Wearable Gesture Control for Vehicle Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users are burdened with carrying multiple items such as keys, wallets, and mobile devices to operate and unlock vehicles, and existing technologies do not efficiently integrate wearable devices to control vehicle functions without the need for additional items like key fobs.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device configured with a processor, transceiver, and motion sensors that communicates with a vehicle computing system using wireless technology to control vehicle functions through predefined gestures and movements, eliminating the need for traditional key fobs by transmitting commands to unlock, start, and control infotainment features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional key fobs and multiple items are used to operate vehicles, then vehicle control functions are reliable, but users are burdened with carrying multiple items

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConvenience of vehicle operationVSAvoidNumber of items to carry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple vehicle control functions (unlocking, locking, starting engine, climate control, infotainment) into a single wearable device with gesture recognition capability. This merging eliminates the need to carry separate keys, key fobs, and mobile devices, directly reducing the quantity of items while maintaining comprehensive vehicle operation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wearable device serves multiple purposes: it acts as a key fob, remote starter, climate controller, and infotainment interface through gesture recognition. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace traditional multiple items, improving ease of operation without requiring users to carry additional specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If wearable devices are integrated to control vehicle functions, then the number of items to carry is reduced, but the complexity of the control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNumber of items to carryVSAvoidComplexity of control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device serves as an intermediary between the user and the vehicle control systems. It captures gestures through motion sensors, processes them through a processor, and transmits standardized commands to the vehicle computing system. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a unified interface layer that manages the complexity of multiple vehicle functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical key insertion and physical key fob buttons with gesture-based motion recognition. Motion sensors detect wrist movements and hand gestures, converting physical gestures into digital commands. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and simplifies the interface while reducing the number of physical items needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If gesture recognition is used to control vehicle functions, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConvenience of vehicle controlVSAvoidPrecision of gesture detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calibration and learning of user-specific gesture patterns during initial setup and ongoing use. The wearable device learns the user's natural motion patterns and distinguishes them from environmental movements. This preliminary action establishes a baseline for accurate gesture recognition, reducing false positives while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the vehicle provides confirmation signals (visual, auditory, or haptic) when a gesture is successfully recognized and executed. This feedback loop allows the system to refine its gesture detection algorithms over time, improving measurement precision through adaptive learning while maintaining user-friendly operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 seamless vehicle operation and control using a single wearable device, reducing the number of items to carry and enhancing convenience by integrating vehicle functions with wearable technology.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one controller may be further configured to detect the first predefined movement based on one or more motion sensors and transmit a command to the VCS to control the first vehicle function

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9690387B2Vehicle computing system in communication with a wearable device

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle computing system comprising at least one controller configured to communicate with a wearable device. The at least one controller may be configured to receive data defining a first gesture made using the wearable wireless device. The controller may be further configured to determine a first predefined command, for controlling a vehicle system, previously stored in association with the first gesture. The controller may be further configured to control the vehicle system in accordance with the first predefined command.