Vehicle Operator Identification via Segmented Electrode Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-mounted apparatuses struggle to accurately identify and differentiate between the driver and passenger operations, especially when they are in physical contact or simultaneously touching the operation unit, which can lead to improper operation prohibition during vehicle movement.
Innovation Solution
An operator identifying apparatus that uses distinct identifying signals for the driver and passenger seats, with a detector array and controller to determine the operator based on signal detection during specific periods, ensuring accurate identification and prohibition of unauthorized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single electrode is used to detect operator presence, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accurately differentiate between driver and passenger operations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent electrodes: a first electrode for the driver seat, a second electrode for the passenger seat, and a third electrode on the operation unit. Each electrode independently detects identifying signals from its respective operator, enabling precise differentiation between driver and passenger operations while maintaining clear signal attribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Identifying signals serve as intermediaries between the oscillators and the detector array. These signals carry unique characteristics that allow the detector to identify which operator (driver or passenger) is touching the operation unit, resolving the contradiction by providing a clear mediation mechanism for operator identification.
2Reliability
If identifying signals are continuously transmitted to both electrodes, then operator identification is maintained, but signal interference occurs when both driver and passenger touch the operation unit simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillators transmit identifying signals in periodic alternating fashion rather than continuously. The first oscillator transmits during a first period, then the second oscillator transmits during a second period. This periodic action eliminates signal interference when both operator seats are occupied, as only one identifying signal is present in the system at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection to determine which operator seat is occupied before transmitting identifying signals. This preliminary action ensures that identifying signals are only transmitted when needed and by the appropriate oscillator, preventing interference while maintaining reliable operator identification.
3Reliability
If the system prohibits all operations during vehicle movement, then safety is enhanced, but passenger convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from the detector array about which operator is touching the operation unit. Based on this feedback, the controller selectively prohibits operations only when the driver is identified as the operator during vehicle movement, while allowing passenger operations. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling differentiated control based on actual operator identity rather than blanket prohibition.
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
Effectively identifies the operator and determines if both the driver and passenger are involved in the operation, preventing unauthorized operation during vehicle movement, thus enhancing safety by accurately differentiating between driver and passenger inputs.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode connected to the first oscillator and disposed so as to be able to transfer the first identifying signal to a first operator; a second electrode configured to transfer the second identifying signal to a second operator
Implementation Method 2
a detector array including at least one detector configured to detect the first identifying signal and the second identifying signal
Implementation Method 3
a third electrode, disposed on the operation unit, configured to transfer, during the first period, the first identifying signal to said detector array when said first operator touches said operation unit and the second identifying signal to the detector array when the second operator touches the operation unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3
AI summary
An operator identifying apparatus, operator identifying method, and a vehicle-mounted apparatus.