Hybrid Power Gauge Interface for Low-Burden Vehicle State Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for managing user interfaces for hybrid gauges in vehicles are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring multiple key presses and wasting user time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and interface for displaying a power gauge that includes segments for electric and combustion power, with an indicator moving based on power changes, and updating the gauge dynamically to provide efficient and reduced input interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If existing techniques are used to manage user interfaces for hybrid gauges, then the interface can display power information, but the interface becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple key presses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power gauge functions (electric power generation, electric power consumption, combustion engine power) into a single integrated hybrid power gauge interface. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate displays and reduces the number of key presses required, as all power information is presented simultaneously in one unified view with a single indicator showing the composite power state.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid power gauge serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays electric power generation, electric power consumption, combustion engine power, and overall vehicle power state all through a single interface element. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate gauges or menu navigation steps, thereby reducing interface complexity while maintaining comprehensive information display.
2Loss of information
If existing techniques are used to manage user interfaces for hybrid gauges, then power information can be displayed, but user time and device energy are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and pre-processes the composite power state by integrating data from multiple power sources (electric motor, combustion engine, battery) before display. The hybrid power gauge is designed to automatically update based on real-time sensor data without requiring user initiation, thus eliminating delays associated with manual menu navigation and multiple key presses.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid power gauge provides continuous real-time feedback about the vehicle's power state through a single dynamic indicator that automatically responds to changes in power generation, consumption, and engine output. This immediate feedback mechanism eliminates the need for users to repeatedly query the system through multiple inputs, thereby saving both user time and device energy.
3Loss of information
If a detailed power gauge interface is provided, then comprehensive power information is available, but cognitive burden on the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid power gauge applies local quality by providing different levels of information detail in different visual zones of the single indicator. The indicator shows the overall composite power state prominently, while sub-components (electric generation, electric consumption, combustion power) are displayed in integrated but visually distinct segments. This allows users to quickly grasp the total power state without being overwhelmed by detailed breakdowns, reducing cognitive burden while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dimensional organization to present comprehensive power information in a single indicator by adding visual dimensions (such as segmented arcs or layered displays) rather than requiring multiple separate gauges. This dimensional arrangement allows all power components to be displayed simultaneously in a compact, easily interpretable format that reduces cognitive load compared to traditional multi-gauge or menu-based interfaces.
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A user interface for a hybrid gauge includes a path and an indicator moves along the path to indicate amounts of electric power and combustion power. A user interface for a power gauge changes appearance based on a battery and/or fuel level. A relative visual emphasis of power gauges changes based on detected conditions.