Context-Aware Touch Interface for Vehicle Control Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems with touch-sensitive surfaces face challenges in minimizing driver distraction and reducing the risk of unintentional inputs, especially when these surfaces are constantly active and located in areas prone to frequent manual interaction, such as the center console or steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow the touch-sensitive surface to be switched between inactive and active states based on the operating situation, with clear optical and acoustic signaling of its activation state, enabling context-dependent activation and deactivation to minimize distractions and incorrect entries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touch-sensitive surface is constantly active to enable easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintentional activations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive surface dynamically changes its state between active and inactive based on the operating situation. The control unit activates the touch-sensitive surface only when input is expected for the current function, and deactivates it when not needed, making the system adaptable rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user about the activation state of the touch-sensitive surface through the display device. This feedback mechanism allows users to understand when the touch surface is active and ready for input, reducing unintentional activations while maintaining ease of operation when needed.
2Productivity
If the touch-sensitive surface is constantly active to allow immediate input, then the productivity is improved, but the driver distraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive surface transitions between active and inactive states based on the current operating context. This dynamic behavior ensures the surface is ready for immediate input when needed (maintaining productivity) but remains inactive during driving phases where input is not expected (reducing distraction).
Solution Approach 2:
The activation of the touch-sensitive surface occurs periodically or intermittently based on the operating situation rather than continuously. The control unit activates the surface only during specific periods when input is anticipated, such as when a menu is displayed or a function requires user input.
3Ease of operation
If the touch-sensitive surface is located in areas prone to frequent manual intervention (center console, steering wheel) for ease of access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintentional inputs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive surface in high-risk areas dynamically switches between active and inactive states based on the operating situation. This ensures the surface remains accessible when needed but prevents unintentional inputs during phases when input is not expected, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that mediates between the user's touch input and the system response. It evaluates whether the touch input is intentional based on the current activation state, which is determined by the operating situation, thus preventing incorrect inputs while maintaining accessibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The method involves controlling a function of the electronic device by operating panels (15,20,21) with touch-sensitive surface (16,22,23). The touch-sensitive surfaces are switchable between an inactive and an active state. The active state of the touch-sensitive surfaces signalizes the user. The signaling of the active state of the touch-sensitive surfaces takes place optically or acoustically. The activation of the touch sensitive surfaces takes place depending on the context. The touch-sensitive surfaces are activated by two switches (27,28). An independent claim is included for a device for operating an electronic device.