In-Vehicle Sensor Triggers for Discoverable Surprise Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems fail to enhance user interaction and joy by providing unexpected functions that are not only surprising but also engaging, as they typically require known interactions and lack the element of discovery.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors within the vehicle that trigger unexpected functions through unknown or unexpected interactions, allowing users to discover these functions without prior knowledge, while ensuring safety by only activating them when the vehicle is stationary or in a non-critical traffic situation, and utilizing existing sensors to minimize additional equipment costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are used to trigger unexpected functions through unknown interactions, then user engagement and joy are increased, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing sensors to serve dual purposes: their original intended functions and additional unexpected functions. For example, sensors are used both for standard vehicle operations and for triggering surprise Easter egg functions through unknown interactions, allowing one system to perform multiple roles without adding dedicated hardware for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using the vehicle's existing sensor network and processing capabilities to detect unknown interactions and trigger unexpected functions. The vehicle essentially serves itself by repurposing its own components rather than requiring external or dedicated systems for each Easter egg function
2Adaptability or versatility
If unknown interactions are used to trigger unexpected functions, then user discovery and joy are enhanced, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the traditional approach where users learn known interactions to access functions. Instead, the system triggers functions through unknown interactions that users discover accidentally or through exploration, inverting the usual cause-effect relationship between user input and system response
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and interactions are implemented for unexpected functions, then the variety of Easter eggs increases, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing costs by applying multi-functionality to existing sensors, allowing them to trigger multiple different unexpected functions. Rather than installing dedicated sensors for each Easter egg, the system enables one or more sensors to detect various unknown interactions and trigger a variety of surprise functions through software configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a vehicle (16), comprising a number of sensors (18) arranged inside the vehicle (16), the sensors (18) being adapted for an interaction (IN) with one or more persons (20) that are located inside or in the surroundings of the vehicle (16), the sensors (18) triggering one or more unexpected functions (FU) executed by the vehicle (16) upon an interaction (IN) between the sensors (18) and the person (20), wherein the interaction (IN) is unknown or unexpected to the person (20) at least when the function is triggered for the first time by the person (20).