Vehicle Control Apparatus Using Eyeline Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

As the complexity and functionality of vehicles increase, the number and complexity of control components such as keys or buttons also increase, leading to usability difficulties for users.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle control apparatus that allows users to control various functions based on their eyeline direction and voice commands, reducing the need for numerous control components by using sensors to detect the user's gaze and voice inputs to operate functions like window control and device management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of control components (keys, buttons, knobs) is increased to provide more functions, then the functionality of the vehicle is improved, but the complexity of control components increases and usability becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcontrol component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical control components (keys, buttons, knobs) with an optical detection system using a camera to capture images of control targets. The system uses image processing to identify which control function the user intends to activate, substituting physical mechanical interfaces with an optical recognition system that reduces hardware complexity while maintaining or expanding functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device between the user and the control system. Instead of direct physical interaction with multiple control components, the user points the camera at the desired control target, and the system mediates the control action through image recognition and processing, reducing the need for numerous physical control components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of control components is increased to cover more functions, then more functions can be controlled, but the ease of operation decreases due to difficulty in finding and operating the correct component

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical search-and-press interaction with an optical pointing system. The camera captures the user's line of sight or pointed direction, automatically identifying the control target without requiring the user to physically search through multiple control components. This substitution dramatically improves ease of operation while supporting comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-processing and analyzing the camera image to identify the control target before the user completes the selection. The system proactively determines which control function the user intends to activate based on the captured image, reducing the cognitive and physical effort required from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If traditional control components are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity of control operations decreases due to the time required to locate and operate each control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol component structureVSAvoidcontrol operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces sequential mechanical control operations with parallel optical processing. Multiple control targets can be recognized and selected simultaneously through image processing, eliminating the sequential time required to locate and press each control component individually. This substitution significantly improves control operation efficiency while maintaining a simple overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera-based system enables continuous capture and processing of control target images, allowing for rapid succession of control operations without the mechanical reset time required between button presses or key operations. The system maintains continuous operational readiness, improving productivity by eliminating idle time between control actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 simplifies the control of vehicle functions, making them more convenient and efficient, reducing the complexity of control components and enhancing user experience by allowing control through gaze and voice, thus minimizing the need for multiple keys or buttons.

Implementation Method 1

a sensing unit which senses an eyeline of a passenger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3237256B1Controlling a vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.03.03 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~3

AI summary

Disclosed are a vehicle control apparatus and a method of controlling a vehicle using the same. The vehicle control apparatus includes: a body of a vehicle including a plurality of windows; a sensing unit configured to sense an eyeline of passenger in the vehicle; and a controller configured to control one of the plurality of windows which corresponds to the sensed eyeline, to be open or closed, according to a request of the passenger.