Adaptive Touch Interface for Vehicle Operation Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multifunction systems, such as those in motor vehicles, face challenges in user operation due to the overwhelming amount of information displayed, leading to increased complexity and potential distraction for users, particularly drivers, which can compromise safety.

Innovation Solution

A user interface with a touch-sensitive display element and sensors that detect the presence of a touch element in a detection area, displaying facilitating information for a predetermined period without actual contact, to simplify operation and reduce user distraction by highlighting virtual control elements and providing help menus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of different pieces of information are displayed simultaneously on the touchscreen, then the system provides comprehensive functionality and information, but the operation complexity increases and user distraction is exacerbated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the display content adaptive and changeable based on user interaction state. The system dynamically switches between different display modes (information display mode and operation guidance mode) depending on whether a touch element is detected in the detection area, allowing the interface to adapt its complexity level to user needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the display information into two distinct modes: comprehensive information display and operation guidance display. By separating these information types and presenting them at different times based on user interaction, the system maintains comprehensive functionality while reducing operational complexity at any given moment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If comprehensive information is displayed on the touchscreen, then the system provides complete functionality, but the user's attention is overwhelmed and safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiduser distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing operation guidance information before the user actually needs to perform an operation. When a touch element is detected in the detection area, the system proactively displays guidance information about available functions and controls, preparing the user for upcoming interactions and reducing cognitive load during actual operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts information presentation based on user proximity and interaction state, switching between comprehensive information display and focused operation guidance to prevent information overload while maintaining completeness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the system provides detailed operation information continuously, then the user receives comprehensive guidance, but the operation time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation guidanceVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by displaying operation guidance information intermittently rather than continuously. The system activates the guidance mode periodically when a touch element is detected in the detection area, and switches back to normal information display when the detection area is empty, providing guidance only when needed and reducing overall operation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution simplifies and makes the operation of multifunction systems more intuitive, reducing user distraction and enhancing safety by providing clear guidance and highlighting relevant controls, thus improving the overall user experience and traffic safety.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor, which are designed to display information to a user on the display element, to register a touch of the display element with a touch element by the user and to detect the presence of the touch element in a detection area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2877362B1Operating interface, method for displaying information facilitating operation of an operating interface and program
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2877362B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2877362B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2877362B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5c

AI summary

An operating interface (100) according to one embodiment comprises a touch-sensitive display element (110) and at least one sensor (120), which are formed to display information to a user on the display element (110) in order to register touching of the display element (110) with a touch element (150) by the user and in order to register the presence of the touch element (150) in a recognition region (170), the recognition region (170) adjoining a side of the display element (110) which faces the user. The interface also includes a control circuit (130), which is formed to control the display element (110) in such a way that the display element reproduces information facilitating operation of the operating interface (100) on the display element (110) when the touch element (150) is located in the recognition region (170) for a predetermined period of time without touching of the display element (110) being registered during that time. It may hereby be possible to make operation of a system which includes such an operating interface (100) simpler and more intuitive.