Vehicle Operating Device Gaze Detection Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for operating motor vehicle devices require operators to divert their gaze from the road to execute input commands, potentially compromising traffic safety and increasing operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

The method categorizes input commands into two groups, where the first requires gaze detection for a specified duration and the second can be executed independently of gaze detection, allowing for gesture-based inputs and reducing the need to look at a display unit, particularly for less complex functions like multimedia and air conditioning systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If gaze detection is required for all input commands, then input accuracy is improved, but operation complexity increases and traffic safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments input commands into two distinct groups: first input commands that require gaze detection and second input commands that do not. This segmentation allows the system to apply gaze detection selectively rather than universally, reducing overall operational complexity while maintaining input accuracy for critical functions. The segmentation is implemented through differentiating between complex commands (e.g., navigation, climate control) and simple commands (e.g., multimedia volume control), enabling operators to execute simple commands without diverting attention from the road.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If gaze detection is required for all input commands, then unwanted input commands are prevented, but traffic safety deteriorates due to eye diversion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unwanted input commandsVSAvoidtraffic safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides input commands into two groups based on their complexity and risk profile. First input commands (complex functions) require gaze detection to prevent unwanted activations, while second input commands (simple functions) are executed without gaze detection to maintain traffic safety. This segmentation ensures that gaze detection is applied only where necessary for reliability, rather than creating a universal barrier that compromises safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different operational qualities to different command types: gaze detection is applied locally to first input commands that require higher reliability, while second input commands operate under different conditions prioritizing speed and safety. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize both reliability and safety rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control elements are provided for different functions, then functionality is improved, but operation complexity increases and traffic safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidnumber of controls
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal operating device that can execute multiple types of input commands (first and second groups) through a single interface. This multi-functional device replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, reducing the number of physical controls in the vehicle while maintaining full functionality. The universal device uses gesture recognition and voice commands that work across different system functions (multimedia, navigation, climate control), eliminating the need for function-specific controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2828724B1Method for operating an operating device of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2016.02.03 AUDI AG

AI summary

In a method for operating an operating device of a motor vehicle comprising at least one display unit for displaying changeable information, gaze detection is used to check whether the operator's gaze is directed at the at least one display unit, and an input command in a first group of input commands is not executed if the operator's gaze is not directed at the at least one display unit for a certain time period during the input command. According to the invention, in a second group of input commands, the input command is executed irrespective of gaze detection.