Programmable Onboard Interface With Finger Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing onboard vehicle user interfaces, such as touch screens and button panels, are difficult to use without looking at them, leading to driver distraction and increased accident risk due to their complexity and unresponsive nature.
Innovation Solution
A programmable onboard interface (POI) designed to accommodate a user's hand with grooves for fingers and a touch sensor/pad providing haptic feedback, allowing users to select control functions without looking away from the road, featuring a track ball for additional input and menu navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touch screens or button panels are used for vehicle control, then control functions are provided, but user interface complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to navigate complicated menu systems and determine input accuracy without visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device is segmented into multiple independently controllable input elements (first input device, second input device, third input device, fourth input device) arranged in a circular pattern. Each input device can be operated independently to control different vehicle functions, eliminating the need for complex menu navigation and providing direct access to control functions through simple rotational and pressing actions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detailed touch screens are used to provide comprehensive control options, then control functionality is enhanced, but measurement precision deteriorates because users cannot accurately determine whether their input was registered without visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device incorporates a haptic feedback mechanism that provides tactile response when an input device is pressed or rotated. This feedback allows users to immediately confirm whether their input was registered and to understand the current state of control functions without needing to visually check the screen, thereby improving input detection accuracy while maintaining comprehensive control functionality.
3Ease of operation
If traditional button panels are used for vehicle control, then control functions are available, but ease of operation worsens because users must look at the panel to determine whether desired selection is made
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device is designed to provide self-service through haptic feedback and intuitive rotational mechanics. When a user rotates or presses an input device, the tactile response immediately indicates the action taken and current state, allowing users to operate controls without visual attention. This eliminates the need to look at the panel while maintaining full control capability, preventing loss of visual attention from the road.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle may include a first seat configured to accommodate an occupant and an onboard interface device adjacent to the first seat. The onboard interface device may include a housing configured to accommodate a palm of the occupant, a first groove positioned in the housing and configured to accommodate a first finger of the occupant, and a first input device positioned in the first groove and configured to be actuated by the first finger and generate a first signal for controlling a first operation of the vehicle.