Ultrasonic Tactile Interface Layout for Non-Contact Driver Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle user interfaces, particularly those based on motion gestures, struggle to accurately determine user inputs and are not user-friendly for drivers who need to focus on the road, lacking safety and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A tactile ultrasonic device with non-parallel ultrasonic elements and a processor that controls vibrations to create focused tactile sensing areas, allowing users to identify interface locations and process inputs without contact, and providing feedback and warnings based on vehicle states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If motion gesture-based user interface is used, then hardware input devices are minimized, but it becomes difficult to determine whether user enters desired action

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware input devicesVSAvoiduser input detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces ultrasonic waves as an intermediary medium between the user and the system. The ultrasonic elements generate tactile sensations that serve as a mediator to communicate system status and confirm user inputs, bridging the gap between gesture detection and user feedback without requiring additional hardware input devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the ultrasonic elements provide tactile responses to users based on detected gestures and system states. This feedback loop allows users to confirm whether their gestures were correctly recognized and executed, resolving the uncertainty in gesture-based input detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If holographic display is used for user interface, then user interface functionality is enhanced, but driver cannot easily identify interface location while looking ahead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface functionalityVSAvoidinterface location identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a tactile dimension to the user interface by incorporating ultrasonic elements that provide haptic feedback. This transforms the interface from purely visual (holographic) to multi-sensory, allowing drivers to locate and interact with interface elements through touch sensations while keeping their eyes on the road.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The ultrasonic elements are strategically positioned to provide localized tactile feedback at specific interface locations. This allows drivers to identify particular interface areas through localized tactile sensations, enhancing the ability to locate and interact with specific UI elements without visual attention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If multiple ultrasonic elements are used to cover tactile sensing area, then sensing coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile sensing area coverageVSAvoidnumber of ultrasonic elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple ultrasonic elements into a coordinated array that works together to cover the tactile sensing area. By controlling the phases and amplitudes of individual elements, the system achieves broad coverage while maintaining manageable complexity through unified control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of ultrasonic element activation and parameters. Instead of all elements operating continuously at full power, the system dynamically adjusts which elements are active and at what intensity based on the specific sensing requirements, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adequate coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances user interface safety and convenience by enabling non-contact input recognition and feedback, reducing the number of ultrasonic elements required, and ensuring effective user input processing even while driving.

Implementation Method 1

a tactile ultrasonic device may include a plurality of ultrasonic elements including a first ultrasonic element and a second ultrasonic element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

A first focus of the first ultrasonic element and a second focus of the second ultrasonic element may be formed within a specific range of a tactile sensing area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic focusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS12510968B2Tactile ultrasonic device and method for processing a user input using the same

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A tactile ultrasonic device and a method of processing a user input by using the same. The tactile ultrasonic device may include a plurality of ultrasonic elements including a first ultrasonic element and a second ultrasonic element, which are placed such that beam axes are not parallel to each other. The tactile ultrasonic device may also include a processor that controls vibrations of the ultrasonic elements. A first focus of the first ultrasonic element and a second focus of the second ultrasonic element may be formed within a specific range of a tactile sensing area.