Vehicle Navigation Display Overlap Avoidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicle navigation systems face challenges in displaying a large amount of information without overlapping graphical elements, which can distract the driver and limit the visibility of crucial route information.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to arrange and display graphical elements within the navigation system's display area by assigning priority classes to geographical elements, minimizing overlap between high-priority elements and non-geographical information fields, and allowing overlap with lower-priority elements, while also using partial transparency when necessary to maintain visibility of critical information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple information fields and map elements are displayed simultaneously in the navigation system, then the amount of information provided to the driver increases, but the risk of graphical elements overlapping and obscuring critical route information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of route informationVSAvoidamount of displayed information
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different priority levels to different geographical elements (e.g., current route vs. background terrain) and different information fields (e.g., navigation instructions vs. point of interest details). High-priority elements receive full opacity and prominent positioning, while lower-priority elements are rendered with reduced opacity or placed in less prominent areas, allowing multiple information types to coexist without complete obscuration of critical data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves overlapping conflicts by transitioning from a two-dimensional plane to a multi-layered hierarchical structure. Geographical elements and information fields are organized into multiple depth layers based on priority, with higher-priority elements rendered in foreground layers and lower-priority elements in background layers. This dimensional approach allows simultaneous display of diverse information while maintaining visual hierarchy and preventing complete obscuration of critical route information

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

2Device complexity

If information fields are placed in fixed positions on the display, then the layout is simple and consistent, but critical geographical elements may be obscured by these fixed information fields

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay arrangement complexityVSAvoidvisibility of geographical elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed-position information field layout into a dynamic arrangement system. Information fields are no longer confined to predetermined locations but are positioned dynamically based on real-time assessment of geographical element priorities and available display space. This dynamic positioning allows information fields to adapt their locations to avoid obscuring high-priority geographical elements while maintaining consistent and predictable placement patterns for the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the position coordinates of information fields based on priority assessments of geographical elements. Instead of using fixed positional parameters, the system dynamically modifies position parameters to optimize the balance between information field visibility and geographical element visibility, ensuring that critical route information remains accessible while still providing comprehensive navigation data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3405750B1Method of arranging and displaying graphic elements of a depiction in a vehicle navigation system
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP3405750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3405750B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3405750B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to methods for arranging and displaying graphic elements of a display of a vehicle navigation system within a display surface, the graphic elements including at least one geographical element and one non-geographical element. The aim of the invention is to improve the display of the vehicle navigation system such that the quantity of information that can be directly registered by the driver is increased. To this end, the at least one non-geographical element is arranged and displayed within the display surface such that the likelihood of the at least one geographical element being covered by the at least one non-geographical element is minimised and in particular completely avoided.