Head-Up Display Switch Status Cues for Multifunction Steering Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users may incorrectly assume a multifunction switch on a vehicle's steering wheel is broken if its function is not displayed on a head-up display, leading to potential confusion during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular display control device and method that acquires the function allocation status of multifunction switches and displays a first symbol on the head-up display when a switch is not allocated a function, and also displays a second symbol at the user's touch position to assist in switch operation without lowering gaze.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a multifunction switch that has not been allocated a function is not displayed on the head-up display, then the display remains clean and simple, but the user might wrongly assume that this multifunction switch is broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by displaying a first symbol (such as a circle) in a specific color to indicate that a multifunction switch has not been allocated a function. This visual indicator allows users to distinguish between switches that are broken and switches that are simply not assigned a function yet, thereby preventing misunderstandings while keeping the display clean and intuitive.
2Loss of information
If the switch array is displayed on a traditional meter display, then all switch information is visible, but the user has to lower their gaze from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the switch array display from the traditional two-dimensional meter display to the head-up display projected on the windshield. This allows the switch array image to be displayed in the user's forward viewing direction, eliminating the need to lower gaze from the road while maintaining full visibility of switch information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multifunction switch is allocated different functions, then the switch can perform multiple operations, but the user cannot easily identify which function is currently assigned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by displaying a second symbol (such as a triangle) in the display region of the multifunction switch when a function is allocated to it. This visual feedback mechanism allows users to immediately identify which function is currently assigned to each switch, providing clear information about the switch's current state while maintaining the flexibility of multifunction allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular display control device includes a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to: acquire a function allocation status of a multifunction switch capable of being allocated any press-implemented function, in order to display an image of a switch array including the multifunction switch on a display device, and display a first symbol in a display region corresponding to the multifunction switch in the switch array image in a case in which the multifunction switch has not been allocated a press-implemented function.