Vehicle Gesture Control with Haptic Airflow Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gesture control in vehicles lacks direct haptic feedback and clear indication of available gestures, leading to reduced user acceptance and increased driver distraction.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that detects gestures for non-contact actuation of vehicle devices and provides haptic feedback, such as air flow, to create a virtual operating element or imitate a physical button, along with intuitive haptic instructions for correct gesture execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gesture control is used for non-contact operation of vehicle devices, then driver distraction is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but direct haptic feedback is lost and user acceptance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air flow as an intermediary medium to transmit haptic feedback from the control system to the driver's hand during gesture execution. The air flow acts as a mediator that carries tactile information, allowing the driver to perceive system responses without physical contact with control elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic mechanisms to generate controlled air flows that provide haptic feedback. By using compressed air delivered through nozzles or speakers, the system creates tactile sensations (pushing, pulling, resistance forces) that mimic physical button press feedback, resolving the loss of haptic information in contactless gesture control.
2Ease of operation
If gesture control is used for non-contact operation, then contact with physical control elements is eliminated, but clear indication of available gestures and functions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple feedback mechanisms including visual feedback through display elements showing available gestures and functions, and haptic feedback through air flow that guides the driver's hand movements. The system provides continuous information about recognized gestures and available functions, ensuring the driver has clear indication of system state and options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual feedback through color changes or display element activation to indicate available gestures and system state. Different visual signals communicate different functions and gesture options to the driver, compensating for the lack of physical button labels and providing clear indication of available operations.
3Loss of information
If air flow is used for haptic feedback during gestures, then direct tactile feedback is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or intermittent air flow delivery rather than continuous flow. Air is delivered in controlled pulses or bursts synchronized with gesture events (gesture start, gesture end, function activation), reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective haptic feedback at critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts air flow characteristics (strength, duration, direction) based on the specific gesture phase and system state. The pneumatic system varies its output to match the immediate feedback needs, providing stronger feedback during critical gesture moments and reducing or eliminating flow during idle periods, thereby optimizing energy usage.
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
Enhances user acceptance by providing perceivable haptic feedback during and after gesture execution, effectively guiding the driver and ensuring successful actuation of vehicle devices without physical contact, thus mimicking the experience of using a physical control element.
Implementation Method 1
The haptic feedback includes at least one air flow
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for use in a vehicle (F), in particular for the contactless operation of a vehicle feature via gesture (1), wherein a gesture (1) of a person (2) for the contactless operation of a vehicle feature is detected and at least haptic feedback (3) is generated for the person (2) in relation to the gesture (1), preferably to haptically accompany at least part of the operation, and/or information is haptically transmitted to the person (2) as to which gesture (1) is to be performed for the contactless operation of the vehicle feature. The invention also includes an associated device.