Navigation Interface Actuator for Destination Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current navigation systems require excessive effort to input destinations due to the complexity of selecting characters, digits, and other elements, particularly when using manual input methods.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows for the selection of menu items such as CHARACTER, DIGIT, RECENT, and MORE using a single actuation method, with menu items arranged on a display for quick access, enabling efficient spelling by moving the actuating element in different directions and confirming selections through distinct actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional haptic actuating element with menu structure is used for manual destination input, then the system provides a structured interface for character and digit selection, but the destination entry process time increases due to multiple button presses and complex navigation steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of destination inputVSAvoiddestination entry process time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The input process is segmented into distinct phases: direction selection (for choosing characters/digits) and confirmation (for finalizing selections). This segmentation allows the user to efficiently navigate through input options without requiring multiple menu navigation steps, thereby reducing overall input time while maintaining structured interface benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating element is designed to pre-position the input cursor in readiness for character or digit selection. By preparing the interface in advance with predicted next steps and pre-organized menu structures, the system minimizes the number of navigation steps required during actual destination input, thus reducing entry process time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple menu items and activation methods are provided for comprehensive destination input, then the system offers versatile input options including recent destinations and additional characters, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput method versatilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single actuating element performs multiple functions: it selects directions for character/digit choice, confirms selections, and accesses different menu items (CHARACTER, DIGIT, RECENT, MORE). This multi-functionality provides versatile input options without requiring separate controls for each function, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining adaptability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The functionality of the actuating element changes dynamically based on the current input state. The same physical element adapts its function depending on whether the system is in character selection mode, digit selection mode, or confirmation mode. This dynamic behavior allows comprehensive input capabilities without increasing physical interface complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1959238B1Method for inputting a destination in a navigation unit and nagivation system therefor
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 HARMAN BECKER AUTOMOTIVE SYST GMBH
  • EP1959238B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1959238B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1959238B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for inputting a destination in a navigation system by manually controlling an actuating element, wherein at least the following menu items can be selected when the actuating element is actuated in a first way: a CHARACTER menu item, which, when selected, provides a list of characters, a DIGIT menu item which, when selected, provides a list of digits, wherein, when one of said menu items is selected for selecting one of the elements from the list by actuating the actuating element in said first way, the other non-selected menu item can be selected by actuating said actuating element in said first way.