Vehicle Seat Control via Remote Touch Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat adjustment systems can be non-intuitive and distracting to use, especially in vehicles where the distance between the seat and the door panel is inadequate, or when the shape and size of the seat make it difficult to access controls, and may not be optimally designed for a wide range of vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a GUI-activated control switch separate from the GUI, which, when toggled, displays a specific vehicle seat adjustment screen, allowing intuitive control of seat adjustments through touch-sensitive regions and emitting a sound to draw attention, with the switch mounted on the seat, door, or central console.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If seat adjustment switches are mounted on the side of the seat or door panel, then the controls are easily accessible and intuitive, but the system becomes too distracting for the driver to use during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the seat adjustment control function from the traditional physical switch location (seat side or door panel) and relocates it to a remote touch-sensitive display surface. This allows the control interface to be separated from the actuation mechanism, enabling the switch to be positioned in a non-distracting location while maintaining accessibility through the touch interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive display surface acts as an intermediary between the driver and the seat adjustment system. Instead of direct physical contact with switches near the seat, the driver interacts with a remote touch interface that mediates the control signal transmission, reducing distraction while maintaining control functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a full set of seat mounted controls is provided, then comprehensive seat adjustment is achieved, but the controls become difficult to access when the distance between the seat and door panel is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the control interface from a two-dimensional physical switch panel mounted near the seat to a remote touch-sensitive display surface that can be positioned in an optimal location. This dimensional repositioning allows comprehensive control functions to be accessible without being constrained by the limited space between the seat and door panel.
3Ease of operation
If traditional physical switches are used for seat adjustment, then the controls are intuitive and easy to understand, but the system lacks adaptability to various vehicle configurations and seat designs
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive display surface serves as a universal control interface that can be adapted to various vehicle configurations and seat designs. Unlike physical switches that are tailored to specific seat geometries, the remote touch interface provides a standardized, versatile control mechanism that maintains intuitiveness while accommodating diverse vehicle platforms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling a particular vehicle function, for example the adjustment of a vehicle seat, using a graphical user interface (GUI) is provided. The GUI is activating by toggling a control switch intuitively linked to the particular vehicle function. The control switch is separate from, and not proximate to, the GUI. When the GUI is activated by toggling the control switch, a control screen specific to the particular vehicle function is displayed on the GUI.