Rotary Touch Vehicle Control Interface for Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle control systems require a large number of user inputs to manage various vehicle functions, making them complex and inconvenient for users to navigate and control.
Innovation Solution
A compact operating device with a touch-sensitive screen and a rotatable ring element that allows for the selection of driving and ambient modes using minimal user inputs, featuring a control device that processes inputs to provide control signals for vehicle settings such as ventilation, temperature, and lighting, with a proximity sensor for energy-efficient operation and haptic feedback for intuitive use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of separate control elements are used to manage various vehicle functions, then the control system can handle all functions, but the device complexity and user input complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system where a single control element (the rotary dial with touch-sensitive surface) performs multiple functions including mode selection, parameter adjustment, and function activation. The control element can operate in different modes (rotation for categorical selection, touch for confirmation, combination for complex operations) to manage various vehicle functions such as ventilation, temperature control, and lighting, thereby reducing the need for multiple separate control elements while maintaining comprehensive control coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The control element dynamically changes its function and interaction mode based on the current operating state and user input sequence. The system transitions between different operational states (idle, rotating, touched, combined input) where each state enables different control capabilities. This dynamic behavior allows a single static physical element to provide the functionality of multiple specialized controls, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control elements are provided for different functions, then all vehicle functions can be controlled, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the large number of inputs required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated control element. The rotary dial combines categorical selection (through rotation), parameter adjustment (through rotation speed or position), and confirmation (through touch) into one unified interface. This merging eliminates the need for users to navigate through multiple separate controls for different functions, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive function control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control process is segmented into distinct phases (mode selection, parameter selection, confirmation) that can be executed in sequence using different interaction methods on the same control element. This segmentation allows complex control tasks to be broken down into simple, intuitive steps, reducing the perceived complexity for the user while maintaining full control capability
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 simple and efficient selection of vehicle modes with reduced user input complexity, enhancing user experience and safety by providing clear visual feedback and minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the screen device has a touch-sensitive surface that is configured to receive a first user input
Implementation Method 2
which comprises at least one user control element for an operator setting and a field change sensor configured to detect an object in the vicinity of the at least one user control element
Implementation Method 3
the screen device is configured in particular to output a light signal that characterizes the driving mode, as a result of which the driving mode of the motor vehicle can be displayed visually via the screen device
Implementation Method 4
The ring element can be adjusted between the respective different rotational positions by rotating it about an axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device for a motor vehicle, having a base element configured to be attached to an interior component, a screen device configured to display a driving mode and/or an ambient mode of the motor vehicle display, having a touch-sensitive surface configured to receive a first user input. A ring element is configured to enclose the screen device on the peripheral side, and configured to move relative to the base element in different rotational positions, and configured to receive a second user input via an adjustment of the ring element between the rotational positions, and a control device which is configured to, depending on the first user input and/or the second user input, provide a control signal to trigger a driving mode to be set and/or an ambient mode of the motor vehicle to be set.