Cab Display Screens Networked for Dynamic Function Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heavy-duty vehicles lack the ability to dynamically adjust and personalize the display functions of multiple screens within the cab based on the vehicle's driving mode, limiting driver comfort and interaction.

Innovation Solution

All display screens in the cab are connected to a single communication network, allowing for flexible modification of their display functions manually or automatically when switching between driving modes, enabling contextualized and personalized content distribution across screens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If each screen has a dedicated display function, then the display content is clear and organized, but the system lacks flexibility and adaptability to different driving modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay function adaptabilityVSAvoidscreen configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a many-to-many mapping relationship between screens and display functions, allowing any screen to display any function's content. This universal configuration enables the same screen to serve multiple purposes depending on the driving mode, thereby improving adaptability without adding physical hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically reconfigures screen-display function mappings based on detected driving modes (manual or autonomous). The control unit automatically adjusts which screens display which content according to the current operational context, making the display system flexible and adaptive rather than static and rigid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If screens display fixed predefined content, then the information display is reliable and consistent, but the driver interaction and comfort are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver-screen interactionVSAvoidcontextual information loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the driving mode status and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust screen content. This closed-loop system ensures that the displayed information is always contextually relevant to the current driving situation, improving both driver interaction and information appropriateness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple display function mappings corresponding to different driving modes. When a mode change is detected, the system has already prepared the appropriate screen configuration, enabling seamless transition without information loss or delay in adapting to new contextual requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If multiple screens are equipped in the cab, then the information display capability is enhanced, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display capabilityVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By establishing a many-to-many mapping between screens and display functions, the system maximizes the utilization of each screen. Any screen can serve any display function, which means the system achieves enhanced information display capability without needing additional dedicated screens for each function, thereby controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Extent of automation

If the display function is manually modified, then the driver has control and customization, but the response time and automation level are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay function automationVSAvoidmanual control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic reconfiguration of display functions based on detected driving modes. The control unit automatically adjusts screen mappings in real-time according to whether the vehicle is in manual or autonomous mode, achieving high automation while maintaining the ability to adapt to different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4070995A1A cab for a heavy-duty vehicle whereby the display function of each screen can be modified and contextualized
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4070995A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4070995A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4070995A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a cab (4) for a heavy-duty vehicle (2), such as a bus or truck, whereby at least three display screens (6, 8, 10, 12, 14) are arranged inside the cab, each display screen having a display function, so that at least three different images, containing information for the driver, can be displayed, wherein all the screens are connected to one and the same communication network (24) so that any signal can be transmitted through the network to the display screens and, accordingly, the display function of each screen can be modified.