Multi-Dimensional Touch Interface for Simultaneous Climate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current climate control systems in vehicles require separate actuation of multiple parameters, such as temperature, air flow, and fan level, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when using touch screens that allow only single-parameter adjustments at a time.
Innovation Solution
A multi-dimensional user interface that allows adjustment of all three parameters (temperature, air flow, and air volume) simultaneously through a single touch input, utilizing a system of coordinates with pressure-sensitive or contact-sensitive surfaces, or a roller ball, which evaluates the input and transmits data to control devices to adjust parameter values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate operating elements are used for each parameter (temperature, air flow, fan level), then each parameter can be adjusted independently, but the number of operating elements increases and the adjustment process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate operating elements (temperature control, air flow control, fan level control) into a single touch-sensitive display screen. The graphical user interface integrates all three parameters in one visual field, allowing users to adjust multiple parameters simultaneously through touch interactions rather than using separate physical knobs for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive display screen serves multiple functions: it displays all climate parameters (temperature, air flow, fan level), accepts touch inputs for adjusting each parameter, and provides visual feedback for the current settings. This single device replaces what would traditionally require three separate control elements, making the interface universal for all climate control operations.
2Device complexity
If a touch screen is used for parameter adjustment, then the interface becomes more modern and space-efficient, but only one parameter can be adjusted at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the two-dimensional surface of the touch screen to display multiple parameters simultaneously in different spatial zones. Instead of sequentially adjusting parameters (one after another), the interface arranges temperature, air flow, and fan level controls in a spatial layout that allows users to access and adjust multiple parameters within the same visual field, effectively using the spatial dimension to overcome the single-parameter limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical user interface is designed to be dynamic and responsive to user interactions. When a user touches the screen to adjust one parameter, the interface dynamically updates the display to show the changed parameter while keeping other parameters accessible. The interface can shift focus between parameters based on user input, allowing efficient multi-parameter adjustment through sequential touch interactions rather than requiring all parameters to be adjusted simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate controls are provided for climate parameters, then precise control of each parameter is achieved, but the user interface becomes more complex and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control elements (physical knobs, buttons, switches) with a touch-sensitive display screen that uses electrical and optical fields for input detection. This substitution eliminates the need for separate mechanical components for each parameter, significantly reducing the space required in the instrument panel while maintaining or even improving control precision through digital sensing and graphical interface elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the adjustment process, reducing the need for multiple operating elements, enhancing comfort and safety, and minimizing resource consumption by allowing simultaneous adjustment of multiple parameters with a single touch input, thereby improving user experience and reducing the complexity of the control system.
Implementation Method 1
an input element including at least one of a pressure-sensitive and a contact-sensitive surface
Implementation Method 2
capacitive surfaces
Implementation Method 3
an input element in the form of a roller ball located within a contact base
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface for adjusting a plurality of parameters of a climate control system of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The user interface includes an input element having a system of coordinates having multiple dimensions, wherein each of the dimensions of the system of coordinates is associated with at least one of the parameters of the climate control system; and a program means to perform at least one of an absolute evaluation of the parameters and an incremental evaluation of changes to the parameters between an adjusted point range and an original point range of the parameters, and transmit a data representing the evaluation to at least one of a control device and a regulation device of the climate control system in order to adjust a value of the parameters.