A prototype adaptive finger-pointing interface for operating secondary controls in motor vehicles

Analysis has shown that a proportion of motor vehicle accidents are caused by driver inattention induced by the operation of secondary controls, e.g. radio and climate controls. We have developed a novel, prototype, finger-pointing interface for operating such controls. The current physical controls are replaced by a computer interface, which has the advantage of being situated much closer to the driver´s normal line of sight. This interface is operated by the driver using pointing gestures that will ultimately be identified using computer vision. The potential safety benefits that may accrue from this interface are outlined. The prototype interface currently uses an electromagnetic sensor to determine the direction of the pointing gesture. This paper describes this prototype and reports preliminary results from use of the graphical user interface