Adaptive Touch Interface for Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of vehicle functionalities in cars leads to a cluttered dashboard, making it difficult for operators to navigate and control various functions efficiently, particularly in different vehicle operation modes, such as starting the engine or selecting drive modes, without overwhelming the limited space.
Innovation Solution
A touch interface unit is integrated into the vehicle compartment, displaying relevant control functions based on the current vehicle operation mode, reducing the need for physical buttons and allowing the engine stop function to be accessible via a separate switch, which is positioned out of accidental reach but still accessible for emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of vehicle functionalities is increased, then the operator has more control options, but the vehicle compartment becomes cluttered and harder to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional dashboard surface to a three-dimensional solution by integrating the touch interface into the vehicle's pillar structure. This vertical integration allows multiple functional controls to be stacked in the third dimension (height) rather than spreading them horizontally across the dashboard, thereby increasing functionality without adding horizontal clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch interface unit is designed to provide multiple vehicle functionalities through a single integrated component. Instead of requiring separate physical buttons for each function (engine start, drive mode selection, etc.), one multi-functional touch interface handles all controls, reducing the total number of components needed in the vehicle compartment.
2Area of stationary object
If physical buttons are replaced with a touch interface, then space is saved, but accidental activation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the current vehicle operation mode before enabling specific control functions on the touch interface. By pre-assessing the operational context (driving vs. parked), the system selectively activates only relevant controls, preventing accidental activation of inappropriate functions and reducing the cognitive load on the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch interface displays different sets of control functions depending on the local operational context. When the vehicle is in driving mode, only driving-relevant controls are displayed; when parked, different controls become available. This contextual adaptation ensures that only appropriate functions are accessible at any given moment, reducing accidental activation risk.
3Device complexity
If the engine stop function is integrated into the touch interface, then control is centralized, but emergency accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate physical switch as an intermediary component specifically for the engine stop function. This dedicated switch acts as a backup access point that bypasses the touch interface, ensuring that emergency engine shutdown capability remains independently accessible even if the touch interface fails or is inadvertently activated.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling vehicle functionalities by means of a touch interface unit (114) arranged in the vehicle compartment (102) of a vehicle (100), the method comprising the steps of determining (S1) a current vehicle operating mode for the vehicle (100); determining (S2) a vehicle functionality associated with the current vehicle operating mode; determining (S3), from a predefined number of control functions, at least one control function for controlling the vehicle functionality; and controlling (S4) the touch interface unit (114) to display a touch functionality associated with said at least one control function for enabling control of said vehicle functionality associated with the vehicle operating mode.