Contextual Vehicle Control Guidance Through Visual Representations
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Solution Overview
Problem
User manuals for new vehicle features are not interactive and cannot be accessed while operating the vehicle, leading to unfamiliarity with vehicle controls.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based method that receives sensor outputs to identify relevant vehicle control devices and presents visual representations on a display, animating moveable components to indicate how to actuate them, with predefined events triggering representation cessation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If user manuals are provided for new vehicle features, then users can obtain information about vehicle controls, but the manuals are not interactive and cannot be accessed while operating the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional static mechanical manuals with a digital display system that presents contextual information electronically. The display device shows visual representations of control devices and their operations, replacing the need for physical manuals while enabling interactive access during vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor output and display system as an intermediary between the vehicle controls and the user. This intermediary processes sensor data about external circumstances and translates it into visual guidance on the display, bridging the gap between complex controls and user understanding.
2Loss of information
If visual representations of control devices are presented continuously, then users receive comprehensive guidance, but the display may distract from safe driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the display content dynamic by updating visual representations based on real-time sensor outputs. The display shows information contextually relevant to current driving conditions, automatically adjusting what is presented rather than showing static or continuous information regardless of situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by presenting specific control device information only when relevant to the current driving circumstance. Rather than displaying all possible control functions simultaneously, the system selectively displays information about the particular control device that corresponds to the detected external condition.
3Loss of information
If the system provides detailed visual guidance for each control device, then user familiarity improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing visual guidance only for the specific control device relevant to the current sensor-detected circumstance, rather than displaying information for all control devices. This selective approach reduces system complexity while maintaining effectiveness for the immediate driving situation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-based method comprises: receiving, in a vehicle, a sensor output from a sensor, the sensor output reflecting a circumstance external to the vehicle; identifying a physical control device of the vehicle as being implicated by the sensor output, the physical control device configured for generating an input that controls vehicle operation; presenting, on a display device of the vehicle and in response to the sensor output, a visual representation of the physical control device, the visual representation indicating how to actuate the physical control device to generate the input; and ceasing to present the visual representation in response to a predefined event.