Infotainment Display Mode Selection via Segmented Skins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional list-based or matrix-based user interfaces in motor vehicle infotainment systems complicate navigation and finding desired functions, restricting the convenient management of electronic devices due to linear, contact-dependent operation methods.

Innovation Solution

A method that divides the display device into multiple partial areas, allowing users to select and switch between different 'skinned' display modes, enabling interactive actuation without contact, and specifying display characteristics for each mode, which can be user-configurable or software-defined.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional list-based or matrix-based user interfaces are used, then the system can display multiple functions, but the user interface becomes complex and difficult to navigate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay of multiple functionsVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is divided into multiple partial areas, each representing a different application or function. This segmentation allows the system to display multiple functions simultaneously in a simplified, intuitive manner, avoiding the complexity of traditional list-based interfaces while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional list or matrix interfaces to a multi-dimensional display approach where different functions are represented as spatial partial areas. This dimensional change enables more intuitive navigation and reduces perceived complexity by organizing information spatially rather than linearly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If touch-based operation is required, then the operating device can be controlled precisely, but the ease of operation is reduced due to contact dependency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontactless operationVSAvoidoperating action detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical touch-based operation system with a contactless sensing system. Instead of requiring physical contact with a touch screen, the system uses sensors to detect operating actions without mechanical contact, thereby improving ease of operation while eliminating the need for touch-based interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the display is divided into partial areas for different applications, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitive selectionVSAvoiddisplay division
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is designed as a multi-functional universal interface where the same physical display hardware serves multiple purposes by being dynamically divided into different partial areas. This universality allows the system to provide intuitive selection for different applications without requiring separate physical devices, thereby improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through software-based functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2107456B1Selection of SKINS display modes for an infotainment system
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2107456B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The method involves dividing total area (A) of a display unit (10) in two patches in the respective mode of operations. The two different display modules output to a user in each of the patches, where the selection for the desired characteristic display of the total area of the display unit meets user by interactive manipulation of the suggested indicator modes.