Vehicle Air Outlet GUI Control for Precise Vent Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling air outlet devices in vehicles do not allow individual control of outgoing air flows from each device, leading to unpredictable and potentially annoying air direction outcomes for users, especially affecting rear seat occupants.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a control unit and graphical user interface (GUI) on a touch screen that enables independent control of air outlet device directions through drag movements, allowing users to directly control the direction and flow rate of each air vent, with real-time visual feedback on the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a schematic two-dimensional overhead representation is used to control total air flow, then the control system is simple and easy to operate, but the user cannot individually control each air outlet device and the resulting air flow direction is unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air flow control into independent controllable units, with each air outlet device having its own representation and control area on the graphical interface. This allows users to control each air outlet device separately rather than controlling total air flow as a whole, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying representations of air outlet devices and their corresponding air flow directions on the graphical interface. The drag operation visually indicates the intended air flow direction, and the system confirms the actual direction achieved, giving users immediate feedback to adjust control if needed.
2Device complexity
If total air flow control is implemented through drag operations on a schematic representation, then the system requires minimal controls, but the air flow may directly affect users in unwanted ways without their knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting control into individual air outlet devices, users can precisely direct air flows away from occupants or toward desired areas, eliminating unwanted air flow effects while maintaining simple drag-based control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical user interface acts as an intermediary between the user and the air outlet devices, providing visual representation and control mechanisms that enable precise air flow direction without requiring complex physical controls or exposing users to unwanted air flows.
3Measurement precision
If individual control of each air outlet device is implemented, then precise control of each air flow is achieved, but the control interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal drag-based control mechanism that works for all air outlet devices regardless of their position or orientation. This same interaction method provides precise control for each device without requiring different control schemes, maintaining interface simplicity while achieving individual control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maps three-dimensional air flow direction control onto a two-dimensional graphical interface through drag operations. The drag distance and angle on the 2D screen correspond to vertical and horizontal air flow components, enabling precise 3D direction control through intuitive 2D interactions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for controlling an air outlet device, comprising: - a graphical user interface for: - displaying representations (F) associated with the independent control of air outlet devices; and - independently detecting contacts maintained along respective drag movements, on a respective one of the representations (F) or a visual element (V) associated with the same; and - a control unit (C) for independently controlling the direction of the outgoing air flows from the air outlet devices, in response to the detection of each of the contacts maintained along respective drag movements. The invention also relates to a method and a computer program for controlling an air outlet device, adapted to operate the system of the invention.