Vehicle Input Detection Regions With Adaptive Gesture Lockout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicle systems require precise and intuitive user input operations that minimize driver distraction, preventing accidental activations and ensuring easy parameter adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A device with dual detection areas, each with a detection and blocking state, where the blocking state is activated after input in the first area to prevent accidental activation in the second area, using gesture recognition and adaptive lockout intervals based on input speed and direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple detection areas are provided for different parameter adjustments, then the versatility and functionality of the control system is improved, but the risk of accidental activations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidaccidental activation risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a blocking state that is activated in advance before accidental activation can occur. When a first input is detected in a first detection area, the control unit proactively activates a blocking state for a second detection area, preventing any subsequent unintended inputs from being registered. This preemptive measure directly counteracts the potential harmful effect of accidental activations while preserving the ability to provide multiple detection areas for different functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If the blocking time interval is extended to prevent accidental activations, then the reliability is improved, but the responsiveness and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccidental activation preventionVSAvoidresponsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the blocking time interval adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit determines the blocking time interval based on the detected input characteristics, such as the type of gesture or the specific detection area involved. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to extend the blocking interval when accidental activation risk is high, while maintaining shorter intervals for routine operations, thereby balancing reliability with ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the driver needs to adjust multiple parameters frequently, then the ease of operation is improved, but the driver distraction and loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter adjustment convenienceVSAvoiddriver distraction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the detection unit in advance with multiple detection areas that are ready for different parameter adjustments. The system anticipates the need for frequent parameter changes by having all detection areas pre-configured and available, eliminating the need for the driver to search for controls or reconfigure the system. This allows quick, intuitive adjustments without requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road for extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3947008B1Device and method for detecting an input of a user in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3947008B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3947008B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3947008B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The device for detecting an input of a user in a vehicle (1) comprises a detection unit (2) having a first and a second detection region, for each of which a detection state and a blocked state can be activated. The input of the user by a detection region is detectable in the detection state, whereas no input by a detection region is detectable in the blocked state. The device also comprises a control unit (3), which is designed to control the detection unit (2) such that, once an input in the first detection region has been detected for a specific blocking time interval, the blocked state is activated for the second detection region. In the method, an input is detected in a first detection region and then a blocked state is activated for a second detection region for a specific blocking time interval. The first detection region and the second detection region each have a detection state and a blocked state. Inputs of the user by a detection region are detectable in the detection state, and no inputs of the user by a detection region are detectable in the blocked state.