Navigation Display Segmentation for Driver Distraction Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Navigation device operations can distract vehicle drivers, especially when driving, due to the complexity of selecting functions on touch screens while viewing maps.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize distinct operating areas on a touch-sensitive display unit, with a vehicle icon and route symbol, allowing intuitive selection of vehicle, map, and route functions, ensuring easy and quick setting of options without diverting attention from the road.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a touch-sensitive display with map functions is used, then navigation functionality is improved, but driver distraction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation functionalityVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into multiple operating areas with distinct functions: a first operating area around the vehicle icon for vehicle-related functions, a second operating area for map-related functions, and a third operating area around the route for route-related functions. This segmentation allows drivers to access different navigation features through intuitive spatial zones, reducing cognitive load and distraction while maintaining comprehensive navigation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If multiple functions are accessible on the display, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction selectionVSAvoidcontrol interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the display are assigned different functional qualities: the first operating area around the vehicle icon handles vehicle settings and status, the second operating area on the map background handles map interactions, and the third operating area around the route handles routing options. Each area presents only its relevant controls, simplifying the interface for drivers while providing comprehensive functionality across the entire display system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables safe and intuitive operation of navigation devices by allowing vehicle drivers to easily select and set navigation options through designated operating areas, reducing distraction and improving usability during driving.

Implementation Method 1

the display unit is designed as a touch-sensitive screen and the respective operating area is selected by touching the respective operating area on the touch-sensitive screen. An electrical signal is generated when the screen is touched, by means of which the position of the touch can be determined.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTouch sensitivity:

Data Source

PatentEP2948739B1Method and device for operating a navigation device
Publication Date: 2017.09.13 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP2948739B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2948739B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

In a method for operating a navigation device, visualisation data (VD) are produced to be displayed on a display unit. The visualisation data (VD) contain data for displaying a map and a vehicle symbol. A first operating region (B1) is assigned to a pre-defined region on the display unit around the signalled vehicle symbol. A second operating region (B2) is also assigned to a pre-defined region of the display unit of the remaining signalled map outside the first operating region (B1). On the basis of a selection of the respective operating region (B1, B2), respective corresponding functional data are produced to be displayed on the display unit, wherein the functional data contain data for displaying operating elements that can be selected by a user, wherein functions corresponding to the respective operating region (B1, B2) are assigned to the operating elements.