Reconfigurable Vehicle Instrument Panel With Tactile Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern digital media devices in vehicles lack user-friendly interfaces that allow drivers to access full functionality without diverting their attention from the road, and they do not provide the tactile sensation of physical controls.
Innovation Solution
A customizable and reconfigurable instrument panel with removable interface components that provide tactile feedback, such as knobs, sliders, and buttons, which are magnetically or inductively coupled to an interface display and controlled through various positional determination means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical control knobs and buttons are used, then tactile sensation is provided, but device complexity and dashboard crowding increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical encoding where visual representations of controls are projected onto the dashboard surface. The system creates optical copies of control interfaces that can be seen and interacted with, eliminating the need for physical knobs and buttons while maintaining the functional interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical control elements (physical knobs, buttons, sliders) with an optical system. The mechanical interaction is substituted by optical projection and detection, where the interface is created through light rather than physical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital media interfaces are made sophisticated with multiple functions, then device functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic interface where the display content and control layout automatically adapt based on the current media context and user interaction state. The interface transitions smoothly between different functional modes, presenting only the relevant controls for the current task, thereby simplifying navigation while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different interface characteristics to different regions of the dashboard based on local needs. Each area of the dashboard can display and interact with different types of controls appropriate to its function, allowing sophisticated functionality to be distributed across multiple specialized zones rather than requiring complex navigation through a single interface.
3Ease of operation
If the driver accesses multimedia device functions, then device control is enabled, but safety deteriorates due to distraction from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an equipotential interface by projecting controls directly onto the dashboard surface at the driver's natural viewing level. This eliminates the need for the driver to shift focus to a separate display plane or location, allowing media control to be accessed within the existing visual field without creating additional distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the media control interface with the dashboard surface itself, combining the display function with the existing structural element. This integration allows the driver to interact with media functions through the same visual plane used for driving information, reducing the cognitive and visual switching required.
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 easy customization and reconfiguration of vehicle interfaces, providing tactile feedback while allowing drivers to access device functions without taking their eyes off the road, enhancing safety and personalization.
Implementation Method 1
interface components that provide tactile feedback, such as knobs, sliders, and buttons, which are magnetically or inductively coupled to an interface display
Implementation Method 2
interface components that provide tactile feedback, such as knobs, sliders, and buttons, which are magnetically or inductively coupled to an interface display
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.