Vehicle Input Device Using Acoustic Frequency for Button Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems lack an efficient and flexible method for interpreting sound signals from buttons to send precise control commands, leading to potential noise interference and limited adaptability in button layout.

Innovation Solution

An input device comprising buttons that produce unique sound signals, a sound collector, and a controller that processes these signals to determine corresponding control commands, allowing for flexible button placement and noise filtering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sound signals are used for button identification, then adaptability of button layout is improved, but noise interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton layout adaptabilityVSAvoidnoise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Each button is assigned a unique sound frequency characteristic, creating local quality differentiation. The sound collector and controller identify specific buttons by detecting their unique frequency signatures, enabling precise button identification despite variations in button position or layout configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts potential noise interference into a beneficial identification mechanism. By analyzing the frequency characteristics of sound signals, the controller can distinguish between intentional button presses and random noise, actually using sound analysis to filter out harmful interference while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Measurement precision

If frequency-based sound signal processing is implemented, then control command precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol command precisionVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical button identification methods with acoustic field-based detection. Instead of using multiple physical sensors or complex mechanical switches, the invention uses sound frequency analysis to identify buttons, simplifying the overall device structure while improving precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes the parameter used for button identification from physical position to sound frequency. By monitoring frequency characteristics of sound signals rather than relying on fixed spatial positions, the system achieves precise control command identification with simpler hardware requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If sound collector and processing unit are added, then button identification accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton identification accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sound collector and controller are designed as universal components that can serve multiple buttons simultaneously. A single sound collector can detect signals from all buttons in the input device, and the controller processes all button identifications using one set of frequency analysis algorithms, reducing the need for duplicate components for each button.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding unique identification components to each button, the system uses a single sound collection and processing mechanism that copies the same detection approach for all buttons. The frequency-based identification method is replicated virtually through software processing rather than physically through additional hardware components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Enables precise control command transmission regardless of button location, reduces noise interference, and allows for easy reconfiguration of button layouts without additional hardware.

Implementation Method 1

an input unit having at least one button arranged to produce a sound signal when pressed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound signal generation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

a sound collector for collecting the sound signal produced from the button

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound collection: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS9937931B2Input device, vehicle having the input device, and method for controlling the vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An input device includes an input unit having at least one button arranged to produce a sound signal when pressed, a sound collector for collecting the sound signal produced from the button, a memory for storing control command information corresponding to a frequency of the sound signal produced from the button, and a controller for determining a control command corresponding to the frequency of the sound signal produced from the button based on the information stored in the memory, and for sending the control command to a subject to be controlled.