Gesture-Based Parameter Setting for Clutter-Free Vehicle Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing user interfaces in vehicles, such as those for air conditioning and navigation systems, lack intuitive and safe operability, particularly due to the need for users to adjust parameters on large displays while minimizing distraction from the road, and often require multiple steps and permanent display space for adjustment elements.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a graphical user interface with a selection object, where a positioning gesture generates a setting object that enlarges during use, allowing users to easily position and adjust parameters using gestures, reducing the number of steps and only displaying the adjustment element when needed, thus minimizing visual distraction and optimizing space on the display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If adjustment elements are permanently displayed on the interface, then they are always accessible, but display space is permanently blocked and the interface becomes cluttered

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of adjustment elementsVSAvoidDisplay space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment element transitions from a static, permanently displayed component to a dynamic element that appears and disappears based on user interaction. When the user activates the adjustment function, the element is generated and displayed at the selected position; when deactivated, it is removed, thus optimizing display space while maintaining accessibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-defines multiple possible positions for the adjustment element on the display. When the user selects a position through gesture input, the element is immediately generated and placed at that predefined location, enabling quick access without permanent occupation of display space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustment elements are displayed simultaneously, then all parameters are accessible, but the interface becomes complex and harder to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNumber of adjustable parametersVSAvoidInterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of displaying all adjustment elements simultaneously, the system extracts and displays only the specific adjustment element needed at the moment. The user selects which parameter to adjust, and only that corresponding adjustment element is generated and displayed, simplifying the interface while maintaining full adaptability across multiple parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Area of stationary object

If the adjustment element is small, then display space is conserved, but the element is harder to see and operate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDisplay spaceVSAvoidVisibility and operability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment element dynamically changes its size based on the user's gesture. As the user drags or manipulates the element, it enlarges to improve visibility and ease of operation during the adjustment process, then returns to a smaller size when not in use to conserve display space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3898310B1Method and system for setting a value for a parameter
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3898310B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3898310B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3898310B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The invention relates a method for setting a value for a parameter in which a graphical user interface is generated and output, wherein the graphical user interface comprises a selection object (11) which is assigned to the parameter. A first user input, which comprises a positioning gesture related to the selection object (11), is captured, wherein a setting object is generated depending on the first user input and is positioned on the graphical user interface according to the positioning gesture. In a next step, a second user input, which comprises a setting gesture, is captured, with the value of the parameter being set by means of the setting object according to the setting gesture. The system is configured to implement the method.