Vehicle Touch Input Device Using Camera Finger Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle operation input devices require operators to adapt to the detection range of haptic feedback arrays and divert their gaze, leading to eyes-off-road time and reduced user friendliness.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle operation input device with a touch panel that detects finger positions using cameras, pressure sensors, or trackballs, allowing operators to select options without moving their sight from the road by setting operation areas based on habitual finger placement and providing vibration feedback for area changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If haptic feedback arrays are used for input operation, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the operator must adapt to the detection range and divert gaze from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to detect finger position on the touch panel. The camera captures images of the operator's finger and transmits position information to the control unit, which then identifies touched options based on the finger's location relative to displayed options. This intermediary detection system eliminates the need for direct haptic feedback detection, allowing the operator to maintain natural gaze on the road while enabling precise option selection through visual feedback on the display.
2Measurement precision
If the operator must check finger position on the touch panel, then the operation precision is improved, but the user friendliness and operability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying the detected finger position and corresponding selected option on the display unit. The control unit processes camera images to determine which option the finger is pointing at, then provides feedback through the display showing the selected option. This feedback mechanism maintains high operation precision while eliminating the need for the operator to visually check the physical touch panel surface, as all information is presented on the main display where the operator's attention should be focused.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle operation input device includes an option display unit that displays a plurality of options on a display, an operation input unit having an operation surface, where the operation input unit generates operating information indicating a position in the operation surface at which a finger of the operator touches the operation surface, a finger position detecting unit that detects a position of part of an arm of the operator and obtains the position as the positional information regarding the finger of the operator, and a control unit. The control unit sets a particular option among the plurality of options immediately beneath the finger in accordance with the positional information regarding the finger obtained by the finger position detecting unit. An example of the particular option is at least one of the options located in the middle.