Movable Vehicle Display Control for Usable Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle display devices with movable surfaces restrict usability due to the need for complete visibility of the entire display area, limiting arrangement and usage options within the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A method to control the display of information on a movably mounted display device based on the available size of the display surface, ensuring that only the visible portion is utilized, with dynamic adjustment of information display to maintain visibility and usability during physical movement, including options for scaling, compression, and alternative representations to optimize space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire display surface is made movable to increase arrangement flexibility, then the display device can be positioned in multiple locations, but the usable display area is reduced when the display surface moves and becomes partially obscured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrangement flexibilityVSAvoidusable display area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the display surface movable relative to the interior trim element, allowing the display to be positioned in different locations within the vehicle. The control unit dynamically adjusts the displayed information based on the display surface's current position and the visible sub-area, ensuring optimal usability regardless of where the display is located or oriented.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit changes display parameters (arrangement and size of information) based on the visible sub-area. When the display surface moves and only part of it is visible, the system adjusts the information display to fit the visible portion, maximizing the usable display area in any given position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the display surface is moved to a position where it is not fully visible, then more arrangement options become available, but information may become invisible or inaccessible to users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning optionsVSAvoidinformation accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the visible sub-area of the display surface and adjusting the information display accordingly. The control unit determines which portion of the display is visible from the passenger compartment and modifies the arrangement and size of displayed information to ensure it remains accessible and recognizable to users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit proactively adjusts the information display before information becomes completely obscured. By anticipating the display surface's movement and the resulting visibility changes, the system pre-adjusts the information arrangement to maintain accessibility, preventing information from becoming invisible or inaccessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the display surface is made retractable or rollable to save space, then the display can be stored when not in use, but the visible area is reduced during movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidvisible display area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the display surface retractable or rollable, allowing it to be stored when not in use and deployed when needed. During movement or retraction, the control unit dynamically adjusts the information display to the currently visible sub-area, ensuring that the limited visible portion is used optimally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by displaying information only on the visible sub-area of the display surface. When the display is partially retracted or rolled, the control unit adjusts the information arrangement to fit the visible portion, rather than attempting to display on the entire display surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3494004B1Method for controlling a display device for a vehicle and vehicle with a display device
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 AUDI AG
  • EP3494004B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3494004B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3494004B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a display device for a vehicle, in which a representation (8, 25, 26) of information (7) on a movably mounted display surface (4, 21, 22) is controlled depending on the available space (6) on the display surface (4, 21, 22). In order to allow an optimal usability of the display surface (4, 21, 22), according to the invention a portion of the display surface (4, 21, 22) is hidden from view of a passenger compartment when the display surface (4, 21, 22) moves physically and a remaining, still visible portion (6) defines the available space (6) on the display surface (4, 21, 22). In addition, depending on the physical movement of the display surface (4, 21, 22) and a consequential accompanying size change of the visible portion (6), a layout of the representation (8, 25, 26) of the information (7) is changed such that the information (7) is displayed on the visible portion (6).