Adjustable Touch Screen Interface for Vehicle Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle user interfaces, particularly those with touch screens, face challenges in mounting location, where the screen is either difficult to reach for data entry or hard to view for the driver, leading to a frustrating user experience due to the fixed positioning.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable touch screen user interface system within the vehicle's passenger cabin, which can be positioned between a data entry position closer to the driver seat and a viewing position closer to the windshield, allowing the user to optimize the screen placement for either interaction or viewing, utilizing an electro-mechanical or hydraulic positioning system and controlled by a user interface position selector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the touch screen is mounted high on the dashboard for easy viewing, then the driver can easily view the display, but the user has difficulty reaching the screen for data entry interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The touch screen display is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between a first position optimized for viewing and a second position optimized for data entry. The display positioning system enables the screen to be relocated along a path that transitions from a higher, more visible position to a lower, more accessible position, resolving the contradiction between viewing ease and operational ease.
2Ease of operation
If the touch screen is mounted low on the dashboard for easy reach, then the user can easily interact with the screen, but the driver has difficulty viewing the display
Solution Approach 1:
The touch screen display utilizes a positioning system that allows it to be dynamically repositioned from a lower, more accessible location to a higher, more visible location. This dynamic adjustment enables the display to occupy different spatial positions depending on whether the primary need is for easy reach or easy viewing, eliminating the need to compromise between these conflicting requirements.
3Device complexity
If a single fixed touch screen position is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user experience deteriorates due to inability to optimize for different tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The introduction of a movable display positioning system adds controlled complexity to enable the touch screen to adapt its position based on task requirements. The system includes positioning mechanisms and control logic that allow automatic or manual adjustment between predetermined positions, providing enhanced user experience while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control and predefined position states.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch screen display is designed to serve multiple functions by occupying different positions for different tasks. The same physical display unit can be positioned for optimal viewing during navigation monitoring, then moved for optimal interaction during data entry, making the interface universally applicable to various user needs without requiring multiple separate displays.
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
Enables easy access and optimal viewing of the touch screen for both data entry and viewing tasks, reducing user strain and improving ergonomics, thus enhancing the overall user experience by allowing customizable screen positioning based on the user's seating position.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an electro-mechanical or hydraulic positioning system
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an electro-mechanical or hydraulic positioning system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A touch screen user interface is provided that is adjustable between at least two positions, and preferably adjustable over a range of positions. By providing the ability to adjust the interface's position, the user can optimize screen placement for either data entry or viewing. Additionally, the screen position can be optimized for the user's seating position. As a result, when the screen is being used for viewing, for example when the screen is being used with the navigation system, the user can easily see the screen without having to look downward or dramatically alter their viewing angle. Similarly, when the screen is being used for data entry, for example to input data into the navigation system or make adjustments to the audio system, the screen can be positioned so that the user can easily reach the interface without straining, thereby helping to avoid neck, shoulder and/or back pain.