Graphic Meter Needle Visibility via Color Gradient
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graphic meter devices face difficulties in discriminating scales and scale markings from the needle, and it is challenging for drivers to instantly determine which indicator is being displayed, especially when multiple indicators are switched based on driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
The graphic meter device employs a display control unit that colors the fixed region around the needle in a gradational manner, with the darkest color corresponding to the needle's location, improving visibility and allowing easy determination of the indicator type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a needle and a dial are drawn as images on the same display, then the depth size and number of parts can be reduced, but it becomes difficult to discriminate scales and scale markings from the needle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by displaying the needle in a first color (such as red or green) that contrasts with the second color used for the dial and scale markings. This color differentiation allows the needle to be easily distinguished from the dial elements while maintaining the graphical display format, thus resolving the discrimination difficulty without increasing physical depth or component count
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving the needle a different color property compared to the dial and scale markings. Specifically, the needle is displayed in a distinct first color while the dial and scale markings use a second color, creating local visual differentiation that enhances discriminability while keeping the overall display integrated and flat
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple indicators are switched in accordance with driving condition and setting, then the indicator functionality is enhanced, but it becomes difficult for a driver to instantly determine which indicator is being displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by associating different colors with different indicator types or states. When indicators are switched based on driving conditions, the color of the displayed indicator changes accordingly, providing immediate visual feedback to the driver about which indicator is currently active, thus preventing information loss about indicator type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the display colors dynamic and responsive to driving conditions. The color configuration changes automatically based on the current driving state, allowing the display to adapt to different scenarios while maintaining clear identification of the active indicator through color cues
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
There is provided a graphic meter device which improves the visibility of a needle and which allows for easy determination of the kind of indicator. The graphic meter device includes a dot matrix display (8) for displaying a needle indicator image (9) provided with a dial (10a) and a needle (10b) pointing to the dial (10a) in accordance with a measured quantity and a CPU (1) for controlling a display state of the dot matrix display (8), the CPU being arranged to display a colored region (10f) of the needle (10b) of the dial (10a) with a color different from the rest of the region in the dial (10a).