Dynamic Vehicle Mode Interface Using Visual Background Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle operating mode selection systems require significant user experience and technical knowledge, making them difficult for inexperienced users to operate intuitively and effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a graphical user interface with a background display of a vehicle surface and selectable buttons, where the background display is dynamically formed based on the selected operating mode and environmental data, providing a direct connection between the user interface and vehicle settings, and allowing for easy recognition of the selected mode and its consequences on driving behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a graphical user interface with dynamic background display is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional static menu-based interfaces to a dynamic visual background display that changes according to selected operating modes. This dimensional shift from text/symbols to immersive visual scenes creates more intuitive user understanding without adding complex interaction mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates visual copies or representations of the vehicle's operational states through the background display. The background visually mirrors the selected driving mode (e.g., sporty scenes for sport mode, calm scenes for eco mode), allowing users to grasp system states through visual analogy rather than technical parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Loss of information

If visual representation of operating modes is enhanced, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloss of informationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes color and visual characteristics of the background display to encode different operating mode information. Different colors, lighting conditions, and visual intensities represent different driving modes, allowing users to instantly comprehend system state without reading technical specifications or menu text.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a visual dimension to information presentation by replacing traditional text-based or symbolic representations with immersive background scenes. This dimensional enhancement conveys operational mode information more completely and intuitively, reducing the gap between system state and user understanding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3264250B1Method and system for selecting a mode of operation for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3264250B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3264250B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3264250B1 patent drawingFigure 3C~3D

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for selecting an operating mode for a vehicle (1) which has at least two operating modes. In the method, graphic data from a graphical user interface (20) is generated and output, wherein the graphical user interface (20) comprises a background display (20b) and at least two selectable buttons (21, 21a), the buttons (21, 21a) each being assigned to an operating mode of the vehicle (1). A selection of a button (21a) is detected, and depending on the operating mode assigned to the selected button (21a), a control signal is generated and transmitted to a control unit (5) of the vehicle (1). The background display (20b) comprises a representation of a vehicle surface, the representation of which is determined by the currently selected operating mode.The invention further relates to a system for selecting an operating mode for a vehicle (1).