Capacitive Control Element with Sectioned Preview for Vehicle Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face challenges in providing intuitive and quick operation of various functional devices without distracting the driver, as existing systems often require complex menu navigation and are not suitable for all spatial conditions within the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An operating device featuring an elongate capacitive operating element divided into sections, where capacitive coupling allows for preview displays and menu access through defined gestures, enabling simple and intuitive control of vehicle functions without the need for touchscreens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a large number of functional devices are operated using a multifunction control system with a few control elements and display device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex menu navigation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive operating element is divided into multiple sections, each assigned to control a specific functional device. This segmentation allows direct access to different functions without navigating through complex menus, resolving the contradiction by maintaining low device complexity while significantly improving ease of operation through intuitive section-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device shows preview displays of functional devices before actual selection is made. This preliminary action allows the driver to quickly understand what function will be activated without committing to a selection, reducing operation time and mental load while maintaining the benefits of a compact control system.
2Ease of operation
If information is displayed on the display device to support operation, then the ease of operation improves, but the driver distraction increases due to extended eye movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides just enough visual information through preview displays to support operation without overwhelming the driver with excessive details. The preview display shows essential functional information briefly, allowing the driver to make quick decisions with minimal eye movement from the road, balancing operation guidance with safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device updates information periodically based on the actuation object's position and gestures rather than continuously. This periodic updating reduces visual distraction by showing information only when needed, while still providing sufficient guidance for operation through timely preview displays and menu entries.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the capacitive operating element responds to various gestures like sliding and rotary movements, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple gesture recognition requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive operating element is designed to recognize multiple gesture types (sliding, rotary, tapping) using a unified capacitive sensing mechanism. This universal approach provides versatile control options for different user preferences and situations while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate sensing systems, as the same capacitive element handles all gesture types through software differentiation.
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
Facilitates easy and rapid operation of vehicle functions by allowing users to access preview displays and menu items with minimal eye movement, enhancing usability and reducing driver distraction.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation object is capacitively coupled to one of the sections (4-1 to 4-7) of the operating element (4)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an operating device (1) in a vehicle (10) comprising a display device (2), an elongated capacitive control element (4) and a control device (6) coupled to the display device (2) and the elongated capacitive control element (4).The operating device according to the invention is characterized in that the elongated capacitive control element (4) is divided into several sections (4-1 to 4-7), to which different functional devices (8) of the vehicle (10) are assigned, and the display device (2) can be controlled by the control device (6) such that, when an actuating object (12) is capacitively coupled to one of the sections (4-1 to 4-7) of the operating element (4), a preview display for the functional device (8) of the vehicle (10) assigned to this section (4-1) is shown by the display device (2) if the actuating object (12) remains with the section (4-1 to 4-7) for a defined time interval, and several menu entries for a functional device (8) of the vehicle (10) assigned to this section (4-1) are shown by the display device (2) if the actuating object (12) performs a sliding or rotary movement in a defined direction. executes.Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle (10) with such an operating device (1) and a method for operating functional devices (8) of a vehicle (10).