3D User Interface Projection With Proximity-Based Brightness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional user interfaces in vehicles often cause driver distraction and blinding, especially in low-light conditions, due to insufficient context-aware information display and abrupt changes in interface states.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that project information on 3D user interfaces using adjustable illumination and display elements, dynamically changing based on user proximity and interaction, to enhance user-friendliness and safety by providing contextual information without abrupt transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If information about the 3D user interface is displayed with high illumination intensity, then the user can easily recognize the function and status of operating elements, but the vehicle driver may be blinded especially in darkness
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination intensity of information elements is made dynamic by detecting the user's approach and adjusting brightness accordingly. When a user approaches the operating element, the illumination intensity increases to provide clear visibility. When the user moves away, the illumination intensity decreases to prevent driver blinding. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between needing high illumination for recognition and avoiding blinding effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system applies different illumination intensities to different spatial zones around the operating element. The high-intensity information projection is localized to the immediate vicinity of the operating element where user interaction occurs, while areas farther away (where the driver's line of sight may pass) receive reduced or no illumination. This local differentiation allows clear information display without creating widespread blinding effects.
2Loss of information
If context information is continuously displayed on the 3D user interface, then the user can easily understand the current state and available functions, but the driver distraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display of context information is made dynamic based on user proximity detection. When a user approaches the operating element, comprehensive context information including function descriptions, current state, and available options is projected. When the user moves away, the information display is reduced or turned off. This dynamic behavior ensures information availability when needed while minimizing distraction during normal driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects user approach in advance and prepares the information display accordingly. As the user approaches, the system proactively projects relevant context information before the user actually touches or operates the element. This preliminary information provision helps the user understand the function and expected outcome, reducing cognitive load and potential distraction by presenting information in advance rather than during active operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for projecting information about a geometrical three-dimensional user interface on the user interface, which is arranged, for example, in a vehicle includes the following steps: a) projecting information about a function of the user interface in the form of a physical operating element, its status, its set value, or other optically displayable information related to the operating element on at least one part of a surface of the operating element using at least one information element having a predetermined illumination intensity of the at least one information element, b) detecting a movement of a first point, facing toward the operating element, of a finger, a hand, or an elbow of a user of the operating element toward a second point on the surface of the operating element to a predetermined distance, and c) changing the projected information on the at least one part of the surface of the operating element upon reaching and/or falling below the predetermined distance between the first point and the second point such that at least one information element other than the at least one information element is displayed before reaching the predetermined distance or a further information element in addition to the at least one information element is displayed before reaching the predetermined distance, and/or a further illumination intensity of the at least one information element before reaching the predetermined distance or a/the other or further information element, which is displayed upon reaching and/or falling below the predetermined distance, is higher than the illumination intensity of the at least one displayed information element before reaching the predetermined distance.