Overlapping Display Areas for Destination Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional navigation devices and route planners overwhelm users with numerous suggested destinations, making it difficult for them to select a suitable option due to the lack of a clear overview and intuitive selection process.

Innovation Solution

A control device and method that allows users to selectively display and manage multiple destination areas on a screen by overlapping them, using a selection gesture to bring relevant information to the foreground and store or delete destinations intuitively, with features like caching and filtering based on user preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple destinations are displayed simultaneously on the screen, then the user can see more options, but the screen becomes cluttered and the user cannot get a clear overview

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of displayed destinationsVSAvoidclarity of overview
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from displaying multiple destinations in a two-dimensional grid or list to a three-dimensional spherical projection where multiple destinations are arranged on the surface of a sphere. This dimensional transformation allows numerous destinations to be visualized simultaneously without clutter, as they are distributed across the curved surface rather than competing for limited screen real estate in a flat layout.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the display into multiple interactive zones or segments on the spherical projection, allowing users to focus on specific regions or groups of destinations. The sphere can be segmented by geographic regions, destination types, or user-selected categories, enabling the user to mentally organize and process information in manageable segments rather than overwhelming monolithic view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If many destinations are presented to the user, then more options are available, but the user finds it difficult to decide on one destination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of destination optionsVSAvoiddecision-making process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical projection acts as an intermediary visualization that transforms the raw data of multiple destinations into an intuitive spatial arrangement. By mapping destinations onto a sphere with geographic or categorical positioning, the system mediates between the user's cognitive limitations and the vast number of available options, making comparison and decision-making more natural through spatial relationships rather than text-based lists.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs color coding to differentiate destination categories, regions, or selection states on the spherical projection. This visual encoding allows users to quickly identify and filter destinations by type or status without reading text labels, reducing cognitive load and accelerating the decision-making process while maintaining access to diverse destination options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Loss of information

If detailed information about each destination is displayed, then the user can make informed decisions, but the interface becomes complex and overwhelming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic information display where the level of detail shown adapts to user interaction. When a user focuses on or selects a particular destination on the sphere, detailed information is revealed for that specific destination while maintaining a simplified view of other destinations. This dynamic adjustment allows comprehensive information to be available on demand without permanently cluttering the interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical projection provides preliminary visual organization and filtering of destinations before the user requests detailed information. Users can navigate the sphere to pre-select or compare destinations based on their spatial arrangement and visual cues, performing initial filtering and evaluation before accessing detailed data, thereby reducing the need to process all detailed information simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3060973B1Control device and method for adjusting the display of a plurality of display areas
Publication Date: 2018.12.19 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3060973B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3060973B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3060973B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Embodiments relate to a control device (1) for changing a reproduction of a plurality of display regions (2) on a display surface (3). A first display region (2a) in a foreground partly overlaps a second display region (2b) in a background. Each display region (2) is assigned information on a possible destination (30, 32, 33, 72). The control device (1) comprises an input device (4) for receiving a memory unit signal (5). The memory unit signal (5) corresponds to a specified selection gesture of a user. Furthermore, the control device (1) also has a controller (6). The controller is designed to generate a display signal (7) in response to the memory unit signal (5). The display signal causes a display of the second display region (2b) in the foreground and a display of an indicator field (8), which corresponds to the information of the first display region, outside of the plurality of the display regions (2).