Vehicular Function Control Using Backlit Icons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle lighting systems do not provide a convenient and hands-free method for users to control vehicle functions such as door opening, closing, and locking from outside the vehicle, especially in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle illumination and sensing module that projects icons onto the ground or vehicle surface, allowing users to activate vehicle functions by stepping on or near the icons, using sensors to detect user presence and control associated functions, and optionally providing confirmation signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting devices provide illumination along the side of the vehicle, then visibility is improved, but user interaction convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces projected icons on the ground as an intermediary interface between the user and vehicle controls. These icons serve as a mediator that allows users to select functions (door lock, window control, etc.) by simply stepping on them, transforming the interaction from manual controls to foot-activated commands while maintaining visibility through illuminated projection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical or manual control systems with an optical projection system combined with sensor detection. Instead of requiring users to physically interact with switches or buttons inside the vehicle, the system uses projected visual indicators and sensor-based detection to translate foot placement into control commands, substituting mechanical interaction with an optical-sensing mechanism
2Ease of operation
If hands-free control is implemented using projected icons and sensors, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to handle multiple vehicle functions through a single unified interface - the projected icons system can control door locking, window operations, mirror adjustments, and other functions through the same projection and sensor mechanism, reducing the need for separate control systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic icon selection based on sensor detection of foot position, and provides visual feedback through the projected icons themselves to confirm selection and status. The system serves itself by using the projection system for both command display and status indication, reducing the need for separate feedback mechanisms
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
Enables users to control vehicle functions like door opening and locking without hands, enhancing convenience and safety, especially in low-light conditions, by projecting icons and using sensors to detect user input.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination source may comprise at least one light emitting diode
Implementation Method 2
The sensing and projecting module comprises a sensing device operable to sense the presence of a user at or near one of the projected icons
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating an output for controlling a vehicular function of a vehicle includes providing (i) a vehicular sensing device having at least one illumination source operable to backlight a plurality of icons, each icon representative of a respective vehicle function, and (ii) a plurality of sensors, each sensor having a respective field of sensing associated with a respective icon of the plurality of icons. With the vehicular sensing device disposed at a vehicle, and with the at least one illumination source activated to backlight the plurality of icons, the backlit icons are viewable at an exterior portion of the vehicle, and the sensors sense movement of a person's hand or foot in a field of sensing of one of the sensors, and a controller generates an output to control the vehicular function that is represented by the respective backlit icon associated with that sensor.