radially outward from the gripping element, and detects light beams reflected back into the gripping element by a moving object at or near the notch
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle gesture control system for a host vehicle, the host vehicle including an adaptive cruise control or autonomous drive arrangement, the system including a sensor to detect gestures performed by a driver on the surface of a steering wheel grip in the host vehicle, the steering wheel grip including a circular tube surrounding a steering wheel that rotates about a steering column, and a processor receiving outputs from the sensor and connected to a memory unit storing instructions for the processor to activate a plurality of features of the adaptive cruise control or autonomous drive arrangement in response to a respective plurality of different gestures detected by the sensor, wherein two of the gestures represent “up” and “down” commands and include movement of the driver's thumb in opposite directions, respectively, around a lateral section of the steering wheel grip that faces the driver.