Vehicle Vent Airflow Aiming With Camera Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle ventilation systems face challenges in accurately directing airflow due to ambiguous graphical representations and motor lag, requiring multiple attempts for precise aiming, and lack integration with environmental and user information for enhanced comfort.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle ventilation system with a frame, aimable airflow source, occupant support surface, and graphical display that depicts airflow impingement points on the occupant, utilizing a camera for image recognition and voice or touchscreen input to intuitively adjust airflow direction based on occupant position and environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If motorized internal aiming mechanisms are used, then airflow direction control is automated, but motor lag causes difficulty in achieving precise aiming points
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses cameras to capture images of the occupant and detects the actual airflow impingement point in real-time. This visual feedback is displayed to the user, allowing them to see the relationship between their selected aiming point and the actual airflow impact location. The system continuously monitors and provides feedback to enable precise adjustment despite motor lag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical feedback mechanisms (physical airflow indicators) with optical/electronic systems. Cameras capture images, processors analyze the data to determine impingement points, and graphical displays show the airflow direction. This substitution enables more precise and responsive control compared to purely mechanical systems.
2Ease of operation
If complex graphical interfaces with orthogonal grids are used, then airflow aiming can be adjusted, but user assessment of actual aiming points becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy or representation of the actual airflow impingement point on the occupant's body using camera images. Instead of abstract grid coordinates, the user sees a direct visual representation showing where the airflow actually impacts, making it intuitive to assess and adjust the aiming point accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical display uses visual indicators such as colored markers or highlighted regions to show the airflow impingement point on the captured occupant image. This visual encoding makes it easy for users to quickly identify the actual airflow direction and make precise adjustments without interpreting complex coordinate systems.
3Ease of operation
If manual swiping gestures are used for control, then airflow direction can be changed, but multiple attempts are required due to motor lag
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time visual feedback from camera images allows users to see immediately whether their swiping gesture achieved the desired airflow direction. This eliminates the need for multiple trial-and-error attempts, as users can continuously adjust based on visual confirmation of the actual impingement point location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical trial-and-error adjustment with optical feedback. Instead of relying on motor response time alone, the camera-based visual system provides immediate information about airflow direction, enabling users to make single-attempt adjustments with confidence.
4Reliability
If traditional ducts and vanes are used, then directional airflow can be achieved, but the system lacks integration with environmental and user information
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions into a single integrated platform: traditional airflow direction control, camera-based occupant detection, environmental condition monitoring, and adaptive adjustment. This multi-functional system can respond to various inputs (manual control, detected occupant position, environmental data) and automatically adjust airflow to optimize comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can automatically detect occupant position using cameras and environmental sensors, then self-adjust the airflow direction without requiring manual intervention. This adaptive capability allows the system to optimize comfort based on real-time conditions while maintaining the reliability of traditional directional control when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle ventilation system has a frame and an aimable airflow source associated with the frame. The airflow source is operable to generate an airflow impingement point and is operable to direct the airflow impingement point over a range of airflow aiming directions. An occupant support surface is configured to position an occupant within the range of aiming directions, and an occupant interface device having a graphical display and an occupant input facility is provided. A controller is operably connected to the graphical display and to the airflow source. The graphical display may be operable to depict a representation of the occupant, and to depict a representation of the impingement point juxtaposed at a selected position on the representation of the occupant. A camera may be connected to the controller and the airflow impingement point on the occupant based at least in part on a camera image.