Dynamic Operator Control Repositioning for Vehicle Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interactive operating devices in motor vehicles often lack intuitive and ergonomic methods for activating operating elements, particularly when the display is positioned high in the vehicle, making it difficult for drivers to operate controls efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a sensor system, such as a camera or capacitive sensor, to detect the approach of an actuating element and dynamically reposition and resize operating elements on the display device, ensuring they are within reach and easily accessible, with options to shift vertically, horizontally, or to the edge of the touchscreen for optimal ergonomic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the display is positioned high in the vehicle for better visibility, then the driver can see information more easily, but it becomes difficult for the driver to operate controls efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The control elements are made dynamically repositionable on the display surface. When a user approaches (detected via sensor), the control elements automatically move to a more accessible position on the display. This dynamic adaptation allows the display to maintain its high position for visibility while providing ergonomic control access when needed, resolving the contradiction between display visibility and control accessibility.
2Device complexity
If control elements are kept static on the display, then the device structure remains simple, but the user must make significant upper body movement to reach controls
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting user approach in advance and pre-positioning the control elements to an accessible location before the user needs to interact with them. This proactive repositioning eliminates the need for user body movement while maintaining relatively simple device structure, as the repositioning is triggered automatically by sensor detection rather than requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If control elements are moved to be within user reach, then operation becomes easier, but the display layout must dynamically change
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensor feedback to detect user approach and automatically triggers the repositioning of control elements. This feedback mechanism allows the display management system to adaptively change layouts based on real-time user presence detection, making operation easier while keeping the complexity manageable through automated response to simple sensor inputs rather than requiring complex manual control systems.
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 approach allows for simple and intuitive activation of operating elements, enhancing user experience by ensuring controls are ergonomically positioned and reducing the need for significant upper body movement, thereby improving usability, especially in vehicles with non-ideal display placement.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive sensor, which are coupled to the processing unit of the operating and display device
Implementation Method 2
appropriate sensors, for example, a camera or a capacitive sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operating an interactive operator control (2) and display device (3), in particular in a motor vehicle, having a display panel (4) and having items of information which are and/or can be depicted on the display panel (4) and which comprise at least one operator control element (10). The method comprises the following steps: detecting an approach of an actuating element of a user as user input; determining an operator control intention for the at least one operator control element (10) of the operator control elements (10) depicted on the display panel (4); and adapting the information depicted on the display panel (4) as a function of the determined operator control intention, such that the at least one operator control element (10) is depicted in optimized form for the activation of the at least one operator control element (10), wherein, upon determination of an operator control intention, the local position of the at least one operator control element (10) is changed. The invention also relates to an interactive operator control and display device (2).