Steering Wheel Position Detection Using Time-of-Flight Camera

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for detecting the position of a steering wheel in a vehicle, particularly with depthwise and heightwise adjustments, face challenges in precision due to the variability of the steering wheel position and the ambiguity in interpreting driver gestures, especially when using camera-based detection methods.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a time-of-flight camera with infrared light and optical reference elements on the steering wheel rim allows for three-dimensional detection of the steering wheel's position, enabling continuous correction of the zone of interest for observing finger movements, ensuring hands remain on or near the wheel for control gestures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If camera-based detection is used to detect finger movements, then gesture detection capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to steering wheel position variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegesture detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Optical reference elements are introduced as intermediaries between the camera and the steering wheel. These reference elements provide stable, detectable features that allow the system to accurately determine steering wheel position and orientation, thereby enabling precise gesture detection despite the steering wheel's movement and adjustment capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical position sensing with optical detection. Instead of using mechanical encoders or position sensors on the steering wheel, the system uses a camera to optically detect the position of optical reference elements mounted on the steering wheel, achieving non-contact, precise position measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the steering wheel position is made adjustable for driver comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to position variability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidposition detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Optical reference elements serve as mediators that remain fixed on the steering wheel structure. Even when the steering wheel is adjusted to different positions, these reference elements maintain their relative positions on the wheel, allowing the camera to continuously and accurately track the steering wheel's position and orientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional image analysis to three-dimensional spatial understanding by using the known three-dimensional positions of multiple optical reference elements. This allows the system to calculate the steering wheel's position, orientation, and rotation in 3D space, providing comprehensive and accurate position detection regardless of adjustment settings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This solution enhances the precision and reliability of detecting driver gestures by accurately determining the steering wheel's position, ensuring safe and effective control of the vehicle while allowing for flexible and precise interaction with in-vehicle systems.

Implementation Method 1

a matrix-array optical detecting device, of the type known as a time-of-flight camera (or ToF camera), enabling three-dimensional detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

a particularly simplified version of which comprises an infrared light source and a matrix-array optical sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

detect the optical reference elements on the steering wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10647352B2Optical detection of the position of the steering wheel

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH

AI summary

A system for detecting the position of a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, the system includes: a matrix-array optical detecting device, of the type known as a time-of-flight camera, enabling three-dimensional detection, the device including an infrared light source and a matrix-array optical sensor; and optical reference elements arranged on the rim of the steering wheel, on the side opposite the driver, the matrix-array optical detecting device being arranged in an instrument panel of the vehicle, and being configured to detect the optical reference elements on the steering wheel, and to deduce therefrom the adjustment position of the steering wheel at least depthwise.