Flexible Instrument Cluster Display for Vehicle Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle instrument clusters are inflexible and distracting, as they often display unnecessary information, and cannot be easily customized to accommodate variations in vehicle build configurations, requiring drivers to navigate complex menus while driving to access desired gauges, leading to potential oversight of critical information.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and variability-accommodating instrument cluster system that allows drivers to seamlessly transition between minimal and maximum gauge views using a thumb wheel scroll on the steering wheel, enabling personalized favorites views and simplifying access to critical information through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If physical gauges are used to display vehicle information, then the driver receives visual indication of vehicle status, but valuable real estate space is occupied and the driver is distracted by unnecessary information
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument cluster transitions from static physical gauges to a dynamic digital display that can change content based on driving conditions. The system dynamically adjusts which gauges are displayed, allowing the same physical space to serve multiple functions without distracting the driver with unnecessary information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of information display by using digital interfaces that can be customized to show only relevant gauges based on driving conditions, vehicle configuration, and driver preferences, thereby reducing distraction while maintaining information completeness.
2Loss of information
If multiple gauges are displayed to show all vehicle information, then complete vehicle status is provided, but the driver is overloaded with information and less aware of abnormal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and displays only the most critical gauges based on driving conditions and abnormal states. When an abnormal condition is detected, the system prioritizes displaying gauges related to that condition, removing non-essential information to prevent driver overload while maintaining awareness of critical vehicle status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by monitoring driving conditions and vehicle status, then automatically adjusting the displayed information to highlight abnormal conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that the driver receives relevant information without being overwhelmed by unnecessary data.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the instrument cluster is customized for different vehicle build configurations, then specific gauge requirements are met, but manufacturing complexity and inventory resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument cluster uses a universal digital display interface that can accommodate multiple vehicle configurations and gauge requirements through software configuration rather than hardware variation. This multi-functionality allows a single physical instrument cluster design to serve different vehicle build configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital copies of gauge interfaces that can be configured and customized through software to match different vehicle specifications. Instead of manufacturing different physical gauge assemblies for each configuration, the system creates digital representations that can be easily adjusted to meet specific vehicle build requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If drivers navigate through menu selections to access specific gauges, then gauge customization is possible, but the process is time-consuming and cannot be easily performed while driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring gauge displays based on driving conditions, vehicle configuration, and driver preferences. This allows the instrument cluster to automatically present the appropriate gauges without requiring the driver to navigate through menus during driving, as the system has already prepared the optimal display configuration in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument cluster provides self-service by automatically adjusting its display based on detected driving conditions and driver inputs. The system serves itself by monitoring when a driver needs specific information and automatically prioritizing those gauges, eliminating the need for manual menu navigation while maintaining customization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer readable storage media provide a flexible and variability-accommodating instrument cluster for display on an in-vehicle screen and a user experience interaction model for providing vehicle status-related information via the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster may be shown in a minimized content view, basic content view, or enhanced content view, wherein each content view may include a varying range of displayed information based on a layout template. The driver can easily scroll between the various content views while driving. The instrument cluster may alternatively be shown in a favorites view, amongst a plurality of preconfigured favorites views associated with different drivers, the favorites view including a user-selected set of gauges in a user-selected layout. A steering wheel-based shortcut control is provided that can be assigned to a changeable parameter and used to toggle the parameter in association with an instrument cluster display element while driving.