Vehicle Gesture Control Using Iconic Movement Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles have numerous control elements that confuse users and are costly for manufacturers, as existing gesture recognition systems require users to memorize arbitrary gestures, which are not intuitive or reliable.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that detect gestures by comparing movement sequences to predetermined patterns similar to the control of vehicle functional units, using detecting means like cameras or sensors, and integrate speech input to enhance recognition reliability, allowing intuitive and reliable control of vehicle functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control elements are provided for vehicle functions, then the vehicle can be controlled, but the control elements become confusing and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical control elements (buttons, switches) with a gesture recognition system using optical sensors and image processing. The detecting means capture hand gestures and convert them into control signals, eliminating the need for multiple physical control elements while maintaining full vehicle control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gesture recognition system serves as a universal control interface for multiple vehicle functions. A single detecting means and evaluation system can control various functional units (windows, mirrors, sunroof) through different gestures, making one system perform multiple control functions that previously required separate control elements.
2Ease of operation
If arbitrary gestures are used for control, then gesture-based control is achieved, but users must memorize random signals which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of gesture selection from arbitrary/random to intuitive/natural. By requiring gestures that resemble actual control actions (e.g., sliding gesture for window control, rotating gesture for mirror adjustment), the system transforms the nature of the interaction to be both easier to operate and more reliable, as users don't need to memorize random signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation system segments gesture recognition into multiple verification stages: detecting the gesture, comparing it with stored patterns, evaluating recognition reliability, and only then executing the control function. This multi-stage verification process ensures that only clearly recognized intuitive gestures trigger control actions, improving reliability.
3Device complexity
If gesture recognition is used to reduce control elements, then device complexity is reduced, but recognition reliability may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates recognition reliability evaluation as a feedback mechanism. Before executing a control action, the evaluation means assess whether the detected gesture matches stored patterns with sufficient reliability. Only when the recognition reliability threshold is met does the system proceed with control, ensuring accurate and reliable gesture recognition while maintaining the simplified interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a functional unit of a vehicle involves detecting a gesture of a vehicle passenger and controlling the functional unit depending on the detected gesture, if a first predetermined condition is fulfilled. The first predetermined condition is that a movement sequence of a detected gesture coincides with a predetermined movement pattern that is similar to a movement of a functional unit to be controlled or is analogous to a manipulation of the functional unit to be controlled.