Dynamic Vehicle Display for Acceleration Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle display systems do not effectively communicate vehicle performance attributes such as engine speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, and shift-points to operators in a clear and intuitive manner, limiting the operator's ability to control the vehicle optimally.
Innovation Solution
A graphical vehicle display system that uses a combination of icons, acceleration maps, and performance balls to visually represent vehicle acceleration forces, with dynamic changes in shape, size, color, and position based on real-time acceleration data, providing a comprehensive and intuitive interface for operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional vehicle display systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the information communication effectiveness to operators deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display system segments vehicle performance information into distinct visual components: a circular indicator for longitudinal acceleration, a radial grid for lateral acceleration, and separate displays for engine speed and shift points. Each segment communicates a specific parameter through dedicated visual metaphors, preventing information overload while maintaining clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms one-dimensional numerical data into two-dimensional visual representations. The circular indicator uses radial position and size to represent longitudinal acceleration magnitude and direction. The radial grid adds angular dimension to represent lateral acceleration direction, creating a comprehensive two-dimensional acceleration map that conveys multiple parameters simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If multiple vehicle parameters are displayed using traditional gauges, then the device complexity remains manageable, but the operator's understanding and control ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display system employs color coding to enhance information communication. The circular indicator changes color based on acceleration magnitude and direction, with different hues representing different operational states. This visual cue system allows operators to quickly assess vehicle performance without interpreting numerical data, improving reaction time and control ability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a circular/spherical visual metaphor for the main acceleration indicator, where the circle's radius, area, and orientation dynamically represent longitudinal acceleration. This curved, intuitive visual form is more easily processed by the human visual system than linear gauges, enabling faster comprehension of acceleration states for improved operator control.
3Loss of information
If detailed numerical data is provided for all vehicle parameters, then the information completeness is high, but the ease of quick comprehension deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gauge systems with electronic graphical displays that can dynamically adjust their representation. Instead of fixed numerical readings requiring interpretation, the system uses visual metaphors (circular indicators, radial grids) that intuitively convey magnitude and direction, reducing the cognitive time required for comprehension while maintaining complete performance information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms numerical data into spatial visual representations where position, size, and orientation encode multiple parameters simultaneously. The circular indicator's radial extent shows acceleration magnitude, its orientation shows direction, and its position on the radial grid shows lateral acceleration. This dimensional encoding allows complete information communication in a single glance, eliminating the need to scan multiple numerical displays.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for a graphical vehicle cluster display that conveys vehicle acceleration information. A controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of vehicle acceleration. A substantially circular icon is displayed on the screen when the signal indicates that the acceleration is approximately zero in a forward direction. A stretched elliptic icon is display on the screen when the acceleration of the vehicle in a forward direction is greater than zero. A compressed elliptic icon is displayed on the screen when the acceleration of the vehicle in the forward direction is less than zero.