Haptic Touchscreen Cover Layout for Low-Distraction Vehicle Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control devices with touchscreens can be distracting for drivers, requiring them to look at the screen to operate, which can lead to driver distraction and increased risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control device featuring a touch-sensitive layer integrated with a transparent cover that provides tactile feedback and active haptic feedback, allowing users to interact with vehicle functions without looking at the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a touchscreen display is used as the sole input device, then the control device can control a large number of vehicle functions with a single input device, but operation of the control device becomes complicated and requires full attention of the user
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented into multiple functional zones on the transparent cover, each zone corresponding to specific vehicle functions. These zones are arranged in a spatial layout that allows users to access different functions by touching different areas, effectively dividing the complex control interface into manageable segments that reduce operational complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the control interface by arranging control zones in specific geometric patterns on the transparent cover. This dimensional arrangement allows users to navigate and select functions through spatial positioning and gestures rather than complex menu navigation, reducing operational complexity while preserving the ability to control multiple vehicle functions
2Ease of manufacture
If the control device is located in a place that is not easily visible for the driver, then it can be integrated into the vehicle structure, but the driver requires full attention to operate it safely
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent cover incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms that provide immediate physical response when touched, allowing drivers to confirm their input and navigate the interface through touch alone without visual confirmation. This feedback loop enables safe operation while the device remains integrated into the vehicle structure in locations that may not be easily visible
Solution Approach 2:
The control device provides self-guiding tactile cues through the transparent cover's surface features and haptic responses, allowing drivers to locate and operate controls through touch alone without needing to visually search for buttons or menus. This self-service capability reduces driver distraction while maintaining structural integration
3Ease of operation
If tactile elements are added to the touchscreen surface, then passive guidance can be provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a transparent cover with integrated tactile features that can be formed through molding or surface treatment of the cover itself, rather than adding separate tactile elements. This approach provides passive guidance through tactile feedback while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the tactile features are incorporated into the existing transparent cover component
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables intuitive, distraction-free control of vehicle functions by providing tactile and haptic feedback, allowing users to operate the device with minimal attention, thereby reducing driver distraction and improving safety.
Implementation Method 1
a haptic feedback unit configured to provide an active haptic feedback by moving or deforming the transparent cover
Implementation Method 2
The touch-sensitive layer is configured to detect a user input, e.g. when a user touches the transparent cover with an object like a finger. Furthermore, the touch-sensitive layer is configured to determine the position of the user input on the transparent cover, e.g. by means of capacitive, inductive and/or resistive sensing.
Implementation Method 3
The touch-sensitive layer is configured to detect a user input, e.g. when a user touches the transparent cover with an object like a finger. Furthermore, the touch-sensitive layer is configured to determine the position of the user input on the transparent cover, e.g. by means of capacitive, inductive and/or resistive sensing.
Implementation Method 4
The touch-sensitive layer is configured to detect a user input, e.g. when a user touches the transparent cover with an object like a finger. Furthermore, the touch-sensitive layer is configured to determine the position of the user input on the transparent cover, e.g. by means of capacitive, inductive and/or resistive sensing.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control device comprising a display module with a display on a front face of the display module, a touch-sensitive layer, and a transparent cover attached to the front face of the display module where a front face of the transparent cover has a tactile feedback area. A haptic feedback unit is configured to provide an active haptic feedback by moving or deforming the transparent cover. A control unit is configured to display a graphical user interface on the display to receive a user input via the touch-sensitive layer and to trigger a vehicle function in response to the user input.