Vehicle Gaze Control Using Context-Aware Intent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interaction systems, such as physical buttons, knobs, touch-sensitive displays, and voice commands, are inefficient and distracting for vehicle occupants, particularly for those unfamiliar with the vehicle, and gaze-based control systems have not effectively addressed the need for intuitive and context-aware vehicle component control.
Innovation Solution
A gaze-monitoring system that combines gaze direction with contemporaneous context to determine the intent of the vehicle occupant, using optical sensors and context sensors to control vehicle components accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical buttons and knobs are used for vehicle control, then tactile feedback and ease of blind operation are improved, but the number of controls and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical controls (buttons, knobs) with a touch-sensitive display interface. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple physical controls while providing visual feedback to compensate for the loss of tactile feedback. The touch-sensitive display can display virtual buttons and controls that respond to user input, reducing the overall number of physical controls in the vehicle.
2Device complexity
If touch-sensitive displays are used to replace physical controls, then device complexity is reduced, but tactile feedback is eliminated and ease of blind operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms in the touch-sensitive display interface to compensate for the loss of tactile feedback. The display provides visual feedback through color changes, brightness adjustments, and graphical responses when users interact with the interface. This feedback loop helps users understand their input and the system's response without relying on tactile sensations.
3Ease of operation
If voice command systems are implemented, then ease of operation for unfamiliar occupants is improved, but reliability for occupants with speech impediments or dialects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control interface that works across multiple input modalities. The system is designed to accommodate various user preferences and abilities by supporting both visual touch interface and voice commands. This multi-functional approach ensures that the system can serve a diverse range of users reliably, whether they prefer visual interaction or voice-based control.
4Ease of operation
If gaze-based control is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to control non-displayed components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the touch-sensitive display as an intermediary between the driver's gaze and the vehicle's control systems. When the driver looks at a specific area on the display, the system registers this gaze input and presents relevant controls or information on the display. This intermediary approach allows gaze-based control to extend beyond the display itself, enabling control of various vehicle functions through the mediation of the display interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for contextually controlling vehicle components based on the gaze of a vehicle occupant. The gaze of a vehicle occupant is monitored using one or more optical sensors and control circuitry to identify a first settled gaze. The gaze context is determined contemporaneously with the first settled gaze using one or more context sensors and the control circuitry. A vehicle component is identified based on the first settled gaze and the gaze context. A control signal is then generated at input/output circuitry to control the vehicle component, the control signal being based on the identified vehicle component and the first gaze context.