Vehicle Input System with Presence-Sensitive Panel and Infrared Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle computing systems face challenges in providing a user-friendly and safe input method for drivers, as they often require fine-grained or course-grained inputs while operating the vehicle, necessitating a system that can seamlessly switch between different types of inputs without distracting the driver.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tiered input system incorporating a presence-sensitive panel and an infrared camera, allowing for both fine-grained two-dimensional touch inputs and course-grained three-dimensional gesture inputs, enabling drivers to interact with vehicle systems without needing to change their focus or position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a vehicle computing system requires fine-grained input from the driver, then the system can obtain detailed information, but the driver's attention is diverted from operating the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The input system is segmented into two distinct input methods: fine-grained touch input on the presence-sensitive panel for detailed information, and course-grained gesture input in three-dimensional space for quick commands. This segmentation allows the driver to choose the appropriate input level based on the situation, obtaining detailed information when needed without requiring constant fine-grained input that would divert attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension to input by detecting gestures in three-dimensional space above the panel. This allows drivers to provide course-grained input through hand movements in air space without needing to physically touch the panel, enabling input without diverting visual attention from the road while still providing sufficient control capability.
2Reliability
If a vehicle computing system requires course-grained input from the driver, then the driver can maintain attention on operating the vehicle, but the system cannot obtain detailed information
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments input granularity into two levels: course-grained gestures for safety-critical operations that maintain driver attention, and fine-grained touch input for non-critical operations requiring detailed information. The system can switch between these levels based on the operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The presence-sensitive panel serves multiple functions: it detects both touch input (fine-grained) and gesture input (course-grained), and can operate as either a two-dimensional touch surface or a three-dimensional gesture zone. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to adapt to different input requirements based on the situation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system switches between different input types, then it can adapt to different driving conditions, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the presence-sensitive panel with an infrared camera system to create a unified input device that handles both touch and gesture detection. This combination allows the system to detect both two-dimensional touch input and three-dimensional gesture input through a single integrated interface, reducing the need for separate input devices and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The presence-sensitive panel is designed with universal functionality to detect multiple input types: it can sense direct touch contact for fine-grained input and also detect hand gestures in the air above it for course-grained input. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate input devices for different input granularities.
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
This solution provides a natural and intuitive user interface that allows drivers to safely and conveniently provide inputs, enhancing the usability and safety of vehicle computing systems by enabling both detailed and general inputs from a single, easily accessible system.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared camera configured to capture images in a three-dimensional space within the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system of a vehicle for controlling a vehicle or systems within a vehicle. The computing system comprises a presence-sensitive panel within the vehicle, an infrared camera configured to capture images in a three-dimensional space within the vehicle, at least one processor; and at least one storage device that stores instructions. When the instructions are executed, they case the at least one processor to: receive, from the presence-sensitive panel, a first indication of input, receive, from the infrared camera, a second indication of input, and determine, based on at least one of the first indication of input or the second indication of input, an operation to be performed.