Vehicle Display Proximity Sensor Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display apparatuses for vehicles face challenges in providing efficient 3D interaction and proximity touch recognition, often resulting in reduced user convenience due to limitations in resolution and viewing angles, as well as high power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus for vehicles that incorporates optical sensor units and a touch sensor unit, capable of detecting user hand and finger movements by calculating X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis information based on light reflection and capacitance changes, allowing for dynamic adjustment of sensor cell sizes to optimize interaction and reduce power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single proximity sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and coverage area are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproximity detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection space into multiple zones (first proximity zone, second proximity zone, and contact zone) and uses different sensor types for each zone. The first proximity sensor detects objects in the first proximity zone, while the second proximity sensor detects objects in the second proximity zone, allowing each sensor to be optimized for its specific detection range and purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional proximity detection to three-dimensional spatial detection by adding a second proximity sensor with a different detection range and positioning it at a different location. This enables detection in multiple spatial dimensions and creates overlapping detection zones for more precise object localization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensor types are used, then the measurement precision and detection coverage are improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproximity detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the operation of the second proximity sensor based on detection results from the first proximity sensor. When an object is detected in the first proximity zone, the system activates the second proximity sensor to perform additional detection in the second proximity zone. This dynamic activation strategy reduces overall power consumption while maintaining high detection precision when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic detection cycles where the first proximity sensor continuously monitors for objects, and the second proximity sensor is activated periodically when conditions warrant additional detection. This periodic operation of the second sensor reduces average power consumption while ensuring accurate detection when objects are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Length of stationary object

If the detection distance is increased, then the area of detection is expanded, but the measurement precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection distanceVSAvoidposition detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection distance into multiple ranges with different precision requirements. The first proximity sensor handles longer detection distances with moderate precision, while the second proximity sensor handles shorter distances with high precision. This segmentation allows each sensor to operate in its optimal range, maintaining overall system precision across all detection distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different detection zones are assigned different quality requirements. The first proximity zone requires detection at longer distances with acceptable precision, while the second proximity zone requires detection at shorter distances with high precision. By applying local quality optimization to each zone, the system achieves accurate position detection throughout the entire detection range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 convenience by enabling accurate 3D interaction and proximity touch recognition without dead zones, while reducing power consumption through adaptive sensor cell sizing and efficient operation of the touch sensor unit.

Implementation Method 1

calculating X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis information based on light reflection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

calculating X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis information based on capacitance changes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance changes: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2937765B1Display apparatus for a vehicle with two different proximity sensors
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2937765B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2937765B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP2937765B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A vehicle includes a display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a display unit, an optical sensor unit, a touch sensor unit, and a processor. The processor can determine whether a hand is located within a first distance range away from the display unit and whether the hand is located within a second distance range away from the display unit that is closer to the display unit than the first distance range. The optical sensor unit is configured to recognize the received light based on the hand being located within the first distance range, and the touch sensor unit is configured to recognize the hand based on the hand being located within the second distance range. The processor can cause the touch sensor unit to operate based on a determination that the hand has transitioned from being located within the first distance range to being located within the second distance range.