3D Vehicle Interface Unit for Dashboard Space and Menu Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle user interfaces face challenges in efficiently presenting menu structures and accessing functions due to limited dashboard space, cumbersome menu navigation, and the limitations of touchscreens, which can distract drivers and fail to provide effective haptic feedback.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle user interface unit featuring a 3D display that generates a virtual 3D image with interaction elements in different spatial planes, allowing users to select items through gesture recognition without the need for additional controls, and providing acoustic feedback for improved usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mechanical control elements and display share limited dashboard space, then the device can be compact, but the amount of information that can be simultaneously displayed is limited and the interface becomes cumbersome to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional 2D flat display to a 3D volumetric display that projects interactive elements into three-dimensional space. This dimensional change allows multiple layers of menu structures and information to be displayed simultaneously in different spatial planes, dramatically increasing information capacity without requiring additional dashboard space. The 3D display creates virtual control elements that float in space, enabling complex menu trees to be organized spatially rather than hierarchically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If menu structures with multiple submenus are used to access functions, then comprehensive function control is achieved, but the time required to reach desired menu items increases and driver distraction worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorganizes menu structures from hierarchical 2D menus into spatial 3D arrangements where frequently accessed functions can be positioned in easily reachable spatial locations. The volumetric display allows users to see multiple menu levels simultaneously in different depth planes, eliminating the need to sequentially navigate through nested submenus. This spatial organization reduces navigation time while maintaining comprehensive function access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where the 3D display dynamically adjusts menu presentation based on user interaction patterns. Frequently accessed functions are automatically positioned in optimal spatial locations, and the display provides visual feedback about selection status and navigation progress, enabling faster and more intuitive menu access without increasing complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If touch screens replace mechanical control elements, then dashboard space is freed for larger displays, but haptic feedback is lost and control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic fields as an intermediary medium between the user and the control system. Sound waves provide tactile-like feedback through bone conduction and air vibration, compensating for the loss of haptic feedback from mechanical buttons. The acoustic feedback can indicate selection status, provide confirmation signals, and guide user interactions without requiring physical contact with the display surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical control elements with acoustic field-based interaction. Instead of physical buttons providing tactile feedback, the system uses directed sound waves and acoustic radiation pressure to provide operational feedback. This substitution maintains the space-saving benefits of touchscreens while restoring feedback mechanisms through a different physical modality.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle user interface unit for a vehicle electronic device. The vehicle user interface unit includes a three-dimensional (“3D”) display unit having a display, and is configured to display an image for perception by a user as a virtual 3D image. The virtual 3D image is at least partially located in front of the display when the user observes the display. A display control unit is configured to control the generation of the image by the 3D display unit. The virtual 3D image includes a 3D object having at least two regions located in different spatial planes. Each region includes a plurality of interaction elements. An input unit is configured to detect the location of a user-controlled object and to interpret the detection of a predefined variation of the user-controlled object as a selection of one of the interaction elements in the virtual 3D image.