Configurable Vehicle Steering Wheel Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle user interfaces on steering wheels often include redundant control devices for features not installed in the vehicle, which can confuse users and require multiple variants of the interface to match different vehicle configurations.
Innovation Solution
A configurable user interface with a processor that identifies and enables or disables control devices based on the vehicle systems installed, using light emitting devices and user operable switches to hide or activate controls for systems present or absent, respectively, and communicates with a memory device to determine the installed systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple variants of the user interface are provided to match different vehicle configurations, then the accuracy of control interface matching is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized user interface design is used across all vehicle configurations, with the processor dynamically enabling or disabling control devices based on the detected vehicle systems. This universal interface eliminates the need for multiple variants while maintaining accurate matching through software-based configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface configuration is changed by modifying the operational state (enabled/disabled) of control devices based on vehicle system detection results. The processor alters the functional parameters of the interface elements to match the specific vehicle configuration without requiring physical redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control devices for all possible vehicle systems are included on the steering wheel, then the adaptability of the user interface is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to redundant controls
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface dynamically adapts its configuration based on the vehicle systems detected by the processor. Control devices are selectively enabled or disabled in real-time, allowing the interface to maintain high adaptability while presenting only relevant controls to the user, thus preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor extracts and removes redundant control devices from the active interface by disabling them when their corresponding vehicle systems are not detected. This extraction of unnecessary elements maintains interface simplicity and user clarity while preserving the capability to support diverse vehicle configurations.
3Device complexity
If a standardized user interface is used across all vehicle configurations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the accuracy of matching vehicle systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The processor implements a feedback mechanism by detecting which vehicle systems are actually installed and using this information to selectively enable or disable corresponding control devices on the standardized interface. This feedback loop ensures accurate matching between the interface controls and the vehicle configuration despite using a single standardized design.
4Ease of operation
If control devices are disabled for systems not installed on the vehicle, then the ease of operation is improved by eliminating redundant controls, but the adaptability may deteriorate if systems are added later
Solution Approach 1:
The interface maintains dynamic adaptability by allowing the processor to re-evaluate and reconfigure the enabled/disabled state of control devices when vehicle systems are added or removed. This dynamic response ensures that the interface remains both simple for the user (by hiding unavailable controls) and flexible (by automatically adapting to configuration changes).
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
The solution allows for a standardized user interface that automatically adapts to the vehicle's configuration, eliminating redundant controls and providing a unified interface across different vehicle specifications, enhancing user clarity and reducing the need for multiple interface variants.
Implementation Method 1
The control devices may each comprise at least one light emitting device. The at least one processor may be configured to control said at least one light emitting device to hide or obfuscate any control devices associated with vehicle systems which are not installed on the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a configurable user interface for a vehicle (V). The configurable user interface includes a plurality of control devices for controlling a first set of vehicle systems (S-n). The control devices are each associated with at least one of the vehicle systems (S-n) in said first set. At least one processor is provided for identifying a subset of the first set of vehicle systems (S-n) consisting of the vehicle system(s) (S-n) installed on the vehicle (V). A memory is connected to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to enable any of said control devices associated with the vehicle systems (S-n) contained in said subset; and/or to disable any of said control devices associated with the vehicle systems (S-n) not contained in said subset. The present disclosure also relates to a steering wheel of a vehicle (V) incorporating a configurable user interface. A vehicle (V) and a method of configuring a user interface are also disclosed.