Vehicle Function Configuration via Object Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for configuring vehicle functions are not intuitive, often requiring knowledge of specific gestures or complex menu navigation, making it difficult for users to easily access and set up vehicle systems.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a camera to identify objects within the vehicle's field of vision, allowing vehicle functions to be configured based on recognized objects, such as a mobile phone or beverage container, enabling intuitive control through object recognition and association with corresponding vehicle settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If gesture recognition is implemented for controlling vehicle functions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional cameras and processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects objects and initiates configuration without requiring users to learn or perform specific gestures. The camera system passively monitors the field of view, and the control unit automatically configures vehicle functions based on detected objects, making the system self-serve the user's intent without complex interaction protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex menu navigation is provided for configuring vehicle functions, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in navigation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual menu navigation (mechanical interaction through buttons and screens) with automatic optical detection. The camera system detects objects in the field of view, and the control unit automatically determines and configures appropriate vehicle functions, substituting complex mechanical navigation with automated optical-mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If specific gestures are required for configuring vehicle functions, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of intuitiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidintuitiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects objects and initiates configuration without requiring users to learn or perform specific gestures. The camera system passively monitors the field of view, and the control unit automatically configures vehicle functions based on detected objects, making the system self-serve the user's intent without complex interaction protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring users to perform gestures to trigger functions, the system inverts the approach by having the system automatically detect objects and trigger functions based on object presence. The control flow is reversed from user-initiated gesture recognition to system-initiated object detection and automatic configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables users to intuitively configure vehicle functions by moving objects into the camera's field of view, simplifying the setup of systems like hands-free connections, navigation goals, and comfort settings, enhancing user experience and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

capturing at least one camera image by means of a camera arranged on a vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3694739B1Method and device for configuring vehicle functions
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP3694739B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3694739B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for configuring vehicle functions, comprising capturing of at least one camera image by means of a camera (2; 3) arranged on a vehicle (1), evaluation of the camera image in order to detect an object (4; 5) represented in the camera image, and configuration of a vehicle function on the basis of the object (4; 5) detected in the camera image.