Virtual Steering Wheel Interface Using Projection and Camera Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems require a physical steering wheel, which limits weight and cost reduction opportunities and provides a conventional driving experience.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system comprising an image projection device to display a virtual steering wheel, a camera to capture hand movements, and a processor to determine steering angles and directions, allowing for the control of a driving apparatus without a physical steering wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a physical steering wheel is used, then steering control reliability is ensured, but vehicle weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a virtual steering wheel image projected onto a display surface as a copy of the traditional physical steering wheel. The camera captures hand movements on this virtual interface, and the processor translates these movements into steering control signals, achieving steering control without a physical wheel while maintaining functional equivalence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical steering wheel system with an optical-digital system consisting of projection display, camera imaging, and processor-based control algorithms. This substitution eliminates mechanical components while achieving the same steering control function through image processing and signal generation
2Ease of manufacture
If a physical steering wheel is used, then steering control reliability is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual steering wheel image serves as a cost-effective alternative to manufacturing a physical steering wheel. By projecting the steering wheel interface onto an existing display surface and using camera-based hand movement detection, the system avoids the costs of physical wheel manufacturing, assembly, and associated mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical steering components with more affordable optical and electronic systems. The projection display, camera, and processor-based control algorithms provide a cost-effective solution that eliminates manufacturing costs associated with physical steering wheels, mechanical linkages, and torque sensors
3Weight of moving object
If a virtual steering wheel interface is used, then weight and cost are reduced, but detection precision of hand position may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hand position detection (via physical wheel contacts and sensors) with optical imaging technology. The camera captures high-resolution images of the driver's hands on the virtual steering wheel interface, and the processor analyzes these images to precisely determine hand position and movement, achieving accurate detection without mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual steering wheel interface creates a visual copy of the physical wheel with detectable features. The camera captures images of this virtual interface, and the processor analyzes the relative positions of hand features against the projected steering wheel image to accurately determine hand position, maintaining detection precision through optical-digital methods
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a vehicle control system comprising a projecting device, a camera device, a control device and an actuating device. The vehicle steering control system does not need a physical steering wheel, thus the weight and cost of the vehicles can be reduced. In addition, the steering control system according to the present invention provides the drivers with brand new driving experience.