Dynamic Movement Thresholds for In-Vehicle Operation Apparatus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operation apparatuses for in-vehicle systems often result in user anxiety due to either slow or rapid changes in device operations when a finger or hand moves across the operation plane, leading to potential erroneous operations, especially when the movement distance for changing device settings is too long or too short.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates an electrostatic sensor and pressure sensor on an operation display unit with a feedback mechanism, allowing for controlled changes in air conditioner settings by detecting finger or hand movements, providing tactile and auditory feedback to ensure accurate operations. Movement distances are calibrated to allow for gradual and precise adjustments, ensuring user intent is reflected in device changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the movement distance for changing device operation is set long, then the operation changes slowly which prevents accidental operations, but the user feels anxious and may not recognize the operation response timely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of erroneous operationVSAvoidresponse recognition time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by changing the movement distance threshold dynamically based on the operation state. When the operation value is low (1-3), a shorter movement distance is required for rapid response. When the operation value is high (4-7), a longer movement distance is required to prevent accidental operations. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between fast response and error prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of movement distance threshold based on the current operation state. The control unit adjusts the threshold distance according to the operation value, making it shorter for low values and longer for high values. This parameter change enables the system to adapt between rapid response and error prevention needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the movement distance for changing device operation is set short, then the operation changes quickly providing immediate feedback, but accidental operations occur easily due to slight finger movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation response speedVSAvoidaccuracy of operation intent
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the movement distance threshold based on the operation state. For low operation values (1-3), a short threshold enables quick response and immediate feedback. For high operation values (4-7), a long threshold filters out accidental movements. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit changes the movement distance parameter according to the operation value. When the operation value is low, the threshold is set short to enable rapid response. When the operation value is high, the threshold is set long to ensure accuracy. This parameter adaptation resolves the speed-accuracy tradeoff.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a fixed movement distance is used for all operation ranges, then the system structure is simple, but the user experiences anxiety and uncertainty in operation feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mechanism complexityVSAvoiduser operation confidence
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control mechanism where the movement distance threshold is automatically adjusted based on the operation state. This dynamic adjustment provides intuitive and confident operation feedback to the user, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by adjusting the movement distance threshold according to the operation value, creating an adaptive response that matches user expectations. This feedback mechanism enhances user confidence and reduces operational anxiety, while the automatic adjustment keeps the control mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution enables smooth and accurate control of air conditioner settings, reducing user anxiety and preventing erroneous operations by providing clear feedback and calibrated movement thresholds, allowing for both quick initial recognition and fine control of settings without visual oversight.

Implementation Method 1

an operation apparatus which includes a sensor for detecting a finger or a hand touching or approaching an operation plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic sensing: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

The apparatus incorporates an electrostatic sensor and pressure sensor on an operation display unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3623930B1Operation apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 ALPINE ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3623930B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3623930B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3623930B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An operation apparatus which detects a finger using a sensor disposed on an operation plane and which further determines a movement distance of the finger so as to change an operation of a controlled device, such as an in-vehicle air conditioner, is provided. A finger touching or approaching the operation plane is detected by an electrostatic sensor. An air volume of the air conditioner which is the controlled device is changed by a movement of the detected finger in an X1 or X2 direction. When the finger is moved by a first distance from a first detected position, the air volume is changed in a predetermined range. Thereafter, every time the finger is moved by a second distance which is longer than the first distance, the air volume is changed in a range equivalent to a range in a case of the movement by the first distance.