Presence-Sensitive Sensor Device Gesture Control for Vehicle Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity of motor vehicle functions and control options poses challenges in designing a suitable operating interface for drivers, as limited space and road safety demands require easy access to safety-relevant controls without diverting attention from the road.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle operating device utilizing a presence-sensitive sensor device, such as a touchscreen, allows drivers to control activated applications using specific numbers of input objects, enabling intuitive and attention-minimal operation of various vehicle functions by activating and deactivating applications based on input gestures and conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If touchscreens with menu-like breakdown are used to provide multiple functions, then the number of controllable vehicle devices can be expanded, but the degree of attentiveness required for operation increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of controllable vehicle devicesVSAvoiddegree of attentiveness required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device surface is divided into multiple selectable regions, each corresponding to a different vehicle device or function. This segmentation allows the driver to access specific functions by selecting regions rather than navigating through complex menus, reducing the attention required while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-arranges control regions for frequently used functions in easily accessible areas of the sensor device. This preliminary arrangement allows drivers to access safety-relevant controls without needing to search or navigate, reducing operational complexity while maintaining access to multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating elements are arranged in the driver's area, then more functions can be accessed, but the available space becomes overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of available functionsVSAvoiddriver's area space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device serves as a universal operating interface that can control multiple different vehicle devices through software-defined regions rather than requiring separate physical controls for each function. This multi-functionality allows extensive control capabilities while maintaining a compact physical footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates virtual representations of control elements on the sensor device surface rather than using physical buttons. These virtual control regions can be arranged to provide intuitive access to multiple functions without requiring additional physical space in the driver's area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If branched selection menus are used for control, then comprehensive control options are available, but the operation requires very high degree of attentiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol options availabilityVSAvoidtime for operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures the sensor device with multiple selectable regions that directly correspond to different vehicle functions. This eliminates the need for drivers to navigate through branched menus during operation, as all control options are immediately accessible through region selection, reducing both attention requirements and operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9933885B2Motor vehicle operating device controlling motor vehicle applications

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 E SOLUTIONS

AI summary

A motor vehicle operating device is presented that comprises a presence-sensitive sensor device and is configured to provide, in a motor vehicle, an activated first application and at least one deactivated further application. A driver can control an activated application by means of the presence-sensitive sensor device and cannot control a deactivated application by means of the presence-sensitive sensor device. The motor vehicle operating device is configured to receive an input signal, which refers to a number of input objects with which the input is made at the presence-sensitive sensor device, wherein different numbers of input objects are assigned to the applications. OIf the input signal refers to a number of input objects assigned to the first application, control of the first application takes place and, if the input signal refers to a number of input objects assigned to the further application, activation of the further application takes place.