Projected Dashboard Switch Interface With Keystone Position Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dashboard switches in vehicles lack flexibility in shape and surface treatment for improved visibility of projected images, limiting the ability to change switch symbols and correct positional variations in projected control information.
Innovation Solution
A projection switching device with a projection unit that projects symbols on a lower garnish, touch sensors to detect user input, and a controller to adjust the projected image using a keystone adjustment function, allowing for position correction and improved usability by hiding the projection from the user's gaze.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a backlight type operation switch with masking is used on the dashboard, then the switch structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the shape cannot be changed and surface treatment for visibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a projection device to create a virtual copy of the switch interface on the lower garnish surface. Instead of physically manufacturing different switch shapes and surfaces, the system projects symbolic images that replicate the appearance and functionality of traditional switches, allowing shape and surface treatment flexibility without manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical backlight switch structure with an optical projection system. The projection device uses light to create virtual switch interfaces, eliminating the need for physical switch components, masking materials, and complex surface treatments while maintaining the user interface functionality
2Ease of operation
If the projection device is positioned to be visible to the user, then the projected symbols are easily seen, but the projection position cannot be adjusted for variations in installation position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the system detects the actual position of the lower garnish and adjusts the projection parameters accordingly. The controller receives information about installation position variations and modifies the projection angle, position, and focus to ensure the projected symbols appear at the correct location on the garnish surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the projection system dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The projection device can change its projection parameters (position, angle, focus) in real-time based on installation variations, allowing the same projection device to adapt to different installation positions and maintain optimal visibility
3Ease of operation
If touch sensors are disposed on the lower garnish to sense user touch, then touch input can be detected, but the position of touch sensors must precisely match the projected symbols
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the projection position information to adjust the touch sensor activation zones. The controller receives data about where symbols are projected and dynamically adjusts which touch sensor regions are active, ensuring that touch detection aligns with the projected interface regardless of minor positioning variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the touch sensor system universal by allowing a single touch sensor array to serve multiple projected symbol positions. The controller can map different projected symbol locations to the same physical touch sensor regions, enabling the system to handle position variations without requiring precise pre-alignment during manufacturing
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
Enhances usability and reduces error rates by enabling flexible surface treatment and image adjustment, correcting positional variations in projected symbols, and diversifying implemented images on vehicle dashboards.
Implementation Method 1
a projection configured to project a symbol on a lower garnish
Implementation Method 2
touch sensors disposed on a lower portion of the lower garnish to sense a touch of a user
Implementation Method 3
the controller may be configured to adjust a variation in a projected image using a keystone adjustment function of the projection
Data Source
AI summary
Disclose are projection switching devices including a projection configured to project a symbol on a lower garnish, the lower garnish configured to cover a lower dashboard and to display control information projected from the projection, touch sensors disposed on a lower portion of the lower garnish to sense a touch of a user, and a controller configured to output control information corresponding to symbol information at a position where the touch has occurred to a corresponding device, in response to the touch being sensed by the touch sensor.