Vehicle Infotainment Widgets for Background Function Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle infotainment systems lack the ability to efficiently manage multiple functions simultaneously, such as navigation and media playback, while maintaining user convenience and safety, as they often require drivers to switch between applications, which can divert attention from the road.
Innovation Solution
The system implements a processor that executes multiple functions in the foreground and background, displaying a widget form interface for background functions on a persistent screen area, allowing for seamless switching and minimizing visual distractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the system displays full application interfaces for background functions, then the user can access all function details, but the driver's attention is diverted from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into a foreground execution screen for the primary function and a widget form for background functions. The widget displays only essential information and controls for background functions, separating detailed function access from the main driving interface. This allows drivers to see status indicators and basic controls without accessing full application interfaces that would require significant attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the display based on the execution state of functions. When a function is executed in the foreground, its full interface is displayed. When executed in the background, only a compact widget form is shown. The widget can be expanded or minimized based on user interaction, allowing flexible information display that adapts to the driver's needs and current task context.
2Productivity
If the system switches between applications for different functions, then each function can be executed fully, but the switching process increases operation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple function interfaces are merged into a single unified execution screen through the widget mechanism. Background functions are represented as widgets that coexist with the foreground function on the same screen. This eliminates the need to switch between separate applications or screens, allowing drivers to access and control multiple functions simultaneously from one interface, thereby reducing switching time and operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system displays multiple full interfaces simultaneously, then all functions are accessible, but the interface complexity and visual distraction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into a foreground execution screen for the primary function and a widget form for background functions. The widget displays only essential information and controls for background functions, separating detailed function access from the main driving interface. This allows drivers to see status indicators and basic controls without accessing full application interfaces that would require significant attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the display based on the execution state of functions. When a function is executed in the foreground, its full interface is displayed. When executed in the background, only a compact widget form is shown. The widget can be expanded or minimized based on user interaction, allowing flexible information display that adapts to the driver's needs and current task context.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed are a vehicle infotainment apparatus using a widget and a method of operating the same. According to various embodiments, some UIs of functions on execution in a background can be displayed as a background widget within an area that is always accessible in a screen of the infotainment device, thereby enabling to provide its user with simpler manipulation functions and necessary information.