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Patent drawing for Reconfigurable instrument panels
US 7,489,303 B1
Navigation US 7,489,303 B1 Expired

Reconfigurable instrument panels

This idea is about a car dashboard that can change its appearance and function. It uses a screen positioned behind physical buttons and knobs. A camera detects how you move these controls, and a computer updates the screen based on your actions. The claims specifically describe using a rear projection screen and a TV camera to detect the controls.

Why it matters: Filed before modern computer vision and compact, powerful processors were widely available. The claims' reliance on a TV camera for sensing physical controls is now much more feasible and accurate with today's AI-driven object detection and tracking.

Status
ExpiredProtection ended and was never renewed
How hard to build
SpecializedRear projection display, camera sensing, computer vision software.

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