In-Vehicle Touch Display Access Using Phase-Based User Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular touch displays are vulnerable to unauthorized manipulation by passengers, leading to driver distraction and safety risks due to passenger interference with the driver's settings.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle user detection method and device using touch signals to distinguish between driver and passenger inputs by injecting in-phase and out-of-phase signals through the steering wheel and passenger seat, respectively, calculating touch voltages, and restricting access based on phase-specific voltage differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch display is provided in a vehicle for infotainment and control functions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unauthorized manipulation by passengers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different phase characteristics to touch signals originating from different locations (driver vs. passenger). By injecting reference signals with specific phase relationships into different body parts (steering wheel for driver, seat for passenger), the system creates locally differentiated signal characteristics that enable identification of the touch source location without affecting the overall touch display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that analyzes phase differences between touch signals and reference signals to determine user identity. This intermediary phase analysis layer sits between the physical touch action and the system response, allowing the system to distinguish between authorized driver operations and unauthorized passenger manipulations while maintaining normal touch display operation.
2Reliability
If touch signals from different users are distinguished using phase differences, then the reliability of user identification is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing touch display components serve multiple functions. The touch display panel continues its primary function of receiving touch inputs while simultaneously serving as a sensor for phase-based user identification. The existing display circuitry is utilized to detect phase differences, eliminating the need for separate dedicated identification hardware and reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing infrastructure (touch display circuitry, processing units) to perform the additional function of user identification. Rather than adding completely separate detection systems, the patent leverages the self-capacitance sensing mechanism already present in the touch display to detect phase differences, allowing the system to identify users through its existing operational signals without requiring external specialized equipment.
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
Effectively distinguishes between driver and passenger inputs, preventing unauthorized access to the touch display and enhancing driving safety by ensuring only the driver can operate the touch interface.
Implementation Method 1
calculating touch voltages of the touch display caused by the driver touch signal and the passenger touch signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a vehicle user detection device and method using a touch signal to distinguish a user of an in-vehicle touch display without any additional devices. The vehicle user detection device and method using a touch signal allow a touch display to be accessed only by a driver, thereby promoting safe driving.