Tesla’s Top 10 Patented UI Upgrades for Cybertruck

In this week on TechNews - we will cover the new patent application for Tesla Cybertruck’s User Interface - the patent revealed a bunch of potential new accessories, features, and even a range of up to 610 miles for the electric pickup truck. So here’s TOP 10 patented UI upgrades for Tesla’ Cybertruck.

1. Detect Interaction

One key aspect of the filing is that the UI tries to anticipate whether the driver or passenger is interacting with it. It swaps the buttons to the passenger side if they are trying to interact with it, and vice versa if the driver seems to be trying to do so — it is most likely using an internal camera or sensor of some sorts to detect whether or not the driver or passenger is using it.

2. Automatically Detect Off-Roading

Cybertruck may be able to automatically detect when the vehicle goes off-road. This is based on a variety of things such as angle changes, vibration, slipping of the tires. Sensor information may also be used to determine which type of surface the vehicle is driving on and if it’s rocky or sandy.

The system may also use the location of the vehicle to determine whether or not it is off-road.

3. Topographic Data

Tesla may be able to combine topographic data with vision from the cameras to create a visualization of the terrain on the Cybertruck’s screen. For example, the vehicle may be parked while off-roading. In this example, the autonomous visualization may include a graphical representation of a terrain surrounding the vehicle such as, images of the terrain may be obtained. Map information may be used to inform the topographical information. A topographical map may be accessed for location of the vehicle. It is also noted in the patent that sensor information can help form the shape or other fine-grained information, for instance information indicating a portion of the terrain more sharply sloped than indicated on the topographical map. This would help a driver make sound decisions while driving off-road.

4. Wireless Communication Between Trailer & Truck

Cybertruck may be able to detect a trailer behind the truck. This could mean that the vehicle will be able to communicate wirelessly between truck and trailer. The filing stated that information could be presented from the cameras or sensors in the truck, enabling it to detect a trailer is near.

5. Terrain, Towing, & Camper Mode

Couple of other things included in the patent filing include the UI interface of a driving view while the vehicle is towing a trailer, is in camper mode, or is towing a truck trailer. The Cybertruck will also be able to detect and display the terrain when driving off-road

6. Facial Recognition

Cybertruck may be able to identify vehicle passenger i.e., the driver or side passenger to provide user specific input to the display.Once the Cybertruck determines who the person is, it will present a customized UI. An example is switching the icons from the left to the right side of the display. It may also use facial recognition techniques to learn vehicle passengers. This is for the personalization of their preferred settings and profile information. A great example of this is adjusting the mirrors, air conditioning, steering wheel, and so on. Imagine going to your car and it recognizes you based on what its internal camera sees — it knows who you are and adjusts your settings without you having to press a button.

7. AirCon and Heat Tracking

Cybertruck will automatically know where to blow cool or warm air when you’re in the vehicle. You won’t have to adjust the vents — they will adjust to you. This flowchart in the patent shows that the Cybertruck will be able to determine the seating location of the passenger and adjust the output of the air flow based on tracking of locatio

8. Mirrors & Eye Tracking

Tesla has engineered a way for the mirrors to automatically adjust to the driver. First, it will identify the passenger in the vehicle and determine the location of a portion of their face. Then it will adjust the mirrors based on the tracking of that part of the passenger’s face.

9. Deep Learning & Passenger Recognition

The Cybertruck will also be able to tell when the passenger has entered the vehicle by using infrared emitters or projectors. If those beams are interrupted, it may realize that someone is sitting in the seat. It can also use machine learning techniques to identify a person based on images by using convolutional neural networks. The vehicle’s system will be able to store any information that it can use to identify a passenger’s face, and this includes using deep learning techniques. Once you or the passenger adjusts the mirrors, seats, and other preferences, these will be stored in the system, which will associate you or the passenger with those preferences. It can store the preferences in a way that, when you enter the vehicle, it welcomes you with your preferred settings.

10. Above All - Privacy!

Although to some, facial recognition may seem scary or like an invasion of privacy, Tesla is being very careful in regards to protecting privacy. The filing noted that in every situation in which facial recognition is used, these are opt-in messages, meaning these features are not active by default and that the driver can opt in to use these feature. Also, the information may be stored locally on the vehicles while also being encrypted.

These were our top 10 picks based on the information available in the patent. For those who are keen to read the patent, I will include the link in the description of this video.

So which features were your favourite? Let me know in the comment section below. Thank you for watching - Ciao