In-Vehicle Gesture Detection for HUD Control Convenience
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle control systems interfere with driving operations due to constant HUD menu displays, require dedicated devices with increased costs and installation restrictions, and suffer from impaired controllability and convenience, especially with voice-only interfaces.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle device with a gesture detection unit that recognizes hand positions and motions, triggering display updates to facilitate hands-free control of in-vehicle systems, allowing drivers to control devices without diverting attention from the road.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control menu is constantly displayed on the HUD, then the driver can control the in-vehicle equipment while viewing the projected image, but the display of the control menu interferes with the driving operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control menu is displayed periodically or temporarily only when the driver's hand is detected at the operation position, rather than being constantly displayed. This allows the driver to access control functions when needed while keeping the HUD clear during normal driving, thus resolving the contradiction between control convenience and driving interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical button presses or touch screen operations with gesture-based control detected by the sensing unit. The driver can perform control operations by making specific hand gestures in the air, which are detected and translated into control commands, eliminating the need for physical contact with control interfaces and reducing driving distraction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated device for performing controls is installed within the vehicle, then control functionality is provided, but costs increase and mounting restrictions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit that detects hand gestures is integrated into the existing HUD system structure, allowing the same device to serve both as a display system and as a control input system. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated control devices, reducing costs and installation complexity while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sensing unit for gesture detection with the existing HUD display system, merging multiple functions (display and control) into a single integrated system. This reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifies installation, and lowers overall system cost while providing comprehensive control capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If a voice-only interface is used, then hands-free control is achieved, but processing time for voice recognition and listening time are required, impairing controllability and convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects and recognizes the driver's hand gestures in advance and in real-time, allowing for immediate response and execution of control commands without the delays inherent in voice recognition processing. This preliminary detection capability enables faster response times while maintaining hands-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides dynamic control options where the driver can choose between gesture-based control for quick responses and voice commands for more complex instructions. The system adapts to different control needs and situations, optimizing the balance between hands-free operation and response time based on the specific control task.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle device includes a gesture detection unit for recognizing a user's hand at a predetermined range; an information control unit controlling information output to a display; and an in-vehicle device control unit receiving input from a control unit equipped in a vehicle to control the in-vehicle device. When the gesture detection unit detects a user's hand at a predetermined position, the output information control unit triggers the display to display candidates of an operation executed by the in-vehicle device control unit by associating the candidates with the user's hand motions. When the gesture detection unit detects the user's hand, and the user's hand has thereafter moved from the position, the information control unit changes a selection method or a control guide of the operation to be executed by the in-vehicle device control unit, which is displayed on the display, to subject matter which matches the control unit.