In-Vehicle Tapping Interaction for Rhythm-Based Music Playback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-vehicle multimedia systems lack interactive features that can enhance user engagement and entertainment, particularly in situations like traffic congestion where users may feel bored.

Innovation Solution

An in-vehicle human-computer interaction method that detects users' tapping actions on various vehicle components, such as the steering wheel or armrests, and plays music or provides a rhythm game experience based on the detected rhythms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional in-vehicle multimedia systems are used, then basic music playback function is provided, but user engagement and entertainment experience are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser engagementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects user tapping rhythms through sensors and autonomously selects and plays matching music without requiring manual user input. The controller identifies tapping patterns, determines corresponding rhythms, and executes music playback automatically, allowing the system to serve itself in creating an interactive entertainment experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual interaction methods with sensor-based detection systems. Accelerometers, gyroscopes, or capacitive sensors detect tapping actions on the steering wheel or seat, converting physical tapping into digital signals that the controller processes to automatically select and play rhythm-matched music.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If interactive features are added to enhance user engagement, then entertainment experience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system integrates multiple functions into a single unified platform: the sensor array detects various types of user inputs (tapping, rhythm patterns), the controller processes these inputs to identify rhythms, and the multimedia system plays corresponding music. This multi-functional integration allows the system to provide rhythm-based music playback, gaming, and entertainment features without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are integrated to detect tapping actions, then user interaction capability is enhanced, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor types (accelerometers, gyroscopes, capacitive sensors) into an integrated sensor array that is embedded within existing vehicle components such as the steering wheel or seat. By merging detection functions into already-present structural elements rather than adding separate external devices, the system enhances interaction capability while minimizing additional manufacturing costs and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 method creates a more engaging and entertaining experience for users by automatically playing music that matches their tapping rhythms, thereby reducing boredom and enhancing the overall enjoyment of vehicle travel.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor arranged in the steering wheel to detect a tapping action of a user on the steering wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP4521208A1In-vehicle human-computer interaction method and vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.03.12 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP4521208A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4521208A1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)
  • EP4521208A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention provides an in-vehicle human-computer interaction method and a vehicle, wherein the method comprises detecting user's tapping actions via sensors integrated in a vehicle; and playing, in response to detecting a user's tapping action, music corresponding to the tapping action in the vehicle. According to another aspect of the present invention, the method may comprise providing a rhythm game to a user via a multimedia system of a vehicle; detecting the user's tapping actions via sensors integrated in the vehicle; and displaying an evaluation corresponding to the tapping action in the rhythm game based on the detected tapping action of the user.