Vehicle Control Element Haptics for List-End Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operator control elements for motor vehicles provide mechanical haptic feedback regardless of the functionality of the button, leading to unnecessary feedback and potential distraction for the driver.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for an operator control element that determines whether the end of a list has been reached through actuation, and either prevents or outputs a predetermined active haptic feedback signal accordingly, using an active actuator controlled by a computer-implemented method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical haptic feedback is provided for all button actuations, then operating feedback is always given to the user, but unnecessary feedback is provided when the function is not usable and the driver may be distracted
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system transitions from a static mechanical response to a dynamic controlled feedback mechanism. The actuator is selectively activated based on real-time evaluation of whether the corresponding function is executable, allowing the system to adapt its haptic response characteristics according to operational context and prevent driver distraction while maintaining necessary feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical haptic feedback elements with an electronically controlled actuator system. This substitution allows for programmable and conditional haptic feedback, where the feedback signal is generated and controlled based on software logic that evaluates function executability, thereby eliminating unnecessary mechanical feedback that could distract the driver.
2Ease of operation
If active haptic feedback is used to signal list end, then clear feedback is provided to the user, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves multiple functions: it provides haptic feedback for successful button actuations, signals the end of lists, and can be controlled through software logic. This multi-functionality allows a single component to handle various feedback scenarios, reducing the need for separate mechanical elements for each function and thereby managing system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the control device evaluates whether a button actuation corresponds to an executable function and accordingly activates or suppresses the haptic feedback signal. This feedback loop provides clear information to the user about system state and function availability without requiring complex additional hardware, as the feedback logic is implemented through software control of the existing actuator.
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 effectively signals to the user the reaching of the list end without distracting the driver, by either omitting or providing a specific active haptic feedback, thus enhancing the usability and safety of motor vehicle control systems.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator may comprise a piezoelectric actuator or be designed as such
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively or additionally, the actuator may have other common actuator types, such as solenoids and/or voice coils
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for operating an operator control element provided for a display device of a motor vehicle, wherein the display device is configured to display a list with at least one end, and wherein the operator control element is configured to output a control signal to the display device, which control signal is used to scroll through the displayed list, depending on a predetermined actuation of said actuator control element. The method determines whether the at least one end of the list has been reached by way of the predetermined actuation of the operator control element. The method prevents an output of a predetermined active haptic feedback signal by way of the operator control element only if it has been determined that the at least one end of the list has been reached by way of the predetermined actuation of the operator control element, or outputs a predetermined active haptic feedback signal by way of the operator control element only if it has been determined that the at least one end of the list has been reached by way of the predetermined actuation of the operator control element.