Vehicle Gesture Interface Layer Invocation via Dynamic Time Warping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face challenges with user interface overload, leading to increased potential for distracted driving due to the complexity and competition for physical space of various user interfaces, making it difficult for drivers to locate and engage with the correct interface.
Innovation Solution
A gesture input device, such as a touchscreen, is implemented in vehicles, allowing users to invoke application interface layers by drawing specific shapes on the screen, utilizing a dynamic time warping algorithm to detect gestures and compare them to a known path database, enabling intuitive control of vehicle systems without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user interfaces are deployed in vehicles to operate various systems, then system functionality is improved, but user interface complexity and information overload increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single touchscreen display serves multiple functions by displaying different application interface layers for various vehicle systems (climate control, navigation, media, etc.). The system allows users to switch between different functional interfaces on the same physical device, eliminating the need for multiple separate controls while maintaining comprehensive system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a layered interface architecture where multiple application interface layers are stacked vertically. Each layer corresponds to a different vehicle system or function, and layers can be invoked, dismissed, or stacked upon one another. This nesting allows comprehensive functionality while organizing interfaces in a manageable hierarchical structure rather than presenting all controls simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user interfaces are deployed in vehicles, then system functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in locating correct interface
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides contextual recommendations for interface layers based on current vehicle operating conditions, time of day, and user preferences. For example, navigation may be recommended during daytime commuting hours, while climate control is prominently available regardless of context. This preliminary preparation helps users quickly locate relevant interfaces without searching through all available options.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface system monitors user interactions and provides feedback by adjusting the display of interface layers accordingly. When a user interacts with a particular layer, the system responds by maintaining that layer's visibility or suggesting related layers. The system also tracks which interfaces are frequently used and optimizes their placement or prominence, creating a adaptive feedback loop that improves ease of operation over time.
3Ease of operation
If traditional physical controls are used for user interfaces, then ease of operation is maintained, but physical space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical controls (physical buttons, knobs, and switches) with a touchscreen interface that detects gestures through capacitive sensing. The touchscreen displays virtual representations of control functions, and user interactions are detected through finger contact and gesture patterns rather than mechanical actuation. This substitution dramatically reduces the physical space required for controls while maintaining operational capability.
4Area of stationary object
If gesture recognition is implemented on touchscreen, then physical space is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gesture recognition system divides the touchscreen surface into multiple selectable regions or zones, each corresponding to a specific function or application layer. Rather than requiring precise recognition of complex gesture shapes across the entire screen, the system segments the input area and detects gestures within specific zones. This segmentation approach reduces the measurement precision requirements while maintaining accurate function identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs an intermediary processing layer that translates raw touchscreen contact data into standardized gesture commands. Rather than directly interpreting precise finger movements, the intermediary layer aggregates contact points, determines gesture intent based on contextual factors, and maps gestures to specific interface layer invocations. This intermediary processing reduces the stringent precision requirements by allowing some variability in gesture execution while maintaining reliable function identification.
Data Source
AI summary
An input device is provided, such as for a vehicle, whereby a gesture may be provided to present an application associated with the gesture, even if another application is being displayed by an output. If a gesture does not match, the gesture may be processed as an input to the other application currently displayed. A time shift algorithm may be utilized to determine if the received gesture matches the gesture associated with the other application. Additionally, a dedicated close gesture may be utilized to dismiss a currently displayed application.