In-Vehicle Gesture Control Using Context-Dependent Function Mapping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle gesture recognition systems require users to learn specific gestures for each function, offering low convenience and inability to perform different inputs based on the situation, limiting flexibility and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A control system and method that interprets gesture inputs in consideration of situation information, allowing different functions to be executed based on the context of the gesture, using an input unit, memory, and processor to manage in-vehicle functions, including contact and non-contact gestures, emotional states, and voice inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional gesture recognition systems use fixed gesture-function mappings, then system simplicity is maintained, but user convenience and flexibility deteriorate due to the need to learn multiple gestures and inability to adapt to different situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture input adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the gesture-function mapping flexible and context-dependent rather than fixed. The system dynamically determines which function to execute based on current vehicle operation state, allowing the same gesture to trigger different functions in different situations. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability without requiring complex predefined gesture libraries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of gesture interpretation by incorporating operation state information into the gesture recognition process. Instead of mapping gestures to functions directly, the system maps gestures to functions based on the combination of gesture type and current vehicle state, effectively adding a contextual dimension to gesture control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specific gestures are defined for different functions, then functional coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the learning burden on users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction coverageVSAvoidgesture learning difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single gesture to serve multiple functions depending on the vehicle's operation state. For example, a hand-raising gesture can trigger different functions such as adjusting air conditioning, opening windows, or controlling audio playback based on what the vehicle is currently doing. This eliminates the need for users to learn multiple gestures while maintaining comprehensive functional coverage.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically assigns functions to gestures based on real-time vehicle state, allowing one gesture to adaptively control different functions without requiring users to memorize gesture-function mappings. The same physical gesture becomes contextually meaningful, reducing cognitive load while expanding functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If gesture recognition systems provide one-to-one gesture-function mapping, then system simplicity is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to lack of contextual awareness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring vehicle operation state and using this information to adjust gesture interpretation in real-time. The operation state acts as feedback that informs the system which function should be associated with a given gesture, enabling contextual awareness without requiring complex predictive models or user preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle operation state serves as an intermediary between the gesture input and the function execution. Instead of directly mapping gestures to functions, the system uses operation state as a mediating variable that determines the appropriate function based on current context, adding intelligence without requiring complex gesture processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11820228B2Control system and method using in-vehicle gesture input
Publication Date: 2023.11.21 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD
  • US11820228B2 patent drawing
  • US11820228B2 patent drawing
  • US11820228B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a control system and method using an in-vehicle gesture input, and more particularly, a system for receiving an occupant's gesture and controlling the execution of vehicle functions. The control system using an in-vehicle gesture input includes an input unit configured to receive a user's gesture, a memory configured to store a control program using an in-vehicle gesture input therein, and a processor configured to execute the control program. The processor transmits a command for executing a function corresponding to a gesture according to a usage pattern.