Proximity Sensor Air Conditioning Interface for Vehicle Climate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces for controlling air conditioning systems in vehicles do not adequately achieve ergonomic improvements, as they fail to provide an intuitive and efficient method for users to set climate settings and air flow parameters.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive display device with a proximity sensor system and stylized representations of body regions, allowing users to input gestures to control air flow strength and direction, with visual and acoustic feedback for intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional switches, rocker switches, or mechanical actuators are used to control air distribution and temperature, then the control mechanism is simple and reliable, but the ease of operation and user convenience deteriorate due to multiple separate controls and lack of intuitive interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (air distribution, temperature control, air volume) into a single integrated touch-sensitive display interface. Users can control all climate parameters by interacting with one unified graphical representation showing the seating position and body regions, eliminating the need for multiple separate switches and actuators while maintaining system reliability through electronic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a graphical copy or representation of the user's seating position and body regions on the touch display. This visual model allows users to intuitively control climate settings by touching areas corresponding to different body regions, making the operation self-explanatory and eliminating the need for learning complex control sequences associated with traditional mechanical interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If automatic controls are used to implement user specifications for target temperature, then the ease of operation improves, but the adaptability to different body regions and individual user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the user's body into multiple controllable regions (e.g., head, torso, legs, arms) represented as distinct areas on the graphical display. Each body region can be independently controlled with separate temperature and air flow settings, allowing the system to adapt to different thermal needs of various body parts while maintaining simple operation through direct touch interaction with the visual representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables different climate parameters (temperature, air flow rate) to be independently set for different body regions. This allows localized climate control where, for example, the footwell area can be heated while the head area receives cooling, providing tailored climate adaptation to individual user needs and preferences rather than applying a single uniform setting to the entire passenger compartment.
3Ease of operation
If a touch-sensitive display without proximity detection is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must physically touch the display to see interaction possibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor system performs preliminary detection of the user's hand approach to the display before actual contact is made. Upon detecting proximity, the system pre-displays interactive elements, arrows, and visual feedback indicating available control options and current settings. This preliminary action prepares the interface for interaction, making the subsequent touch operation intuitive and self-explanatory without requiring physical contact to reveal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multiple feedback mechanisms including visual feedback (arrows showing air flow direction and strength, highlighted areas indicating selected body regions), acoustic feedback (sounds confirming input recognition), and haptic feedback (vibration upon touch). The proximity sensor provides continuous feedback about the user's approach, and the system dynamically updates the display to reflect current settings and available controls, creating an engaging and intuitive interaction loop that enhances ease of operation.
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 users to efficiently and intuitively control air conditioning systems by associating gestures with air flow strength and direction, providing clear feedback and allowing for comprehensive adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor system which is set up to already recognize an approach of an input device of the user (e.g. a finger, a hand, a stylus, etc.) without it having already touched the display device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 7
AI summary
A vehicle and user interfaces for controlling the air conditioning system of a means of transport are provided, comprising a touch-sensitive display device (1), a data processing unit, and, in particular, proximity sensors. The data processing unit is configured to display a message on the display device (1) for user control of the air conditioning system. This message contains a stylized representation of the user's body regions (I, II, III) and a symbol (6) for an air outlet of the air conditioning system. User input detected by the proximity sensor triggers the display of a message indicating the possibility of touch-based input between the air outlet symbol and the stylized representation of body regions. Using touch-based input, the user selects the strength of the airflow for the corresponding body region.