Virtual Vehicle Control Interface via Proximity Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle controls can be difficult for drivers to identify and access due to their unique positioning in each vehicle model, especially when additional functions are added, leading to potential obstruction and increased complexity in operation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system comprising a control device, processing device, and display device that transmits data on the control device's position and identity, allowing for the creation of virtual controls that can be adjusted and operated through proximity detection and audio or visual commands, enabling easier access and modification of vehicle functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical controls are positioned within reach of the driver on the instrument panel, then the driver can access the controls, but the controls may be blocked from the driver's vision or difficult to identify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual replica of the physical control device on the display screen. This virtual control device mirrors the position, appearance, and functionality of the physical control, allowing the driver to identify and operate controls visually without needing to physically locate or touch the original control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional vehicle functions are added to vehicles, then vehicle capabilities are enhanced, but more vehicle controls are added in locations that are not easy for the driver to access or identify
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual control device system provides a universal interface that can represent any physical control device in the vehicle. Rather than requiring separate access methods for each control location, the system creates a consolidated virtual representation that aggregates multiple control functions in one accessible location on the display.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle controls are positioned in unique locations for each vehicle model, then vehicle design flexibility is maintained, but the driver's ability to identify controls is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the driver to locate physical controls throughout the vehicle interior, the system inverts the approach by bringing the controls to the driver through a display screen. The virtual control device appears on the display at a location the driver can easily see and interact with, eliminating the need to search for physically dispersed controls.
4Reliability
If the driver's attention is focused on the road during operation, then driving safety is maintained, but the driver cannot identify vehicle controls
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the display screen as an intermediary between the driver and the physical controls. The driver interacts with the virtual representation on the display rather than directly manipulating physical controls, allowing control operations to be performed with minimal distraction from the road.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system comprising a control device having a plurality of positions, a processing device, and a display device. The control device is configured to transmit data regarding a position of the control device when an object is proximate to the control device. The processing device is configured to receive the data from the control device, identify the control device transmitting the data, and transmit data regarding the first position and identity of the control device. The display device is configured to receive the data from the processing device, visually display a virtual control having a plurality of positions, and allow adjustment of the plurality of positions of the virtual control to at least a second position of the virtual control, wherein the second position is different from the first position.