Rotary Quad Interface Software Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control interfaces are complex and require driver focus, distracting from the driving task, as they lack a simplified software flow control design for multifunction quad-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A rotary quad control interface with four touch pads, concentric rotary dials, and a display screen that allows drivers to control various vehicle systems without focusing on the interface, using touch pads and dials to navigate through control modes and adjust system parameters, with the display screen representing the interface layout to maintain driver attention on the road.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multifunction control interface with multiple buttons, switches, and dials is provided, then the driver can control various vehicle systems, but the driver must focus on the interface itself, distracting from the driving task
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is segmented into four quadrants, each capable of independent control of different vehicle systems. This segmentation allows the driver to access specific functions in dedicated zones, reducing the need to scan across the entire interface and maintaining better focus on the road while preserving comprehensive control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each quadrant is designed to be multi-functional, capable of controlling different vehicle systems depending on the active mode. The interface can be configured to control climate, audio, navigation, or other systems within each quadrant, providing universal control capability without requiring separate physical controls for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary quad interface with multiple control elements is used, then various vehicle systems can be controlled, but the software flow control becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The software is configured with predetermined modes that are established in advance. Each mode corresponds to a specific set of functions and control mappings, allowing the interface to switch between pre-defined operational states rather than requiring complex real-time software decisions, thus simplifying the flow control while maintaining versatile system control.
Solution Approach 2:
A display screen is introduced as an intermediary between the driver and the control elements. The display visually represents the quadrant layout and provides feedback about the current mode and controlled parameters, mediating the interaction and simplifying the software flow by providing a clear visual state representation that reduces the complexity of software decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary quad control interface that allows a vehicle driver to control several vehicle systems without focusing on the interface itself. The interface includes four touch pads disposed in four quadrants of the interface, an outer rotary dial positioned substantially at the center of the four touch pads and an inner rotary dial disposed within the outer rotary dial and being concentric thereto, where the inner rotary dial also operates as a push button. A display screen displays the operation of the interface, and includes a first display portion, a second display portion, a third display portion and a fourth display portion that are provided as quadrants on the display screen and are representative of the touch pads on the interface.